He's been fortunate to be part of the cast of films that were trendsetters and successful (‘Chennai-28’, ‘Subramaniapuram’).
And now Jai gets to play the solo hero in ‘Vaamanan’, and with all the ‘heroic’ frills going for it. He plays Anand an aspiring actor who comes to the city and finds himself trapped in a web of deceit, and crimescape. It’s to the actor’s credit that he has acquitted himself creditably. Though he could do with a better voice modulation. He’s almost discarded the Vijaystyle here, and should stop sounding like Simbhu.
Director Ahmad (apprenticed with Kathir) reveals a strong visual sense, and it’s a very promising debut from him. He has kept his narrative interesting and fast paced for the most part. It’s a thrilling opening scene where an ad film maker engaged in the shoot of his new commercial with popular model Pooja (Lakshmi Rai, suitably cast), has his camera accidentally capturing the murder of a politician. Follows the hunt for the missing tape by the killer’s goons, and a couple of murders are thrown in. On the parallel track are the happenings in the life of Anand, his love for Divya (a charming Priya), and his encounters with Pooja, who was indebted to him for saving her life. And there is John (Rahman, fitting in well). Anand had followed him to ‘observe’ him, as that would help hone his performance skills. John had introduced him to his fad of breaking into people’s homes and living their life for a while. The narration later moves back and forth, revealing earlier incidents from a different angle. Director (‘Memento’) Christopher Nolan’s ‘Following’ seems to be the inspiration here.
Some of the best moments in the film are the scenes between Anand and his buddy Santhanam (genuinely funny here), and of the duo’s interactions with Divya and her gregarious mother (Oorvasi). Theses scenes are hilarious, with Oorvasi the scene stealer. It’s a thrilling and fun-filled first half. But the second half meanders, the script losing focus. The merging of the multiple tracks could have been done with more conviction and the flaws avoided. Santhanam a cameraman for a leading TV channel is shown capturing some underworld activities for his channel. So when Anand approaches him with the tape, we expect the channel to play a crucial part in it. But it doesn’t happen.
“Vammanan’ is slick in its presentation. A strong supportive factor is its exquisite cinematography (Arvind Krishna) that catches the action admirably.
The colour scheme is attractive, the interiors aesthetically designed, and so are the clothes. There are some exciting chases and stunts, and eye catching dance numbers. It has an exciting first half that keeps you thoroughly entertained. If only the second half of the script was equally focused.
expresso@epmltd.com