With Narcolepsy, a rare sleeping disorder as his theme, Thiru weaves an engaging tale of love, friendship, avarice, deception and vendetta. The unique theme coupled with an interesting screenplay makes ‘Naan Sigappu Manithan’ a riveting experience for the most part. It’s probably one of Vishal’s finest performances to date. The actor is a revelation, with his expert handling of a challenging role.
Vishal’s Indran is a narcoleptic. Any loud noise or extreme emotions put him off to sleep instantly. Amusing are the moments where Indran goes for job interviews and the disorder comes in the way. He finds a sympathiser in Meera (Lakshmi) daughter of a business tycoon (Jayaprakash). She, with her patience and understanding, helps him to handle his inadequacies. She tries to fulfil each of the desires on his wish list.
Vishal brings out the vulnerability and fears of Indran with finesse. There is a pleasant screen chemistry between the lead pair. A drastic turn of events creates havoc in the life of the couple, and forms the rest of the story.
The director has meticulously etched the story and the camera work is exemplary. Despite there being enough room for titillation, Thiru handles such moments with sensitivity. Like the romantic interludes of the couple in the swimming pool and under the showers, and the scene of the gang rape. The camera angles and framing of the shots (Richard M Nathan) captures the action effectively. The editing, crisp in the first half, (Ruben) could have been more judiciously-executed in the second half.
The stunts, well-choreographed, enhance the thrill quotient. The running time of 161 minutes seems a tad too stretched out.
But despite the minor glitches, the film, traversing a novel path, takes the viewer on a largely engaging journey.
Film: Naan Sigappu Manithan
Director: Thiru
Cast:Vishal, Lakshmi Menon, Jagan, Sundar Ramu, Saranya, Jayaprakash