An intriguing screenplay, deft narration, and some fine performances make Enakkul Oruvan a refreshing experience. A remake of the award-winning Kannada psychological thriller Lucia, the Tamil version is helmed by debutant Prasath Ramar, a former directorial assistant (Pizza). Many of the remakes, while reprising the physicality of the original, tend to lose out on the feel. But Prasath has managed to capture the essence.
The plot is non-linear, striding two different worlds, in which each actor gets to sport two different looks. It opens with Vicki (Siddharth) in a state of coma and a cop (Ratnam) investigating the situation. Siddharth has once again proved that he is capable of handling roles that are different from the conventional ‘heroic’ ones. He plays both his avatars with finesse. In one, Vicki is a simpleton, working as an usher in a run down theater owned by Durai (Naren), who is in deep financial trouble.
In the early scenes, we get to see Vicki suffering from insomnia and taking the sleep inducing pill Lucia, given by a drug dealer. In the other avatar, Vicki is a superstar, suave and confident. Debutante Deepa Sannidhi reveals herself as an actor of emotional prowess, lending conviction as a waitress in a pizza joint in one, and an aspiring actress in the other. Santhosh Narayan’s songs and background score, enhance the feel. The cinematography is impressive. Bold and experimental, the film is an ideal watch for those satiated with routine formula-flicks.
