Pizza 2: Villa

My review: Pizza 2 : Villa

First thing first, "Pizza 2: Villa" is the second movie in the "Pizza" franchise and it is not the sequel to the movie "Pizza". If one has understood the difference between sequels and franchise movies then for those wiser people this movie is a blast. But for all those who come expecting a sequel then they might end up disappointed because this one is totally different from "Pizza". The makers have tried to drive home that point with their promos which clearly states this is not a sequel but entirely new story.   

Deepan's "Pizza 2: Villa" is a well written, well crafted mad very well made suspense thriller though on the outset it may look like a horror movie. Deepan has done a stupendous job with his research on various abstract concepts like parapsychology,  psychic activities, apparitional experiences,  precognition, etc. Since most of these concepts are curiosity evoking to most of us ( due to absurdity of it all to some and para-scientific explanation of redundant concepts to others ) the movie keeps you hooked to it. Deepan's screenplay is flawless and lucid, at the same time engrossing. 

It is a well crafted movie, each character neatly etched and rounded. Every scene neatly forms the part of larger whole, each intricately coalesced to produce a awesome wholesome. Except may be for that now redundant dream duet the formal structure of the movie is splendid. Movie also has the perfect pacing for the genre. Slowly the story picks up pace after a laid back initial scenes setting the tone and tenure of the story that allows the audience to get absorbed into the proceedings. Second half is full of events and by the time the movie gets to a crescendo it leaves you dumbfounded. Movie ends with more than a hint for the sequel though what will eventually happen in that story is already out. 

Santhosh Narayanan is the hero of the movie. What an outstanding background score Santhosh, take a bow.  One of the best scores in a thriller in recent times. The Atmos effect is also very well done.  Songs however fail to register. Deepak Kumar Padhy's cinematography is outstanding. The lighting, both interiors and exterior of the villa is very well done, apt for a thriller. Technically movie is one par with the best. It is astonishing how these new generation of film makers are able to make movie this stylishly and technically this grand with limited budget. The doyens of Tamil cinema, are you listening.  

Ashok Selvan as the protagonist (though not in the regular Tamil cinema sense) is adequate. Though he lacks the charisma of a lead, he still manages with his sincere effort. Sanchita Shetty is totally clueless about what is happening and what she is supposed to do. From her promising effort in "Sudhu Kavvum", this is a difinite fall from her. Vegan Rajesh gets a good part after a long time and he has done it well. Nasser is adequate while rest of the cast have done their parts to satisfaction. 

It is heartening to witness the young generation of Tamil movie makers trying out various genre and themes which are till now not much tried by our more established directors. Also the home work and research these guys put in and the quality of the end product they come up with are heartening. One can only hope that like Malayalam cinema is undergoing a brilliant transition after the young filmmakers started to take over, Tamil cinema also will follow suit. 

On the whole, "Pizza 2: Villa" is a neatly done suspense thriller that is engrossing, technically brilliant with outstanding background score, notwithstanding average acting.  

Bottomline: Exciting times for Tamil cinema.

3.5/5