My review: Arima Nambi
Anand Shankar makes a promising debut with "Arima Nambi"which he has written and directed, starring improved Vikram Prabhu and impressive Priya Anand. An action thriller, movie defies many don't-do's of Tamil cinema, aimed at the younger generation in mind. It is one of those rare movies in Tamil where the lifestyles, mores and values of the younger generation are portrayed as authentic as possible. Instead of toeing the lines of an average Tamil movie, the young director has attempted to do away with the numerous ritualistic and moralistic underpinnings without which the makers shudder to characterize their lead actors.
A female protagonist who is not averse at boozing or a male protagonist who frequents "desigirls.com" are not your routine leads who are usually epitome of virtues and morals that is a bane of Tamil movies. But here they are presented with their share of greys and vulnerabilities. Not only the lead, almost all characters are etched out with care and purpose, except may be the main antagonist, who is epitome of age old hard core villainy of time immemorial. When have we seen a minor supporting cast (a terrific M.S.Baskar) stealing the thunder from the protagonist and whole theater cheering for him, a tribute to the prodigious writing by Anand.
First half is flawless. One would get a feel of watching a Hollywood action thriller, both content-wise as well as in its making. Movie moves at a breakneck speed and leaves you gasping for breath. The problem is everything is revealed at this point, the movie gets dreary afterwards. The second half is dreary, meanders through its conclusion with the return of the Tamil cinema must-haves, including an item song, melody duet and tit-for-tat cat and mouse game between the protagonist and antagonist, all cliched to the hilt.
Vikram Prabhu has improved a lot since his "Kumki" days, both in terms of confidence, histrionic ability and footwork. Priya Anand is as impressive as ever. JD Chakravarthy tries to infuse life into a cardboard, cliched characterization.
Shivamani makes his debut as a music director. Songs don't muster any interest while he has done a terrific job with his background score, at many instances on par with international standards. R.D.Rajasekhar, the cinematographer has also done stupendous job in presenting the movie with high quality visuals.
On the whole, Anand Sankar makes a good debut with "Arima Nambi", coming across as a filmmaker with lots of promise. With a tremendous first half and an average second half, "Arima Nambi" is a decent watch, must do well with the younger generation of movie goers.
Bottomline: Packs a punch.
3/5
A female protagonist who is not averse at boozing or a male protagonist who frequents "desigirls.com" are not your routine leads who are usually epitome of virtues and morals that is a bane of Tamil movies. But here they are presented with their share of greys and vulnerabilities. Not only the lead, almost all characters are etched out with care and purpose, except may be the main antagonist, who is epitome of age old hard core villainy of time immemorial. When have we seen a minor supporting cast (a terrific M.S.Baskar) stealing the thunder from the protagonist and whole theater cheering for him, a tribute to the prodigious writing by Anand.
First half is flawless. One would get a feel of watching a Hollywood action thriller, both content-wise as well as in its making. Movie moves at a breakneck speed and leaves you gasping for breath. The problem is everything is revealed at this point, the movie gets dreary afterwards. The second half is dreary, meanders through its conclusion with the return of the Tamil cinema must-haves, including an item song, melody duet and tit-for-tat cat and mouse game between the protagonist and antagonist, all cliched to the hilt.
Vikram Prabhu has improved a lot since his "Kumki" days, both in terms of confidence, histrionic ability and footwork. Priya Anand is as impressive as ever. JD Chakravarthy tries to infuse life into a cardboard, cliched characterization.
Shivamani makes his debut as a music director. Songs don't muster any interest while he has done a terrific job with his background score, at many instances on par with international standards. R.D.Rajasekhar, the cinematographer has also done stupendous job in presenting the movie with high quality visuals.
On the whole, Anand Sankar makes a good debut with "Arima Nambi", coming across as a filmmaker with lots of promise. With a tremendous first half and an average second half, "Arima Nambi" is a decent watch, must do well with the younger generation of movie goers.
Bottomline: Packs a punch.
3/5
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