Salim

My review: Salim

After the impressive debut with "Naan", Vijay Anthony is back with his new movie "Salim", named after the character's name he played in the former. Written and directed by debutant N.V.Nirmal Kumar, "Salim" is an action thriller, part vigilante drama and part hostage drama. When you look at it as a movie in general there is not much to complain but naturally when Vijay has set his bar high with his debut one must say his second movie doesn't live up to the expectations he has created for himself. Somehow one feels there is some lacunae in the movie, may be sluggish screenplay or loose direction or contrived proceedings. 

Movie is sluggish in its first half, pretty much nothing happening with the events proceeding at a labored pace with very few moments that evoke your interest. By the turn of second half things does get spruced up but the contrivances of the screenplay and tiring overdose of action masala moments mars the overall impact. The main brownie aspect that saves the movie is its dialogues which are razor sharp, evocative and witty as and when the situation demands. Also the director could have opted for a more subtler presentation instead of the over-the-top almost tollywoodish spicing that he ends up with. 

Vijay Anthony has improved leaps and bounds in his acting and dialogue delivery. His eyes has become more expressive but he is still stuck in his comfort zone. He need to take up roles that can help him explore more shades other than his favorite grey. Though there is virtually no big name in the support cast, the actors have done their parts well. Aksha Pardasany, though looking plump is quiet impressive with is her emotive skills. Vijay Anthony, the composer disappoints big time. There is not even a single track which is impressive. However he redeems himself with terrific background score that is more of an extension of his "Naan" theme. 

Movie is technically good, M.C. Ganesh Chandra helming the cinematography with his penchant for experiment with the lighting, especially in the second half. N.V.Nirmal Kumar shows glimpses of his potential here and there, but he needs to be more consistent to weather the competitive field Tamil cinema has become off late. 

On the whole, "Salim" is an average thriller that could have been even more impressive if only the makers have opted for sublimity over crudity. 

Bottomline: One time watch. 

3/5