Jeeva

My review: Jeeva

Suseendran's "Jeeva" deals with the caste politics in Tamil Nadu cricket, a pertinent and a topical theme that often gets overlooked by both the media as well as the general public. The fact that 14 out of 16 players selected for India from Tamil Nadu are from one particular caste is not only shocking but a case of castiest terrorism. One must at the outset congratulate Susee for his courage and honesty with which he has approached this movie. But the problem with the movie is that it is not that gripping. 

First half meanders its way boringly with a very ordinary romantic portions interspersed with how the protagonist gets himself introduced to the divisional cricket at the state level. Nothing much interesting or engrossing in this half, as a result though it runs for only an hour it feels longer. Somehow the second half redeems the situation to an extent with razor sharp dialogues adding up to the levity. And it a relief that unlike most of the sports films made in India the protagonist need not indulge in heroic contrived battle against the system or a mighty opponent to show his might in a crowd-pleasing manner. Rather the writer-director has opted for a more "real" conclusion for the story. He has also done his homework right for there have been a lot of success stories like the one dealt with in this movie and many of those with the IPL team Rajasthan Royals, the team even the movie's protagonist plays for. 

Vishu is good, the fact that he is a cricketer himself has lend some much needed authenticity to his role. SriDivya is charmingly good while Lakshman is a revelation in his role of fiery Ranjith. Movie has a very good support cast, though by and large small time actors, their performances are terrific. Soori is in a fine form in this movie. D.Imman's music is not up to his own high standards he has set for himself in the recent times. Madhie's cinematography is terrific, especially the on field cricket sequences are excellently  picturized.  

Suseendran's intent is laudable, first for taking up an offbeat subject and second dealing it with conviction and honesty. But somehow he fails to churn out an engaging screenplay and allow the movie to meander itself to the end except for some fireworks here and there. As a result though the movie is just above two hours, one might get a feel of watching a movie that is too long for comfort.

Bottomline: A twenty20 on a slow pitch. 

3/5