After the colorful and rainy Deepavali, booked the show for 7am Arivu today. Completed the movie, came home and had lunch and sat down to write down my views :D
Even before the movie was screened, story of Bodhidharman has been going rounds and probably all of them have been introduced to Bodhidharman through media and internet. Inspite of all that, the transformation of the Pallava prince was still something worth watching on the big screen. I kept hearing that the first 20 minutes are the highlight of the film. But for me the historical background somehow worked on the contrary. The mystery (if any) about Bodhidharman is all gone. After that, you now know too much about him. I am not sure how it can be shown otherwise, but it sure had a newsreel effect.
There was an overall preachy feel to the story and like vadivelu says 'aarambam ellam nalladhaan iruku... unkitta finishing seri illaye paa'... At the end , I am not sure what, but I felt that something was missing. I wouldnt say story..coz they had something better than what was there in Mankatha or in Velayudham (I dont want to see that movie anyways) but may be the treatment could have been different. Some people who were seated before us, who had very less knowledge about the genetics were wondering what they were doing. That was their point of discussion during the intermission. 'Mun andhi ...' song was soothing to hear it in theatre. Karthik's voice was mesmerizing. But in general, the song sequences were a speed breaker to the movie.
Now that I have said what I did not feel good about the movie, next to the good part.
Even before the movie was screened, story of Bodhidharman has been going rounds and probably all of them have been introduced to Bodhidharman through media and internet. Inspite of all that, the transformation of the Pallava prince was still something worth watching on the big screen. I kept hearing that the first 20 minutes are the highlight of the film. But for me the historical background somehow worked on the contrary. The mystery (if any) about Bodhidharman is all gone. After that, you now know too much about him. I am not sure how it can be shown otherwise, but it sure had a newsreel effect.
There was an overall preachy feel to the story and like vadivelu says 'aarambam ellam nalladhaan iruku... unkitta finishing seri illaye paa'... At the end , I am not sure what, but I felt that something was missing. I wouldnt say story..coz they had something better than what was there in Mankatha or in Velayudham (I dont want to see that movie anyways) but may be the treatment could have been different. Some people who were seated before us, who had very less knowledge about the genetics were wondering what they were doing. That was their point of discussion during the intermission. 'Mun andhi ...' song was soothing to hear it in theatre. Karthik's voice was mesmerizing. But in general, the song sequences were a speed breaker to the movie.
Hypnotic fight.. கொஞ்சம் ஓவரா போச்சு. அதுவும் அந்த டிராபிக் சிக்னல்ல இருக்கற எல்லோரும் சூர்யாவையும் ஸ்ருதியையும் கொல்ற சீன் ரொம்பவே போர் . The mystery of hypnotism was lost over the 2nd half because of its unnecessary usage.
Now that I have said what I did not feel good about the movie, next to the good part.
Suriya... He is a true performer. He is so perfect. Do not expect him to romance Shruthi Hassan just like the way he does in Vaaranam aayiram. அது வேற இது வேற. But as the pallava prince , as bodhidharman and again in the climax sequences you see why Suriya is what he is today. He deserves all kudos for his efforts which is so visible in these sequences. உயிரை குடுத்து நடிச்சிருகான் பையன் ..சான்சே இல்லை Some of his stunts / shows in the Circus sequences are also very nice. A true hardworker he is.
Shruthi hassan.. She reminds me of her mother very much in her appearance. But being Kamal Hassan's daughter this is her perfect launch pad. Ofcourse, her chemistry with Suriya is not up to the mark. But chalega. This is not a love story anyways. She is a woman with brains and thanks for no skin show.பொண்ணு தமிழ் பேசறா ஆனாலும் தமிழ் பொண்ணு மாதிரி பேசல.
Camera work is very very good. Dialogues in some places gets claps...especially where the "வீரத்துக்கும் துரோஹத்துக்கும் வித்தியாசம் ..." and its reference to தமிழ் ஈழம் was perfect punch.
Why this film worked for me.....Suriya first and the effort to showcase the importance of our ancestral ways of life and literature which is so rich in culture, science and information which is applicable for all times. For e.g. take திருக்குறள். Any kural in it is still applicable, irrespective of the advances of our technologies. If it was told in a documentary , it would not have reached even 100 people. But with such a big budget and a star actor like Suriya, it surely will have its own reach. And that effort is really appreciable.
