Thursday Jul 17 2008, Chennai

A realistic fare from a newcomer

Directed by - Null

Produced by - Null

Music by - Null

Casts - Null

Banner - Null

Lead actors Jai and Sasikumar commit a murder to facilitate the interests of their ‘high society’ friends.  A stage comes when they fear getting branded as mercenaries and then decide to tread the virtuous way.They attempt to finish off the villain (Samuthirakani) who had been instrumental for their bloody path.  The climax reveals whether the duo succeeds or not.A beautiful love story (in a classical rural background) has also been entwined into the screenplay, which is quite pleasing to the mind and provides the much-needed relief from the violence that’s on display.

  For this single reason alone, the director deserves many kudos.The soft-spoken Jai of ‘Chennai 600028’ appears in this film with an entirely different get-up with the beard almost hiding his handsome face.  It’s difficult to recognize that it was the same Jai seen in ‘Chennai 600028’.  His acting and expressions are wonderful for a guy who’s just into his second film.  Sasikumar, the parallel hero and who plays his friend, has also delivered a stunning performance.

Sasikumar, who is also the director of the film, has done a commendable job indeed as the director.  The realistic approach with which he deals with the subject is striking.The bonding between Sasikumar and Jai is so convincing that within a few minutes of the start of the film, the viewers feel as if they had been friends from the many previous births.  He has also had the guts to show the negative side of some friends.Such a realistic portrayal is not seen in recent times in Tamil cinema.

Newcomer Swathi, the heroine, scores more than what’s expected of her.  Her big, expressive eyes have stood her in good stead in most of the sequences.  The other actors in ‘Ganja’ Karuppu, Samuthirakani and others too have done their parts admirably well.Music director James Vasanthan, who hosted a music-talent-search on a popular television channel for more than six years, makes his debut in this film and has scored some melodious numbers.  Kathir’s cinematography, especially in the action sequences, adds weight to the film.

  Editor Raja Mohammed has packaged the movie aptly.Sasikumar, who has hit the bull’s eye at the box-office with his very first film, should keep in mind to keep up the tempo in the coming films as well, instead of fading away as a one-film wonder.  His stint as an assistant director under the likes of Bala and Amir has done him a world of good.‘Subramaniapuram’ is definitely worth a watch!