Friday Aug 21 2009, Chennai

'Kanthaswamy': Vikram strikes back!

Directed by - Susi Ganeshan

Produced by - Kalaipuli S Thanu

Music by - Devi Sri Prasad

Casts - Prabhu, Vadivelu, Mayilsamy, Indrajith, Ashshn Vidyarthi, YG Mahendran, Suman, Mumaith Khan, Irrfan Khan, Santhanam and Mansoor ali Khan

Starring - Vikram, Shriya Saran

In view of the tremendous hype, hoopla and relentless pre-release publicity for months, it would have been no easy task for 'Kanthaswamy' director Susi Ganeshan to rise to the expectations. The amazing fact is, he, with tremendous support from Chiyaan Vikram, has managed to fulfil the expectations of the masses.

The big budget film, which took more than two years to complete, is a mega entertainer: Technically brilliant and rich in visuals, the film is a cent percent "paisa vasool" movie.

The film has Vikram appearing in five get-ups, including that of a beautiful lady. And the awesome actor carries of each role with amazing poise and believability. Shriya Saran, as she herself has stated recently, looks her best in this film and looks stunning in glamorous costumes.

The story of the film is about the ills bred by black money and how a patriotic CBI officer braves all odds to bring it to the shores of our land. The film, as was rumoured earlier, is not just a superhero flick; it has a relevant social message as well. In it, Susi Ganeshan reminds one of Shankar films.

The film is slickly made and progresses at a breakneck speed. Cinematographer NK Ekambaram, with his innovative camera angles and lighting makes the film a feast for eyes. Veteran Thotta Tharini’s fantastic sets add to the seductive frames. The extra efforts that went into special effects and graphics have yielded wonderful results, it is obvious.

Devi Sri Prasad, the music director with the midas touch, scores a winner again with this film. His music fits into the mood of the film beautifully. All the songs have been picturised nicely.

Once the film ends (It is more than three hours long!), it is Vikram that remains in one's memory. Not many can fit into a larger than life role with such ease, charm and power as Vikram does in this film.