Wednesday Nov 19 2008, Chenni

‘Vaaranam Aayiram’

Directed by - Goutham Vasudev Menon

Produced by - Ascar Ravichandran

Music by - Harris Jayaraj

Casts - Surya, Sameera Reddy, Divya Spandana, Simran and others

Starring - Surya, Simran, Sameera Reddy, Divya Spandana

‘Vaaranam Aayiram’ traces the various stages and shades of a young man and his memories about his father. The director has succeeded in depicting the central theme – the relationship of father and son – without going too sentimental. The story tells you about the relationship in the backdrop of the experiences of the son, who is very much fond of his father.

The opening sequence showing the aged Surya gives an idea of what we could expect from this man. Soon he dies and his son, who is a Major in Indian army and on a rescue mission, is shattered. The whole movie moves ahead as a reminiscence of the son about his relationship with his father.

The ‘father’ in ‘Vaaranam Aayiram’ is unique in many respects. More than a father, he’s a friend, philosopher and guide. He is very much fond of his son but he is not sentimental. He tells his teenage son to hit back when someone hits him. He encourages his son’s endeavor with love. He is with his son in times of crisis. He never dominates but is always helpful and caring. Menon deserves to be applauded for depicting such a father on screen. That he hasn’t avoided the mother angle (depicted well by the talented Simran) in the relationship of a father and son too is admirable.

The movie also captures the loves, ecstasy, pains, agonies, and adventures of the key characters. The love story of Surya’s father (with Simran) is also beautifully narrated. The portrayal of love- which is always a strong point of Menon’s films – is quite pleasant. The underlying satire in the conversation between Surya and Meghna (Sameera Reddy) is delightful.

On the flipside, the movie is too long (three hours) to have the grip over the audience. The sub plots revolving around the kidnap drama and the rescue operation- though presented well - could have been avoided to make the impact better. The son bailing the family out of its financial stress looks like kid’s play. One wonders why Gautham restores to the clichéd formula of ‘love at first sight, chasing the girl and impressing her, breaking into a duet and then a tragedy to separate the lovers’. Moreover, why should he show the kidnappers of child as Muslims? Why should he bring a religious colour to a criminal activity?

The film undoubtedly belongs to Surya, who carries the film on his shoulders. His depiction of life’s various stages and shades is marvellous. His romantic interludes with Divya and Meghna, the agonizing time when he’s not getting his quota of drugs, etc. show the rapid growth of Surya as an actor. He has deftly handled the dual roles with amazing body language and facial expressions.

Simran, the comeback girl is in her elements in a powerful role. She never goes overboard in depicting her emotions. She steals the show in the scene where Surya tells her about his wish to join the Army.

Sameera Reddy, looking good, shows some maturity in depicting the self confident modern girl. She scores with her subtle expression in response to Surya’s romantic overtures. Divya Spandana, the pleasant looking girl, makes her presence felt in a in a brief role. (Of course it would be good for her if she sheds some weight.)

Harris Jeyaraj’s tunes have the right mix of peppy numbers and melody. ‘Anal mael...’ and ‘Mundinam...’ stand out. Lyricist Thamarai has penned some remarkable lines to portray the romantic feelings of the young mind.
Rathnavelu’s cinematography is fabulous. His camera has captured the great Himalayas and the beautiful locations in America commendably.

Overall, ‘Vaaranam Aayiram’ impresses with a strong story, well executed scenes, great performances, spectacular camera work, and a wonderful music track. But the length, enhanced by some out sequences that deviate from the plot, mars the impact. Gautham could have presented a crispier movie that could have had a stronger impact in the minds of the viewers.