Cast:  Some really dedicated co-artists, Parthiban, Reema, Karthi, Andreah and a few others.

Producer: V.Ravendran

Director: Selvaraghavan

I was quite skeptical about watching the movie, especially because it was hyped to the sky, took three years to complete and involved nearly 37 crores. But once I did, it was quite apparent why it took so long and why it cost so much. But was it worth it... the answer to that is yes and no.

First and foremost, hats off to the artists who have had black and red paint smeared all over them for days together. Though they do not have anything substantial to do in terms of acting, they effectively add grandeur to the setting.

Andreah (archeologist) and Reema(Forest Police officer) are off to an adventure to find the missing link in the Chola dynasty. In the process, Andreah wants to find her missing dad and Reema has a purpose of her own which is the crux of the story. They hire a group of porters headed by Karthi (what a waste!). Aided by the para military forces and ammo, they overcome seven dangerous hurdles and reach the destination(er.. .no need for passports, Government approval etc  Selvah?) So far so good, but then we are taken into the world of black magic etc , and it leaves one wondering if it was really necessary. They find the remnants of the Chola dynasty intact with their King (Parthiban) and people who are in worst possible state of hunger and poverty. They believe that a messenger with tiger tattoo on his back would come and rescue them from their misery and take them to Thaai naadu. Does it happen is what the movie is all about.

Reema steals the show surprisingly well, playing her part with the conviction, which was never seen in her previous portrayals. Parthiban was the apt choice for the role of the king. Andreah as an archeologist is a joke. Karthi as an ogler porter fits the bill though his potential stays unexploited.

Selvah reportedly claimed there is not a single scene copied from a Hollywood movie, sorry to say that there was not one but many. The plot and presentation are certainly new but not outstanding. The glitches hopefully will disappear in his forthcoming movies. Ramji (cinematographer) has done a brilliant work, especially in the second half of the movie. The setting and the research put into it pays off as viewers are taken into a different level. Though the CG work is an eye sore, it helps to move it on. G V Prakash’s efforts are laudable and it is surprising to note that the pick of the music album went missing in the movie.

The movie is quite long. Though the trimming work might bring audience to the theatre, the plot probably looks contrived. Ayirathil Oruvan is undoubtedly his best movie till date. One can only hope Selvaraghavan is not deterred by the critics or the fact that the movie will not rake in the moolah and get back to his old style of making love-lust movies about losers.  Altogether, it is definitely a worthy watch though there are minor discrepancies.

Comments  

 

#5 Ashwin 2010-04-09 22:42 a movie by Selvaragahvan - an Indian - Tamilian. Quote

 

 

#4 Bharath 2010-02-15 00:15 @Varun,
Quoting varun:

the title and the post —- quite contradicting ! :)

Not really The movie is not a magnum opus it should have been, I guess. That should explain your statement. Quote

 

 

#3 Bharath 2010-02-15 00:13 @Habeeb Rahman,
Quoting Habeeb rahman:

If the same ayirathil oruvan is coming from hollywood director everyone will say that film is good,super,amaz ing, now wats the problem is it is directed by tamilan. For me this film is good and it shows the hard work of the crew.

Agreed. In fact the review says just what you did. Quote

 

 

#2 varun 2010-02-12 17:25 the title and the post —- quite contradicting ! :) Quote

 

 

#1 Habeeb rahman 2010-02-12 07:37 If the same ayirathil oruvan is coming from hollywood director everyone will say that film is good,super,amaz ing, now wats the problem is it is directed by tamilan. For me this film is good and it shows the hard work of the crew. Quote

 

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