This is, put simply, the BEST movie to come out this Pongal. Out of the seven movies, three were hyped majorly, namely, Anbe Sivam, Chokka Thangam, and Dhul. I have seen all of them. According to me, there is no real competition between the three. The latter two stand out as sore thumbs, while the first SHINES!!!
Kamal Haasan has IMMENSE talent, and the kind of resources our industry needs desperately to escape from this quicksand of Failures. Sadly though, some of his Greatest Works like Hey Ram! never got the appreciation he rightly deserved. I hope history does not repeat itself in this case, simply because the product is TOP CLASS!
The story of Anbe Sivam is completely Unconventional and for any Producer to accept and execute such a project requires considersable amount of courage. I’m happy to say Tamil Film Producers are willing to take such risks. Also, more importantly, it is the director who has to communicate in the most effective manner what the Writer is out to say to the audience. I am again very happy to say that Sundar.C , previously into Comedy films, has done an Excellent Job with a Genre completely Alien to him.
The film focusses on the life of Sivam, played by Kamal, and his journey with Anbarasu, played by Madhavan. One thing I can say confidently is that the Story and Screenplay are near Faultless and for the discerning audience, a rewarding experience. The screenplay is shaped without over-emphasis on any element that is normally used in our movies like Songs, Action or Melodramatic scenes. And that, I feel may prove to be a major downer for our Southie audience, who are used to watching Rona-Dhona, skimplily clad girls doing the pelvic thrusts and cleavage shows. But for people like me, its a break from the regular S**T.
It begins with Madhavan, going to Chennai for his marriage, meeting Kamal, who is returning after completing his work, at Bhubaneshwar airport. Their flight gets cancelled due to torrential rains and both share the same room for the night. Next they travel some distance by bus and reach a railway station where they have a chat with each other before the train arrives. Here Kamal reveals his flashback and we come to know about his love story, the usual Rich Girl - Poor Guy stuff, albeit said in a much restrained and mature manner. Kamal holds plays to show the plight of workers in a mill owned by a tyrant, who believes they should be kept below his feet. He falls in love with the owner’s daughter, and plans to elope and marry her. On the way, he meets an accident which proves to be near fatal. The girl is made to believe he is dead and he starts a new life with a scarred face. He comes to Orissa for collecting the money won in some case.
Madhavan is an Ad-Film Maker, scouting around for Honeymoon locations. They pursue their journey, trading few punch lines and some real punches too!! Next, they get stuck due to another delay, this time a train crash. Madhavan, initially reluctant, finally offers to help a child on the verge of dying. During the whole trip, a special bond develops between the two, with Madhavan calling Kamal his Elder Brother. Finally they reach Chennai and Madhavan takes him along for his marriage. Here we have another twist, which.........
The performances, especially by the lead pair is OUTSTANDING.
Kamal Haasan proves yet again that he is Second to None when it comes to delivering a KNOCKOUT performance. His mannerisms as a crippled, partially paralysed individual indicate how much effort has gone into understanding the way such people behave. Simply Marvellous!!!
Madhavan plays a relatively simpler role, and does a good job.
Nasser does an Excellent job as the industrialist out to rule over the workers.
The Rest have no significant role to play.
Coming to the Technical Details,
Cinematography by Arthur Wilson is Crystal Clear, capturing every detail with Effortless Ease. Just watch the songs and u’ll know what I’m talkin about!
Music and Background Score by Vidyasagar is also good, keeping in mind the mood of the film.
The Art Direction by Prabhakaran is also outstanding with careful attention to details!! Just watch the painting done by him in the Office and u’ll be Astounded!
Editing is breezy and makes sure there are no dull moments throughout.
Dialogues by Madan are extremely meaningful and complement the script beautifully. Too good!!
Direction by Sundar.C is completely adherent to the script, providing light and tense moments intermittently to keep the viewer engrossed. Good job!
All in all, Anbe Sivam is a movie NOT TO BE MISSED!!!