Hardwork, effort… these are the only words that come to my mind when I think of the movie Anniyan.
The storyline revolves around the director Shankar’s pet slogan - “C’mon wake up – time to change things!” From the time of Gentleman, he hasn’t given up his dream of making the world, esp. India, a better place. His heroes are rebels with a cause. Only the causes change everytime. Anniyan is no different. Ambi (Vikram) is this boy next door trying wage vain battles against the inhuman and selfish people around him. How he goes about trying to achieve this, is the story.
Shankar is a dreamer alright but God bless his optimism! He manages to bring in cheer and hope through all his movies – worth the effort, even if the effect lasts for a day! I am really surprised by the hardwork he puts into his movies. He talks in this movie about people being sincere and truthful to one’s work and he sure lives up to it. Everytime I watch his movies, I wonder, “Why is he working so hard? Would anyone really notice?” Guys, that’s the best part of this movie. The story might not be unusual but the entire movie is a visual treat.
Those who haven’t yet seen the movie, please, please pay attention to the sets in 2 songs Randaka and Iyengar Vettu. Just too good – almost crazy I must say. (I can write another review on the songs in Shankar’s movies!)
Vikram has done a great job especially in the looks department. A lot of work seems to have gone in the preparation of each of the 3 characters he portrays. Great body-language, especially in the scene with Nasser. The model guy, Remo is the best. (We were this group of hooting - whistling married women with our husbands glancing jealous looks across the row!!) Even the language and diction for each of the 3 characters is different. I feel very happy for Vikram, whom we first saw in a Tamil serial on DD. Vikram has really come a long way.
Vivek is too funny especially in the first half. Prakash Raj – nothing new. Sadaa – all fine as long as there are no close-ups! Music is good. Songs – a bit too loud. You have to listen to the songs more than once to actually like them. I honestly don’t remember the background score at all. Was there a theme music? Not sure.
I know I shouldn’t be comparing 2 creative works of the same person but I can’t help comparing Anniyan to Mudhalvan. Shankar is the mature adult in Mudhalvan and in Anniyan he reverts to the irrational child mode. Mudhalvan was definitely more exciting. I remember clapping like a child throughout the movie. I can also never forget how the song picturization of “Azagana Raatchasiye” brought tears to my eyes.
Looking for a movie with technical richness? Ready to let go and start dreaming? Go watch Anniyan. If you are planning watch it on CD, you are not only breaking law but also wasting your time.