Veteran actor Kamal Haasan proves his versatility as a writer-director yet again, apart from the multi-faceted person that he is, and emerges a cut above the rest.
While villages are often romanticised in most of the movies, Kamal’s Virumandi is ripped apart as he explores its true face in all its fierce glory.
Virumandi (Kamal Haasan) is a naive, but fierce man who begins to understand the human side of him through Annalakshmi (Abhirami) who happens to be the niece of Kothala Thevar, a wealthy and cunning landlord. He agrees to give Annalakshmi in marriage to him, with a motive of acquiring his fertile land. Nallama Naicker (Napoleon) the chief of neighbouring village is also interested in acquiring the land, which creates animosity between the already existing family feud between him and Kothala Thevar, as Nallama Naicker was responsible for the death of his father.
Virumandi is caught up in a vortex of complex situations that makes his life even more hard in ascertaining his stand between the duos. A series of events give way to ruthless bloodshed, and a death toll mounting to 24 sends shock waves across the village, resulting in Virumandi and Kothalan’s arrest. Anjela Kathamuthu (Rohini) is a human activist on a mission to eradicate capital punishment, lands in prison to shoot a documentary. Kothala Thevar, the second accused, who’s now serving life-term punishment narrates his perspective of the gruesome tale to Angela.
Virumandi , the first accused, having been awarded death sentence, narrates his part of the story and presents an altogether different tale. Being presented with two narratives of the same tale, Angela finds herself in the middle of mind games. And just as she’s about to leave, a new tale begins…
Greatly influenced by Akira Kurosawa’s Rashamon, Kamal skilfully adopts its style and gives it a new dimension altogether, creating a well-crafted work of art.
Known for his strive towards perfection, Kamal handpicked many street-theatre artists to the cast, who in turn have given authenticity that’s rarely seen in commercial cinema.
Pasupathy as Kothala Thevar is the clear winner among them. His portrayal of a complex character in simple understandable shades is simply exceptional.
Virumandi won the best Asian Film of the year 2004 in Punchon International Fantastic Film Festival held in South Korea.
The cinematography gives soul to the screen by capturing the ethnic and rustic elements, and is equally complimented by a fabulous musical score.
Virumandi is a roller coaster ride filled with brilliant performances, smart screenplay with a soul-stirring story, that’ll make you remember it for times to come.