Strange little title (compared to the RHTDM’s and APBKDH’s), but after seeing the movie, you’ll understand why it’s called Dum Dum Dum. Debutant director Azhagar Perumal has put the lessons learnt from mentor Manirathnam to good use. The effort shines through.
A different story and a commendable screenplay is what puts this movie in a different league, compared to the usual run of the mill stuff dished out regularly. The movie starts with some beautiful scenery of the countryside, and Jyothika’s introduction, along with the other important characters in the film. Madhavan is the urban kiddo, free to roam around and dance in the disco. He is called back home to the village, where his parents fix up marriage with Jyothika. He is not interested in marrying, as is Jyothika, so they mutually agree on breaking it up ASAP.
What follows is an Enjoyable one hour of events that, while keeping us glued to our seats, caresses our eyes with the STUPENDOUS cinematography, soothing music, coupled with humorous dialogues and some wonderful acting by the whole cast. All the schemes fail to stop the marriage, and finally they agree that they’re made for each other. That’s when everything goes wrong and the family breaks up, Madhavan being sent back to the city and Jyothika being sent for further studies, her father regretting his decision of forcing his daughter into marriage.
INTERMISSION!!
Love blossoms and they start missing each other. He comes to meet her in college and comes to the place where she stays (in her fathers friends house), to work as assistant lawyer. From here on the script, screenplay gets a little predictable and pacing gets slower. The only grouch is the climax which feels a little clichéd and feels as if the director didn’t know how to end the movie, hence resorted to some melodramatics to see his way out.
Thankfully, the screenplay never goes haywire and the direction feels taut and controlled. Hence, None of the songs feel out of place and supplement the film in a big way. The song picturization is heavily influenced by Manirathnam’s style, yet offering something different everytime.
All the songs have sweeping landscapes and near-perfect lighting, captured to perfection by Ramji, the cinematographer. To be frank, the director MUST get 50% of the credit, for it is his vision and creativity that, coupled with the cinematographers expertise results in GREAT VISUALS!!
The music by Kartik Raja is again Excellent and goes a LONG way in Enhancing the Pleasure of Watching a Good Film!! “Desing Raja” and “Un Perai Sonnale” are Superb duets.
Coming to performances,
Madhavan and Jyothika prove that they are good enough to challenge the best, and their roles and expressions have been handled well by the Director. Vivek, as usual, makes our tummy ache with his classic timing and gr8 comedy, both in the first as well as second half of the movie.
Overall, an Excellent movie, and a big break for debutant director A. Perumal to make it BIG! Why wait, grab a VCD and watch it!