Here comes my very late review. :)
I have seen Anniyan 3 times in theater before writing this review.
Anniyan was a eagerly awaited movie for me as it was directed by Shankar and starred Vikram who is my favorite Tamil actor. I didn’t have too much expectations because Shankar’s last movie BOYS disappointed me. So after reading some reviews I went with medium expectations. Didn’t think that such a grand entertainer was in store for me.
Story
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The story is about an innocent Brahmin who is tired of all the corruption around him. He also secretly loves a Brahmin girl, but is unable to express his love due to his shy nature. The movie is about how society and situations causes changes in him, so that he is able to fight corruption and win the girl in his heart.
Although there has been many other stories about corruption, I thought this concept was something new. So I’ll give 9/10 for the story.
Screenplay/Direction
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I was not bored by the film in any parts. It was a tight entertainer. There are many loopholes in the script though. If you can ignore them, you will surely be entertained. Its not an easy job to create such a tight script with completely new things and for 3 hours. Shankar must be applauded for this.
9/10 for screenplay and direction.
Acting
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1) Vikram - Superb! Superb! Superb! Vikram is the major reason why this movie was so interesting. He shines in all 3 roles. I hope he gets an award....but these days you never know.
2) Sadha - Sadha didn’t have much to do, but what was given to her she did beautifully. Shankar made her look like an ordinary girl, while I’ve seen her look really really beautiful in some other movies.
3) Prakash Raj - as usual superb! This man rocks!
4) Rest of the cast - perfect.
10/10 for the acting
Comedy
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The first half has some really funny sequences and that too part of the movie rather than a separate track. Vivek was just excellent. He is the only tamil comedian I like and I’m glad Shankar utilized him effectively.
10/10
Songs and BGM
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Music by Harris Jayraj is LOVELY. Although AR Rahman could’ve been better, I think what was provided by Harris is very good. Kumaari is such an excellent tune. The background music and the theme is very good as expected from Harris.
All the dances were interesting and picturized well.
9/10
Camera work/technical work
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Superior to usual work in Indian cinema. Very enjoyable and pleasing to the eye.
10/10
Sentiments/Emotions
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Doesn’t dwell on unwanted sentiments, but doesn’t involve much emotionally either. 7/10
Romance
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Sparse but done interestingly well.
7/10
Action
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High quality work from Peter Hains, although ripped off from Hollywood. Its not bloody and gory like usual tamil film action. Can’t ask for more in a tamil film...10/10.
Climax and effect
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The climax is stunning and makes us feel good about watching the movie. Usually in Indian movies they ruin everything in the climax and makes us feel like watching the movie was a time waste. This movie is good from start to finish, with the powerful climax sealing things in perfection.
10/10
Total = 91/100 (Grade A movie) :)
Anniyan is a trendy, blockbuster quality movie that should not have been missed. If you missed it...too bad. If you didn’t like it, too bad. If you saw some online pirate copy and didn’t like it...too bad.
When someone makes something different, many people pounce on him/her with hundreds of minor problems or something. This is the case with Anniyan too. :(