Jillinnu Oru Review : My circumstances of today deprive me of watching me a movie within three days of its release. As a result, I am exposed to minimum of half a dozen reviews and opinions before I get to watch the movie. The increase in number of my reviewing friends and that in my friends’ reviewing has only enhanced the discomfort. These give you a prior knowledge of the plot, the surprise elements and the sequences to watch out for thus robbing you of a clear mindset whilst watching the movie. In case of JOK(no SOK for me), I came across a few online reviews. One of my friends Saravanan termed the film good, but inferior to VV. Gopal was of the opinion it was youthful and would appeal to the audience. Vasu SMSed that the movie wad fun to watch. However Vishnu’s (e-nail) review glorified the movie as cool, refreshing and different and set an inspirational tone. Thanks to his review and some free time, I found myself in KG Theatre for matinee
Jillinnu Oru (Black) Ticket : To my surprise the theatre wore a celebrated look. I have never come across such a crowd for Monday Matinee. With large no. of school uniforms and college bags, it was clear that attendance would have been meagre in educational institutes. Even as I entered the theatre, the signs flashed houseful for JOK. On the contrary, there seemed to be ample tickets for other movies – VV, EM and Thimiru. Normally in such cases, I would quietly walk out of the theatre. However, I was aggressive this time and wanted to put in practice the art of getting a black ticket (learned after years of fascination and meticulous observation). I strolled down the parking lot which is normally the hangout of black ticket bosses.I scanned the area thoroughly in vain and asked a nearby theatre staff just one word “Engey?”. As a reply, he just glanced across the Aroma backery just outside the theatre. I casually walked to the locale and looked out for suspicious persons. I glanced at one who was strange looking and sipping tea, but all his concentration was on gulping the teas in record time. He was not my man. I cast my eye upon a dark and tall bearded guy who gave a firm glance in return. I raised my eyebrows and he nodded. He indicated to follow him and en route whispered “150 – Balcony”. I replied “One, Not Two”. He turned back, gave me a fearsome look and said “ I sell only for couples, not for bachelors”. I thought he would have been an house owner in his heydays and was planning the next course of action when a teenager dressed in orange shirt offered me a single balcony for 100 bucks. I was bargaining for 80 when a colleger rushed in and purchased all his 12 balcony tickets for a whooping 1000 rupee note. The happy guy gave ma an apologetic look and suddenly his expressions changed from disdain to relief to hope to calculation to search and finally he heaved a smile. He pulled me with him (a feat considering his size and mine) till Milky Way and yelled out at 3 boys. He turned back to me and suggested that I join these three boys for 4 first class tickets at a price of Rs.60 against Rs.35 in the counter. It was 2.00 PM already and I accepted the offer. I convinced myself that the amount was a tribute to the analytical skills of the young teenager. By the time, my little friends parked their cycles and got in with me, it was 2.10 PM.
Jammunu Oru Kalyanam: We entered the hall and discovered that there were no seat numbers. It took me another two minutes to find a seat, but got a good one nevertheless. There was screaming all round the as marriage scenes for Surya and Jyothika (for the movie) was on screen. When Surya ties the knot (for the movie) went on screem, the cheering was at its vociferous best. As it was the also the day the couple were getting really married. Some crazy and creative chaps threw “Atchathai” on the screen which led to further whistling, clapping and shouting. Well, that’s the emotional part of a Tamil cinema fan. The timing of Surya’s marriage and the movie’s release seemed to raise suspicions. Nonetheless Happy Marriage life (akin to the movie) to the both.
Jivinnu oru First Half: The first half was interesting and racy. The (why call it on screen hereafter) chemistry between Surya and Jyothika and acting of baby Sharanya makes you fall for the family at first sight. Vadivelu seemed more of an irritation and his characterisatioon and comedy were not in good taste. This notwithstanding it was a surprise when intermission flashed on the screen. It was well done that too with only one song. There was cheering throughout and I too joined the party when Coimbatore flashed on the screen.
Javvunu Oru Second Half: If the first half was like Viv Richards batting, the second one was in Sunil Gavaskar mould. The audience kept on cheering for all parts of TNAU, Gandhipuram, Sardhambal Temple, Bus No.7, Manikoondu and whatever parts of good old Coimbatore we got to see. The maximum cheers went on air when Surya’s voice reads “New York Nagaram” . For all its sentiments and comedy, twists and turns, the second half was little stretched and had scope for improvement. Nonetheless no one can complain of watching out once.
Jillinnu Oru Jodi: Surya and Jyothika had no problems (of course) jelling together in the first half. Surya, however is not convincing in the flashback as he is as a earning member. Jyo was not only befitting, but brilliant as Kundavai. Hope it is not farewell for Mrs. Surya! Given her poor characterization, Bhoomika has done a good job. However the pick was Santhanam (he fills the Vivek lacuna for college heroes) and Baby Sharanya (as charming and intelligent in TV ads).
Jillinnu Oru ReRecording: An indicator that my life has fallen on bad times is that this ruthless Rahmaniac listened to JOK album just once.Therefore I remained pretty silent for “Ammi Mithichi” and “Ayyooo” . But “New York Nagaram” and “Ambe Vaa” were top class. Rahmans re recording was a huge plus. The “Eena Meena Theeka” and “Bhoomika/Surya cell phone chat beat” were masterpieces. The flashback introduction and the way he used music pieces of “Anbe Vaa” and “New York” throughout were wonderful.
(The Missing Link Jorunnu Oru Crew is written as the first comment..Please bear with this 7.5K limit)
Just Oru Komment : JOK is a good attempt by debutant director Krishna and if he learns from the this experience, he can go a long way. It is not a classic, but definitely not a carryover either. It may not be wirth the wait, but it is worthwhile.