Just a day before the film releases, when the best combination of both
Music and Direction suddenly break apart, you think for a minute it’s a
publicity stunt, especially coming from the duo behind MINNALE(2001),
REHNAA HAI TERE DIL MEIN(2001), KAAKA KAAKA(2003), GHARSHANA(2003),
VETTAIYAADU VILAYAADU(2006), and PACHAIKILLI MUTHUCHARAM(2007).
But
after you watch their last film together, it’s really heartening to see
the most beloved combo break apart, even after 7 years. The same thing
happened to Jatin-Lalit back in 2006, when their last release was Aamir
Khan’s Blockbuster film, FANAA.
Back on the film, do yourself a favor and go watch VAARANAM AAYIRAM. Why? Factors are that:
1) Surya - Gautham Menon after the super-hit KAAKA KAAKA(2003)
2) Harris Jayaraj delivers in Music
3) Lyricist Thaamarai and Na. Muthukumar
4) The Cast/Crew.
5) The Screenplay.
All
said, Gautham Menon succeeds with 4/5 factors. The Screenplay is
excellent with a brilliant first half. It’s the second half that drags
a bit and could be easily trimmed down.
Krishnan(Suriya) is in
his deathbed after being diagnosed with lung cancer and seconds before
his death, he requests his son, Surya(Surya again) to see him one last
time. Meanville, the news of his death is conveyed to Surya, now an
Army captain, who suddenly remembers his wonderful time with his father
as well his journey of life.
The moment when the flashback
comes, you’re fastened into your seats and driven by the sheer
amazement of Surya and his body language as both the father and son.
Another thing to point out is the makeup and the grooming of young
Surya’s getup in the 90s(Reminds you alot of Ajith Kumar’s early debut
days ala Kathal Kottai.) The story is well driven and directed and
kudos goes to the dialogue writers for some of Krishnan’s funny liners.
Now
coming to the flaws. One, the second half. The second half starts
promising but then shifts to the Delhi kidnapping case. While it’s
intriguing, it however ends up becoming VETTAIYAADU VILAYAADU II.
Nevertheless, it’s kind of like a build up to his Army career later on.
Another sore point in the story is Divya Spandana’s love declaration to
Surya before the "Anal Maele" song comes up. Also, why isn’t Surya’s
sister not married at all? By Hindu custom, it’s the girl that gets
married first then the boy. Seems Gautham overlooked those.
But those shortcomings don’t bother you because there are a lot of scenes that are enjoyable. Namely the following.
1) Surya’s adulthood
2) Surya’s College life
3) Surya and Meghna(Sameera Reddy’s tamil debut) encounters and Surya wooing over her.
4) The excuse to go to America in order to get the Visa.
5) Getting over the trauma of Meghna
and many more.
Harris
Jayaraj rocks completely with this film as every number syncs very well
with the film. His BGM is top class and will be deeply missed with his
combination with Gautham Menon. Camera [Rathanvelu] and Art [Rajeevan]
are fantastic.
Every one deserves apperciation. In this case,
all hands down to Surya. What a performance and I cannot imagine
Vikram, Vijay, Surya or Ajith [he did in Godfather but not as good as
this though] doing such roles like this. What versataility as both the
youngster and father Krishnan!
Simran also makes her "official"
comeback and we can ignore her Seval completely. As she’s dubbed for
herself for the first time, it makes you wonder after doing all those
ridiculous heroine roles for so long, how long it took her to get her
act together. The same goes for Sameera Reddy. Once propped as an item
girl in Bollywood and in Tollywood, she really shined as the smart
girl, Meghna. Divya Spandana is very good and she’s got the best of the
lot(her role is lengthy amongst the other heroines.)
The movie
isn’t catered for the masses but it’s for those who love Menon’s
presentation and storytelling abilities. For you masses, skip it, for
the rest, please watch! VAARANAM will emerge victorious in the coming
weeks. Had this released in Diwali weekend along with Ajith’s AEGAN and
Bharath’s SEVAL, no doubt it would’ve been a clean boweled for those
films!