| |
|
|
Jayamkondaan review - A clash of ambitions |
|
| Behindwoods
Movie Review Board |
|
|
|
|
Starring:
Vinay, Bhavana, Lekha Washington, Vivek, Santhanam,
Nizhalgal Ravi, Cochin Haneefa
Direction: R Kannan
Music: Vidyasagar
Production: T G Thyagarajan |
|
|
An
attempt at a free flowing feel good film that involves a clash
of ambitions - that is what Jayamkondaan is all about. Though
the film revolves around the ambitions of its central characters,
the makers have not been too ambitious themselves, not adding
too many commercial ingredients. By and large, the narrative
concentrates on the central plot without any unnecessary deviations.
Coming from a debutant director, these are the signs of a
good movie. But has Kannan delivered? |
|
Vinay
is a successful professional in London, but he is also
frustrated with his distance from home and finally takes
the call to return to India and do his own business.
Lekha Washington (SS music VJ) on the other hand is
in India and cherishes a dream of doing a master’s
degree at the MIT in USA. The clash of these ambitions
is the crux of the story. But why do their ambitions
collide head on? Apparently, they are related in a way
that no one would be too proud of and the rather twisted
nature of their relationship leads to disputes over
property.
With neither party willing to give an inch or compromise
on their ambitions the stage is set for a battle in
and out of courts that could get far more serious. And,
things do get serious, as it always does when big money
is at stake. A businessman and a thug get involved in
the skirmish for money and a few unsavory incidents
later, things have gone far too out of hand to be settled
amicably. How Vinay and Lekha take the issue that they
began to a final settlement forms the climax.
Having read this, one might feel that the movie is one
long battle for money between two people. While one
cannot deny that, |
|
|
|
Jayamkondaan has something more to offer, not to mention the
romantic track between Vinay and Bhavana whom he meets during
his travails. The disputes and stand offs that occur in property
related issues have been shown well, so have the usual scavenging
characters who appear out of nowhere during such opportunities.
The story is simple and well written and the script to a large
extent remains true to its character, but the vital element
of briskness is missing in the narrative. One can’t
really put a finger on what went wrong, but the film fails
to grip for any length of time and that’s where the
script has failed. But full credit for sticking to the narrative
and not infusing artificial elements that could have further
pulled down the movie. |
|
 |
Technically, the movie looks like one shot with finesse,
the camera pleases the eye. That is the least one expects
when the director is Mani Ratnam’s erstwhile assistant.
The music is pretty average, barring one particular
number by Hariharan and Madhushree. However, all songs
have been shot on scenic locations which make them pleasant
to sit through. There is a bit of action, but it is
largely restrained.
Vinay, in his second Tamil film has done a job that
is not too bad. Bhavana, in a role that doesn’t
offer her much just comes and goes without impressing
at all. However, debutant Lekha Washington does not
show any VJing hangover and delivers a neat performance.
Santhanam leads the comedy charge with a hilarious fare.
Vivek, too, makes appearances on and off which evoke
laughter to some extent. VMC Haneefa comes across as
a gullible businessman and scores well in certain scenes.
|
|
|
Overall,
Jayamkondaan is clean fare that has something lacking to make
it entirely interesting. The director has shown that he knows
the nuances of film making well. One is not sure whether this
is unfair to the debutant, but shades of Mani Ratnams’
films and concepts can be seen here. Overall, a good attempt
that could have done with a crisper script.
Prospects at the box office are not too bright owing to the
lack of pace in narration, but the neat presentation could
bring the families in.
Verdict – A few fries short
of a happy meal
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
