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| PORKKALAM
- A Unique Visual Concept |
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| By
Behindwoods Visitor Ananthi
Nadarajah |
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| The
views expressed in this column are that of
the visitor. Behindwoods.com doesn't hold
responsible for its content. |
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There
has been much anticipation
surrounding the movie “Porkkalam”
with its interesting cast
& crew, the director’s
storyboard approach and rather
different promotional material.
The confidence of this young
director (clearly visible
at the Press-Meets) was remarkable
and it was evident he would
experiment with trend-setting
technology in this film.
The movie in contrast to the
festive & bright mood
associated with its Pongal
release has a much darker
yet unique feel. The product
stands justice to the director’s
vision; a technical and visual
treat for a simple plotline;
a tale of “the battle
for love, revenge and destiny”.
A typical plot one may think,
but the pivotal turning point
in the script, (which I do
not wish to give away) is
its USP and makes the audience
understand the true nature
of the “Battlefield
; Porkkalam” faced by
the protagonist, forming the
crux of the storyline. It
makes one wonder whether the
director purposefully used
such strong dark visuals as
part of the audience's "Porkkalam"
experience, as witnessed by
the protagonist himself.
Each and every frame of the
film is captured with unusual
camera angles in desaturated
color; dark shades of black
grey. This alongside the ‘higher
then usual’ contrast
levels, are something new
to Kollywood or in fact, Indian
Cinema. The choice of locations
and sets prepared are apt
for the darkened visuals the
director intended for the
viewer to see. Be it the residence
of the protagonist or the
market place in Chennai or
the narrow streets or beachside
of Andhra. Fine attention
to detail can be observed
in each frame and due credit
must be given to all those
involved. At times however,
the
continuous variation in color/angles
stresses ones eyes and at
points, the visuals override
the essence of the story which
is a drawback.
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The movie has several important characters
played by talented actors. Although many
of their on-screen presence is short, each
do complete justice to their roles. Sampath
plays the menacing villain. He is one actor
moving from strength to strength and should
be applauded for his underplayed performance.
Sathyan plays a character role, often voicing
the thoughts of the audience on the complexity
of the protagonist. He provides the much
needed humor quotient in such an intense
movie.
For Kishore, the movie is a definite milestone
in his career. He plays a complex role with
ease and confidence. His portrayal of the
character Karnan, be it his physique or
looks or body language is spot-on. Ever
since he forayed in Tamil cinema through
his pivotal performance in Polladhavan,
he has been one to watch. Be it his villainous
antics (Silambaatam) or character role (Vennila
Kabbadi Kuzhu) he has always impressed.
It’s no surprise he has been called
to do further lead roles and is also set
to foray into Bollywood.
The young debutant director Bandi Saroj
Kumar has handled the screenplay in a new
manner, where visualization plays a key
role. In terms of technology & visualization,
Porkkalam is “A fresh and unique concept”,
an objective mentioned in the film’s
official website is fulfilled. This movie
does not seem like a maiden venture. Be
it audience or critics, they are reviewing
the finest details of the film like they
would do for any other movie by an experienced
director, and that itself is a great achievement
for this fine director. He has set high-standards
and we can look forward to some truly amazing
work from him in the future. Certain areas
of the film, such as the pace of the plot
and characterization of the smaller roles
could have been done with some more attention.
Yet the overall product cannot be judged
on such small drawbacks.
The tagline of the movie goes ‘If
he wins, he will be in our memories, if
he loses, he will be in our hearts’.
“Porkkalam” will definitely
be in our memories for a very long time.
And the message portrayed through “Karnan”
shall remain in our hearts.
Ananthi Nadarajah
ananthi@live.co.uk
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