VISITOR COLUMN

GLIMPSE

The plot is more of an analysis on Christian philosophy - Good Vs Evil set in backdrop of sea, where a small romance portion is added for support to take the movie forward.
 

The movie takes-off promisingly with Manirathnam branded shots especially the initial sequences between Arjun-Arvindswamy and the childhood sequences of Gautham which are good. Its post interval, movie slightly loses its track owing to the script which voluntarily owns the blame.

PLEASANT SURPRISES

1) My surmise about Gautham's look after seeing him in Kadal trailer was not very positive and I felt that he had immature look which may harm the movie. But all those speculations got battered within 15 minutes after Gautham’s introduction who is simply mind blowing. Really it’s tough to accept that Kadal is his first venture. He stuns everyone with very charming screen presence coiled with excellent acting skills in all domains like romance, dance, action, fun and surprisingly in emotional scenes too.

2) Both the junior versions of Gautham steal our attention. Especially the Small boy (5 to 6 years old) speaks a lot just with his stunning painful looks and mannerisms, though he owns very few dialogues. I guarantee that any one watches his scenes cannot take our eyes away from him. Great performance.

DISAPPOINTING SURPRISES

1) The script looks flimsy and few characterizations are not convincing (especially Arjun).

2) Screenplay is not very interesting. The scenes discussing much about Good Vs Evil highly disturb the pace of the movie.

3) The story provides more space for Arjun and Arvindswamy whereas Gautham is introduced 35 min after the start of the movie and Thulasi hardly has less than 4 scenes in the first half. I strongly felt that if more scenes were given for the Gautham-Thulasi, it would have made a better impact.

SIMPLY RIVETING

1) Instead of saying "Music by A.R Rahman" the title card should have been amended saying "Magic by A.R Rahman". Mesmerizing songs. It can only be AR Rahman who can deliver experimental and Feel-fresh composition even after 20 years of his carrier. It’s tough for me to select pick of the lot from the following -Nenjukulle, Eley keechan, Moongil thottam, Adiye and chithari nila. No words, Super, Super, super.

2) Camera work is another worth mentioning element for this movie and there is no wonder in that, since it is owned by Rajiv Menon.

NOT TO BE MISSED

Arjun, Arvindswamy, Ponvannan do justice their rules and Arvindswamy returns with a strong comeback. Thulasi is comfortable and seems to have good potential.

FINAL VERDICT

The presence of A.R Rahman, Rajiv Menon and Gautham is strongly felt in the movie. Manirathnam should be appreciated for extracting best from them. But badly missing the touch of Mani Rathnam in his own area - script and screenplay especially in second half. Anyhow it’s a healthy message for our Tamil industry that we have got a talented new comer -Yes the NAVARASA NAYAGAN returns.