Uttama Villain is not the only film made on fame and superstardom. We had a film called Ennakul Oruvan starring Siddharth which explored this concept. However UV seemed to explore in depth. I also wish to add that there was also this terrific face with Nasser in the lead where he covers his ugly face with a mask and becomes a star. It was a case both on people attitudes towards beauty and popularity. I wish to state some of my observations on UV.
About fame and ambitions: Manoranjan gives a successful film with his father-in-law Poorna Chandra Rao. Sometime later when he decides to make his supposedly last film with Margadarsi (KB in an excellent role), Margadarsi asks why he deserted him. He admits that he was young and wanted to be more successful. This cannot be more realistic. As most of us in the pursuit of chasing more money forget to acknowledge the people who helped shape our lives.
About insecurity: Manorajan is insecure of losing his public image. He wishes to keep his extramarital affairs private so that in the eyes of the public he is always a big star and not an ordinary human being. Of course, at times, he gives into temptations and drinks inside the car. In one of the interesting well staged scene, Manoranjan and Arpana instruct the driver not to reveal anything outside. This scene had a Hollywood style of underplayed drama but did not create enough impact.
One of the soul-stirring sequence and realistic part of the film is where he casually reveals about his disease to his son and interacts with him about his future choices. He probes him further about what he wishes to do after completing the screenplay writing course. He is satisfied by his son’s explanation; because he wishes that his son does not follow his footsteps and seeks a secure life. The reason he protects his son’s face from the media and public is to protect his son’s private life. The father-son conversation was very realistic- close to one we had in Nanban.
