Sunday, November 16, 2008

Varanam Aayiram Review

I am not a big fan of Goutham Menon. Even though I like all his movies, I always feel something is missing in his movies that doesn't make him a great director, but he is a good director certainly. Varanam Aayiram is a creation of a great director, and I wouldn't do honors to him if I do not write about the movie. The movie is like a poetry, every bit and piece of the movie is directed with immense commitment and importance. Locally speaking, rasichi rusichi ezhudina oru kavidhai madhiri irundhadhu.

If not for Surya, may be I wouldn't have been writing this blog with such great interest. His performance as Krishnan was outstanding, full credits the humbleness shown in his acting. The movie is a biography, a quick recap by a son about his father when he gets know he is no more. Simple one line story. But the emotions, love, passion and motivations in the movie make it a treat to cherish. This move just swept me off my feet.

Another important aspect are the songs. They are beautiful to listen, watch and admire. My favorite is "Nenjukul Peidhidum". One small concern was about Sameera Reddy, who gets all the hit numbers and leaves Divya with "Analmela Panithuzhi". Certainly, I did not expect this :) .
The best part in the movie for me was the train romance scene and the last scene where the father comes to his room and sends him off. He has a small droplet of tear in his eyes and he says, I will be thinking about you, man was so touching. Totally, in contrast to how he advised Surya that he was no more a kid but a grown up, and Surya would be totally in tears on his first day in college. May be its true that you become a kid again when you grow old.

This move would surely have mixed reviews. Some may feel its totally bad, many would feel it is a decent movie and some again like me, would love it. The reasons contributing to the mixed reviews being length(3 hours), English dialogs and deep emotions which may sound comical for some.

Some dialog's such as "Iva unnaye minjitta ma", by Surya when he sees Sameera for the first time could have been removed as they would invite unnecessary spoilers.

And for people who do not know why the movie was named Varanam Aayiram, it is a line by Andal when she describes what kind of guy she dreams about.
வாரணம் ஆயிரம் சூழ வலம் செய்து நாரணன் நம்பி நடக்கின்றான் என்றெதிர் பூரண பொற்குடம் வைத்துப் புறம் எங்கும் தோரணம் நாட்டக் கனா கண்டேன் தோழி நான் கனா கண்டேன் .

People may have a different view on this movie, but for me this is a masterpiece. A colorful ride into one's life which very seemingly resembles your own in some aspects. Overall, a beautifully told story of a man's dreams and a son's tribute to his father.