AMARKKALAM

A movie review by Balaji Balasubramaniam

Cast:	Ajith, Shalini, Raghuvaran, Nasser, Dhamu, Vaiyapuri, Ramesh Khanna, Ambika, Radhika, Charlie, Ponnambalam, Vinu Chakravarty
Music:	Bharadwaj
Direction:	Saran

A rather ordinary tale is handled deftly by director Saran to offer the viewer an entertaining time. Not since Thullaadha Manamum Thullum has the mix of romance, action and comedy been handled this well. But as was the case there and in another Ajith-starrer Vaali, a disappointing climax that doesn't do justice to the viewer's expectations after the nice build-up, prevents me from giving the movie a 3-star rating. But it definitely comes close.

Vasu(Ajith), a rowdy, is an orphan who has grown up offering his services to the highest bidder. Ex-don Tulsi Das(Raghuvaran), seeking revenge on Police Commissioner Birla Bose(Nasser) asks Vasu to kidnap Bose's daughter Mohana(Shalini). But Mohana, detecting a soft heart underneath Vasu's tough exterior, falls for him though he spurns her advances. Tulsi Das now asks Vasu to act like he reciprocates Mohana's love and Vasu does the same. But when Tulsi Das turns around and asks him to let go of Mohana, he realises that he is unable to.

The director moves things along at a steady pace and consequently, there are very few times when the viewer feels bored. Both Shalini's falling for Ajith and his eventual change of heart are handled neatly. The comedy - and it is pretty funny - is also integrated into the plot without having a separate track that may make the viewer lose sight of the main story. Dhamu's experiences in Shalini's house, when he tries to retrieve a reel of film, are bound to evoke laughter. The twist in the second half is a genuine surprise and unlike Malabaar Police, the tactics employed by the director to divert the viewer actually work here. The script is down-to-earth especially during the encounters between Shalini and her family members.

But the movie overflows with characters that have no bearing on the story. For example, there would be no discernible effect on the movie if Shalini's blind companion(Charlie) and her cousins who stay with her were removed. Another weak link in the chain is the climax. After a build up that readies viewer for a nail-biting climax(the police is ordered to shoot Ajith, the dada is out for him too, Shalini rushes to his side, etc.), the execution is amateurish and falls flat on its face. The viewer just ends up feeling duped.

Ajith continues the improvement he showed in Vaali. He emotes well in the two crucial scenes with Raghuvaran and his first attempt at romancing Shalini is delightful. He has fought energetically too, especially in the fight sequence at the shopping complex. He is turning out to be quite a well-rounded actor. Shalini is perky without being annoying and the real-life couple exhibits good chemistry. Raghuvaran and Nasser perform their roles in a dignified manner with Nasser being the target of a couple of digs about his nose.

Bharadwaj's soundtrack includes the catchy Kaalam kalikaalam... The dancer in this song is great. After Tirupati Ezhumalai... in Ninaivirukkum Varai, Siva Siva... in Suyamvaram and now, Maha Ganapathy..., it looks like the lyricists are nowadays looking to the Gods for inspiration for catchy tunes! Vairamuthu amazes with the lyrics for Satham Illaadha... with each line ending in Ketten. With SPB singing his heart out and Ajith performing zestfully, the song is a powerful experience that makes you wish for an encore. The photography savors the beautiful natural locations in two songs.

If you disregard the climax, the title suits the quality of this movie very well indeed.