Thursday, February 22, 2007

Thaamirabharani


Director:
Hari

Artists:
Vishal, Banu, Prabhu, Nadiya

On a flashback mode for the most part, `Thaamirabharani' is the story of Bharani (Vishal) whose regard for his uncle Saravanan (Prabhu) and love for his family is so great that he will not brook the slightest insult to them. And as his family is always at loggerheads with another wealthy home, headed by Vijayakumar, peace and tranquillity seem impossible. Murder and mayhem result in incarceration for Bharani. Actually `Thaamira ... ' opens with the villagers waiting for Bharani who is returning from prison after four years in prison.

Hari has a few interesting twists and suspenseful sequences in the narration. The story is not new but it is gripping. However, as the violence Vishal wreaks out on others is unacceptable by any standard, and his insensitivity towards the heroine (Banu) that brings public disrepute to her annoys you, his remorse doesn't make much impact. Kanja Karuppu's comedy track only slows the pace. No humour there.

Sprightly and cheerful or serious and emotional Vishal's acting skills are surely improving. Action comes easily to Vishal but it's time he moves on and begins to think beyond sickles, guns and fisticuffs. A picture of dignity throughout, Prabhu sparkles. His eyes and body language are those of a seasoned performer. Another plump heroine finds her way into Tamil filmdom. Banu has an expressive face and shines in the heavy scenes. But exposure shouldn't be her line, till she sheds the flab. Nadiya comes back looking trim, prim and proper, and her versatility glows. Her role of a rich, uppity woman has no novelty, yet she emerges unscathed.

The high decibel level of actors such as Vijayakumar, and the noisy re-recording (Why so Yuvan?) are deterrents of `Thamirabharani.' Also why `compose' a duet on the lines of L. R. Easwari's popular bhakti refrain `Karpoora Nayakiyae'? Yuvan Shankar Raja disappoints. Na. Muthukumar's lyric capability stands out in the `Vaartha Onnu' number.

The co-ordinated movements of dancers for group songs stand testimony to the choreographers' (Kalyan? Dinesh? Shobi?) imagination. Both camera (Priyan) and art (Kadhir) deserve special mention. So does V.T. Vijayan's editing.

Vishal's heroism pales into insignificance, when he bashes up people both with and without reason.

The opening scene, where he chases a train and nearly kills half a dozen men in the bargain, all because they dared to raise their voices against his uncle, is a classic case of storm in a teacup! Even for a hot-headed person it's bit too much.

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