2019, Tamil, Netflix, 7.6/10 IMDB, Directed by Rajiv Menon
An ambitious plot gone weary with big names in the crew, profusely because of the non-sync of the mirudhangam backdrop and the much rooted guru-bakth storyline..
Rajiv Menon masters in depicting unique onscreen characters with an edge. Guru-Shishya duo GVPrakash and veteran actor Nedumudi venu’s characters are intentioned to be etched with one such uniqueness as well but somehow they don’t interest you like that of Major Bala’s charcter played by Mammooty from Kandukonden or the Thomas character played by Aravind swamy in Minsara Kanavu..
The other Balachander movies that cross your mind ranges from Sindhu Bairavi to Unnal Mudiyum Thambi. GV prakash, son of a Christian mirudhangam maker played by Elango Kumaravel is interested in learning mirudhangam from the Brahmin vidhvaan played by Venu whom he accidently witness performing on a live concert. He urges to learn from the master and the story travels with known twists and leads to unknown terrains. He is tricked into a defaming TV show for which the guru has a staunch dislike. He elopes with his dad to evade trouble and he goes off like the too many heros off late, taking a bike, head gear and a leather jacket to explore what the world has in store for them. The expected ‘moh maya’ effect is replaced by simple fatigue from audience.
The reality shows on TV having more wider acclaim is initially made to look a demon and is forbidden by the guru, and the Uturn the Guru takes with a small advice from his wife who follows the show and finally the guru ends up sending GV Prakash to win the title. Its all absurdly sequenced with a TV series effect.
Divya dharshini does a negative cameo as a TV anchor / producer in the movie which buries all the laurels of her real life anchor career. She and Vineeth sure does get on your nerve and Vineeth the insecure tutor in the guru’s camp jumps to his sister’s TV camp as a judge and literally mocks the show with his sister DD beside him.
Experts like Sikkil Gurucharan and Srinivas play judge and the finale is just another unrehearsed drama which is unacceptable from Rajiv Menon.
The heroine played by Aparna had more scope to leave an impression but failed as the story on the whole failed at some stage to make an impact on the audience.
The music is by ARR and thats all I have to say about it. The movie doesn’t seem to tease you with the visuals either.
Confused screenplay that failed miserably to clasp the viewer.