Cast: Ajith Kumar, Arun Vijay, Trisha, Anushka, Vivek, Parvathy Nair, Baby Anikha
Director: Gautham Vasudev Menon
Rating: 4/5
'Yennai Arindhaal' is a step forward from Gautham Menon's previous decade's cop films 'Kaakha Kaakha' and 'Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu', but first things first, Arun Vijay's performance in this particular film puts his entire filmography to shame. From his hairstyle to the very last scene, he is terrific.
The trailer and the music give away a slice of the plot yet 'Yennai Arindhaal' has a lot to give the unsuspecting audience a space for whistle worthy moments. This is also why this film stands apart from what Ajith has done so far.
Sathyadev (Ajith) is a cop every common man would want to see, a gentleman every person wishes to be with, a danger to those who plan things beyond the law. Within the boundaries of the film he's protecting Anushka from the tyrants of the organ trade. Meanwhile a significant episode in his life reveals the romantic trance between the hardcore cop and the ever pretty Trisha. Trisha has a really cool name. Hemanika. The name's an instant hit. Her character, similarly, is appealing.
Just when Sathyadev's team is about to shoot down a goon, Sathya receives a text message from Hemanika, the strong cop has a smile on his face now. The guns go back to their places. The goon survives. Love does strange things to people. To Sathya, as well.
Action scenes, especially the hand-to-hand combat/ knife fight bring out a certain sense of visible anger from Ajith and Arun Vijay. Points to the makers here, they are realistic, if they were over the top, they would have taken an unwanted turn. The knife fight also reminds us of Cheran in 'Yuddham Sei'. Three swift motions and the enemy is on the floor asking for water.
Harris Jayaraj and Thamarai are partners for this hellishly exquisite soundtrack album. 'Yennai Arindhaal' is after all Harris and Gautham's big reunion, the outcome, though, seems like they weren't separated at all. Gautham's dialogues are to the point, sometimes, hinting at old jokes. Subtle humor that floats below the surface works well.
Anushka just doesn't know what's happening, mostly skating on a slippery slope, she's a fish out of water. The film struggles initially until Ajith arrives on screen. Oh, and no garish introduction scene for Ajith. Thumbs up to Gautham for that.
Many good things have fallen into the pot of 'Yennai Arindhaal' starting from Ajith but the best thing about the film is Arun Vijay. He delivers a bad-man speech akin to Daniel Balaji's soliloquy in 'Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu'. Outstanding! 20 years in Tamil cinema and not once have we seen Arun Vijay in an embraceable role? Victor is the answer.
####
Comments
0 comment