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ஆயிரத்தில் ஒருவன் (2010)

The long wait is over - literally for all. Be it Selvaraghavan, Karthi, Reema Sen or the audience who were yearning for an `adventure' film. Selvaraghavan, who is known for his adapt handling of mind-blowing sensitive issues (read human emotions), should be a relieved man now.

Two and half years of his hard work is out for the audience to watch and relish. But is the wait really worth? To this question, the answer is both 'yes' and 'no', for the film is a mixture of surprises and dissapointments.

A look at the film, it is evident why it has taken toll on the time. An engrossing, enthralling and entertainment was what Selvaraghavan would have planned. But he is only partially successful in his attempt, as the second half takes all the sheen away the first half provided.

In other words, the filmmaker seems to have been firm on what he wanted to do, but it did not come out with that exactly on screen. At the same time, films on such genre are a rarity in Tamil cinema. One can't spot a single movie in this genre in Kollywood before. Selvaraghavan who strives for perfection in every frame of his, seems to have taken the lead to fill the void with 'Aayirathil Oruvan'.

His shrewdness of blending the lives of common man with such complicated themes is amazing in 'Aayirathil Oruvan' too. There is no love or family or other such elements in this film.

But what is striking is that a down-to-earth coolie ( Karthi) setting out as a help to archaeologists who sets out on a mission. Quite typical to his earlier films, it is the heroine around whom the major part of the story is set and revolves.

Archaelogist Lavanya (Andrea Jeremiah), Anitha (Reema Sen) and a troupe of government forces go on a voyage to an island in Vietnam to find 'some truth'. Helping them is a team of coolies led by Sukumaran (Karthi). As they cross oceans and enter forests, moments loaded with thrill, suspense and tension welcome them. At one point of time, the lead trio (Karthi, Andrea and Reema) is left alone from their team. They find an ethnic Tamil group living in the island, ruled by a king (Parthiban).

Stuck by drought and poverty, people in the place believe in black magic and practice it. As the trio is about to be killed, Reema reveals a truth. What follows is a lengthy second half, which ends abruptly. Karthi's role seems to an extension of the one that he played in 'Paruthiveeran'. But a touch of sophistication is evident in the way his character unfolds. He instant reactions and quick response on screen is quite amazing.

He was more brawny in 'Paruthiveeran', while he is a combination of both brain and blows here. Working with two directors who are taskmasters but with different styles seems to have had a positive effect on Karthi. From Ameer to Selvaraghavan, Karthi has just got the right thing to be poured out when it comes to standing before the camera.

Reema Sen, until a glamdoll, is a revelation here. Tamil filmdom had been cruel to many actresses, whose life spans are already short. One among them is Reema Sen. Such a skilled actress pouring out various emotions seems to have been under utilized until now. Selvah manages to give her the right opportunity, which she has grabbed with both hands gleefully. As Anitha Pandian, her portrayal appeals instantly. Pouring out right emotions when needed is no easy task for a taskmaster like Selvaraghavan. But Reema is right there delivering what his master wants from her on screen.

Andrea as archaeologist excels. From a loving wife in 'Pachaikili Muthucharam' to a dynamic archeologist in 'Aayirathil Oruvan', she has come really good and quick. Her body language, mannerisms have been perfectly shaped by the filmmaker. But walking with all applause is Parthiban. Selvaraghavan conceiving such a role for Parthiban, makes one wonder the vision of the director. Parthiban seems to have been tailor-made for the role. Lending solidity to the script is his character. He is more like cricketer Rahul Dravid lending a backbone to the Indian middle order batting, in the movie.

The real `Ayirathil Oruvan' is cinematographer Ramji. The tall-beard Ramji, who weaved a magic working with director Ameer before, has rendered a scintillating stuff here. His lens speaks poetry at one place and spits venom in other places.

Art direction is what lends credibility to movies on such themes. It is evident that Selvah and his team seem to have done intense research before venturing for the project. There is antiquity and authenticity in huge statues that we see in the film.

G V Prakash's songs leave a right impact. They fit the scenes. The background score by young Prakash, though did not match the standard of Yuvanshankar Raja ( a routine in Selvah's films), is ok.

Stunt master Rambo Rajkumar, who passed away recently, has given one of his best before his demise. His choreography of chase and stunt involving several hundred junior artistes, is a rich treat for audience especially for Tamil audience they are something new. Also the choreography by Kalyan and Shivashankar sits apt in the film.

But the eyesore is the computer graphics. It challenges all laws of physics, especially in that 'Gladiator' kind of stunt scene. In some places, one could easily spot that CG is at work, thereby taking away the credibility.

Length is another problem as the movie beats around the bush and needs an urgent trimming.

Producer Raveendran deserves special appreciation. His patience and support to come with a quality entertainer deserves special mention. A big-budgeted film with no commercial compromise reflects the right involvement of the producer.

Selvah has made us wait for a long time. Though the wait is not that fruitful, it is once a blue moon do we get such movies.

I felt like running out of the movie hall when I was actually watching the movie, but now, the next day, I still keep thinking about it..that's the impact. I'm really not sure if I liked the movie or not. The movie has obvious reference to the LTTE, Sinhalese conflict. I just wiki'ed for any conflict between Cholas and Pandyas and found out that, Pandyas and Sinhalese joint handedly were responsible for the downfall of the Chola kingdom, not sure how far this could be true ;) . The Onk Bak 2 inspired portrayal of cholas and pandyas is very violent and horrifying. Andrea is such a bad choice for her role. Parthiban is so BRILLIANT in the movie!1st of all, my salute to selvaraghavan for such a new effort in tamil cinema, 1st half was enjoyable, 2nd half had too many cuts in editing and loopholes in screenplay, if that was good, this movie would have been a masterpiece. Karthi- fine comic & matured performance, Reema- sensual fine performance, Andrea- nothing much for her, Parthiban- A different role in his kitty, Cinematography- Was mostly excellent, except few scenes (where it looks artificial), Music- was sad to see most songs didnt appear, particularly thai thindra manae song, good BGM, finally the master- Selvaraghavan, was little disappointing see he didnt work out the 2nd half screenplay, he had half done job. he is still one of tamil cinema's best screenplay writer and director, hope to great works from both Karthi & Selvaraghavan.