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EDITOR'S PICK
Rating: ***
Vasantabalan, who made a name for himself by sensitively handling human lives
and emiotions in his films, has come out with "Aravaan", based on a
novel by Su. Venkatesan, who won a Sahithya Academy award for the novel. The
film was in the making for a long time.
Vasanthabalan has added his own flavour to the story that is set in 18th century
Madras Presidency, as Tamil Nadu was then called. The movie is not about kings
and kingdoms. It is not even about the British rule which was spreading its
roots all over India during that period. "Aravaan" talks about
ordinary people and their lives. It revolves around a few villages and
communities, including the one which thrives on looting.
The story begins with a set of people led by Komboodhi (Pasupathy) set to steal
some jewels from a rich family. The group belongs to Vembur village, known for
stealing. During the course of one such heist by his gang, Komboodhi finds
Varipuli (Aadhi), a lone robber, whose whereabouts are suspicious. Fascinated by
Varipuli`s courage and amazing talents, Komboodhi adds him into his team.
Varipuli claims that he is an orphan and wins over the hearts of the Vembur
inhabitants with his brave and good deeds. He once saves the life of Komboodhi,
who gets some clue about Varipuli in the process.
Varipuli is hunted by a group of people belonging to a village called Mathur and
it is Komboodhi`s turn to save him. Before we get to know if he could save
Varipuli from the clutches of death, we get to see a flashback that reveals
Varipuli`s past. His original name is Chnna and he is belonged to Chinna
Veerampatti village, known for brave young men engaged in guarding the people
from all kinds of dangers.
The village is at loggerheads with neighbouring Mathur.
An unfortunate incident in the village pits both villages against each other.
Circumstantial evidence makes Chinna Veerampatti culprits, though they have no
connection with the incident. Both villages set for a bloody clash but an
intervention by the local king finds a compromise. He says that a young man from
Chinna Veerampatti village should be sacrificed in the temple to bring peace.
Chinna, like Aravaan in Mahabharat, is ready to accept the verdict to avoid
blood bath. But turn of events saves his life however, people of Mathur are
hunting for him with more vengeance. It is here Komboodhi tries to save him.
Kudos to Vasanthabalan for treading on an unusual path. He has got his homework
right. The story is substantial and the script ensures smooth flow.
Both the director and the scriptwriter have given attention to the details to
portray the period well. The culture of the people has been shown well with
precision. The dialogues are apt.
Vasnathabalan could have done better in the scenes that lead to climax. The way
Aadhi escapes from the death looks dramatic rather than realistic. The sex
worker angle seems to be imposed.
The length of second half tries our patience. Too many sub plots mar the impact.
But the director has managed to ensure that the overall impact is unaffected.
The voice against death sentence echoed in the film seems to be out of place, as
the movie doesn`t deal with death sentence but sacrifice (balidaan).
Aadhi enjoys the challenge of featuring in a period film. As the brave Varipuli,
he proves his mettle. He has justified the confidence the director has placed on
his acting prowess.
Seasoned Pasupathy gets into the skin of the character. His body language,
expression, and voice are just amazing.
Others including Dhanshika, Archana Kavi, Singam Puli, Thirumurugan and T.K.
Kala among others have added value to the fare.
Cinematographer Siddharth contribute to the overall experience by his angles and
colours. But some of the scenes lack authenticity.
Singer-turned-music director Karthik`s background score jells well with the
script. The song "Nila" sounds good.
"Aravaan", the people`s history, is worth a watch despite some
shortcomings.