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EDITOR'S PICK
Rating: ** 1/2
Has Bala`s Avan Ivan lived up to its expectations? The answer is yes
and no.
Avan Ivan has stunning performance by Vishal and an interesting
portrayal of the lives of professional thieves. The movie has the potential to
be an awesome experience, thanks to director Bala`s choice of the plot and the
performances but Bala, the scriptwriter, let us down with a screenplay that is
inconsistent and predictable.
Bala`s films are known for their harsh realistic portrayal and Avan
Ivan is no exception. He introduces some not-so-familiar living conditions
on screen. The protagonist is introduced in dance sequence in which he dances in
the disguise of a woman. Bala continues to surprise us by showing a small
village near Theni district in Tamil Nadu, full of thieves and an erstwhile
zamindar who supports them.
The movie deals with the relationship between two step-brothers Walter (Vishal)
and Kumbudren Saamy (Arya). The two have different traits and always try to
outsmart each other. But deep down the heart they are fond of each other. Their
mothers (Ambica and Jayaprabha), however, are always at loggerheads.
Highness (G.M. Kumar), the erstwhile zamindar, shares a special bond with these
people and patronises them with his wealth and clout. In turn, the boys are
quite loyal to Highness.
Walter and Saamy fall in love with police constable Baby (Janani Iyer) and
college student Thenmozhi (Madhu Shalini) respectively. The girls too develop
soft corner for the boys.
It is a routine that the people of the village (especially Walter and Saamy) get
into trouble and are then rescued by Highness. The two come forward to do
anything for their Highness when he gets into trouble.
The movie moves on with some hilarious scenes involving the thieves, the fight
between the two mothers, the funny ways of police, and the strange lifestyle of
Highness. Though some of the scenes are enjoyable, the movie fails to sustain
the momentum as the story doesn`t move forward. It looks like a redundant affair
after a point and hence we get bored.
The turning point comes after a long time in the form of a cattle smuggler (RK),
but it is too late and too weak. The crisis brewing over the smuggling incident
and the resultant murders are quite predictable.
The emotional scenes involving Highness` death and the revenge fail to make any
impactas they fail to rise above the expected lines.
Bala`s intention to give a film with some lighter treatment is appreciable, but
scenes look like a compilation of stray incidents that lack credibility or
coherence.
The predicament of Walter, who is below par in his chosen profession (theft) and
artiste at heart, has been well portrayed. Vishal has given life to this
character by his stunning performance. He has dared to come out of his action
hero image to proved that he is a fine performer too.
His portrayal of Navarasas (nine types of emotions) is noteworthy.
Arya`s role might pale in comparison with that of vishal`s but he has done well
in portraying a man with confidence and sense of humour. He also proves his
worth as an actor in some scenes.
G.M. Kumar as Zameendhar is quite impressive. His suffering (without any cloth
on his body) in the hands of the smuggler is shocking.
Ambika has rendered a powerful performance while the leading ladies Janani Iyer
and Madhu Shalini fail to impress in poorly etched characters.
Surya`s cameo as himself is interesting.
Yuvan Shankar Raja`s background score is effective while his songs do not make
much impact. Arthur Wilson`s cinematography deserves special mention. S.
Ramakrishnan`s dialogues are humourous and realistic.
Overall Avan Ivan suffers from a sloppy script despite having some
fine performances. The lack of balance between Bala`s emphatic portrayal of
different kind of life and his effort to provide fun is the major problem of the
movie. The fun becomes farce and the seriousness turns out to be ineffective.