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EDITOR'S PICK
`Thaandavam`
an unusual, entertaining revenge saga
Rating: ***
"Thaandavam", Vikram`s second collaboration with director Vijay, after
the "Rajapattai" fiasco, is worth the time and money you spend on the
film. Touted to be an unusual revenge story, Vijay hands over the reins of the
film to Vikram who handles it with precision and elan to produce a performance
worth a standing ovation.
However, what could`ve been a slick thriller of the kind never seen before is
jeopardised due to an extended running time and unwanted characters.
Vikram plays Shivakumar, one of the best RAW agents in India. He is happily
married to Meenakshi (Anushka), an ophthalmologist with a mission to enlighten
the dark lives of hundreds of blind people through her foundation.
Sarath (Jagapati Babu) is Shiva`s best friend and the next best officer in rank
who`s been working on a case of national security. He gets shot while
interrogating a suspect and gets admitted to the hospital.
Shiva takes over the investigation from Sarath and travels to London to dig up
valuable information vital to the case. Unfortunately, things don`t pan out the
way they were supposed to. Shiva is double-crossed and is left with no option
but to save himself by staying low.
Meanwhile, Meenakshi comes to London to surprise Shiva on his birthday, but she
gets killed in a bomb blast, which also leaves Shiva blind.
As a blind man, Shiva should avenge the death of his wife.
The plot is simple and easy to predict, however Vijay gives it the touch of
brilliance and makes it interestingly engrossing. The first 15-20 minutes of the
film portray events that are confusing but later what unfolds is exciting to
watch on screen. The tension in the film is not spine-chilling, but of a kind
never seen before.
In short, "Thaandavam" as a film presents itself as an unusual revenge
saga with all elements one would want in a film.
Now, having called the film an unusual revenge saga let me also tell you why it
failed to be the best thriller of our time.
To begin with, the film could`ve been easily cut by at least 10-15 minutes by
keeping Amy`s role minimal. The story could`ve been humorously continued with
Santhanam, as it was originally portrayed in the film.
Secondly, if one can`t understand echolocation then definitely the probability
of enjoying the film is bleak. Vijay only spends close to five minutes to
explain the concept to the audience verbally, whereas ideally it should`ve been
demonstrated. The lack of understanding of the concept by majority of the
audience leads to mockery of the same, which is quite disheartening.
The best moments of the film neither happen in London nor Delhi, but in Shiva`s
village. The marriage scene is one of the best scenes liked by everyone.
Vikram packs a powerful performance in a role never seen before. His chiselled
six packs definitely drew some attention. Amy, Santhanam, Lakshmi and Nasser
deliver satisfying performances, while Anushka and Jagapati Babu live up to
expectations.
Music by G.V. Prakash, needless to say, was uplifting and energetic. Shot in the
picturesque backdrop of London, Nirav Shah`s cinematography is classy and
welcoming. Vijay`s direction has definitely improved since his last film, but
one can still feel some vacuum in his overall presentation.
In short, "Thaandavam" is a perfect long revenge saga
Actress Amy Jackson, who is shooting in London for her new Tamil film, took some time out from the schedule to treat her cast Read More