Flm: Avan Ivan 2011
Banner: AGS Entertainments
Cast: Arya, Vishal, G M Kumar, Ambika, Jannai Iyer, Madhu ShaliniCinematography : Arthur A Wilson
Editing: Suresh Urs
Music: Yuvan Shankar Raja
Cinematography: Suchitra ChandraboseDirector: Bala
Rating: 3.5 / 5
Story:
Aarya (Kumbiduren Saamy) and Valter (Vishal) are the two sons born to same father but different mothers. Valter lives with his mother Mary (Ambika). The brothers have a gala time in their village living life in their own way. While Valter wants to enter acting in dramas, Saamy wants to do what his father (Super Singer fame Ananth Vaidyanthan) does - indulging in petty robberies.There is one Jameen (G M Kumar), a rich and influential landlord in the village who had given all his wealth for the villagers and commands their respect in return. He is close to Valter and Saamy. One day, Jameen gets insulted by a forest ranger and he wants to take revnge on them. He takes the help of Valter and Saamy.
The brothers block the way of forest ranger and attack him. Police rush to the spot and Valter escapes, while Saamy takes on his heels.
Meanwhile, Jameen comes across a man (RK) involved in illegal business of sending cattle for slaughter to Kerala from Tamilnadu border. Jameen helps Blue Cross and police nab him. He comes back and takes revenge on Jameen. Now the onus is on Valter and Saamy to take revenge on him for the death of Jameen.
Analysis:
Avan Ivan begins on a bright note. The characterisations by Bala is the hallmark of the movie. He manages to leave a mark with his typical style once the screen unfolds. But beware, it is no normal Bala film. It has its own commercial cliches. It proceeds on predictable path at few places. But the shrewd narration marked with a difference makes the movie count.
There are loads of comedy that is not like the Crazy Mohan stuff one we normally associate in Tamil cinema.
It is more a realistic comedy that we often see in our daily lives. The humour sometimes dark is praiseworthy.
Second half starts on a slow note but proceeds with engaging scenes. The film heads to climax that is wholesome and entertaining. S Ramakrishnan's sweet and simple dialogues bring the lives of innocent rural people before our eyes.
Bala has proved why he is a master filmmaker for he blends commercial cinema with off-beat stuff making the end product awesome and amazing.
Performances:
It's Vishal all the way. The actor who had been doing mindless masalas till now, has brought out his histrionic skills very well. He is amazing and outstanding at a squint-eyed youth. He is good in his body language and dialogue delivery. Bala has discovered a new Vishal.
Not far behind is Aarya. The actor oozes with amazing energy and his comedy skills are a treat to watch. His encounter with police and the chase with them is the hallmark of the film.
Suriya's cameo, Ambika's bold performance and the presence of two leading ladies who emote well - Madhu Shalini and Janani Iyer, deserves an applause.
RK is the typical baddie in the movie. He gives right expressions. As a wicked man, he suits the character well.
Walking away with all honours is G M Kumar. The veteran is the pillar of the film. He lends solidity to the script with is performance. He has proved that not just the lead heroes but even character artistes can lend solidity to scripts with the astute performance. Bala's success in every film lies in casting right persons and extracting the best from each of them
Plus points
Bala's narration
Vishal, G M Kumar's performance
Yuvan's music
Minus points
Cliched scenes
Dragging chase
Slow second half