Directed by K.V. Anand, cinematographer-turned-filmmaker, Ko is a well-crafted, racy political thriller which catapulted its hero Jiiva to dizzy heights. The film launched yesteryear star Radha’s daughter Karthika as the female lead. With his realistic approach while retaining the commercial elements, Anand is being hailed as the next Shankar of Kollywood cinema by many.
****
Aaranya Kaandam
What struck me about Aaranya Kaandam was its off-beat style. Debutant director Thiagarajan Kumararaja’s unconventional — “serious but not-so-serious” — approach, backed with a solid script and apt casting make AK an excellent entertainer.
Bollywood star Jackie Shroff debuted in Tamil cinema here as an ageing South Indian don “Annachi” and gave a riveting performance.
AK faced problems with the Censor Board for its “violent content”, but this art house gem made it to several international film festivals.
****
Mankatha
“Thala” Ajith’s 50th Tamil film, directed by Venkat Prabhu, apparently without a big script, works essentially because of Ajith’s scorching screen presence. Ajith’s impeccable style, salt and pepper look, and his rendition of a negative character — mean and diabolic cop Vinayak — are smashing. Arjun in a parallel negative role provided an effective foil.
****
Deivathirumagal
DT, inspired by Sean Penn’s I Am Sam, is an honest film without any frills by director Vijay and National Award winning actor Vikram, whose performance anchors the entire film.
There are no villains, no songs shot in foreign locales, no double entendres, mindless violence, and yet Vijay presents a poetic tale of the bond between a mentally ill father (Vikram) and his five-year-old daughter
.
Engeyum Eppodhum
Directed by debutant Saravanan, EE is riveting cinema with a difference. Everything was fresh about it, from characters to the plot, accompanied by superb performances by all the lead actors — Jai, Sharvanand, Anjali and Ananya. Saravanan’s straight forward approach and his take on
human life, its highs and lows made the film a delight to watch.
