Aasal - The Power of Silence

Pluses

1. Ajith

Thala being the biggest strength throughout, managed to carry the whole movie in his shoulder. Ajith shined in the father role that comes around the first 15 minutes. Be it the body language of an old man or behaviour of a sick man, Ajith pulled it off with ease. It's clear that there's a hidden actor in him waiting to be unleashed.
As for the son Ajith, it's all about style. Nobody will deny that this man redefines style with his mind blowing screen presence, in current crop of actors of Kollywood.

2. Editing/Camerawork

Hats off to Anthony for the excellent editing. His hardwork is visible all the way. It's a welcome change to witness trimmed songs in Aasal. Yes, the editor has trimmed the songs except for 'Tottodoing' song. 'Engey Engey' is completely removed. Be it songs or stunts or talkie portions, his editing is crispy and perfect for an action movie.
Next, Nirav's assistant, Prashanth D.Misale sure to go places after this. France and Malaysia is beatifully captured in his camera lense. Both editing and camerawork definately elevates the whole film to a greater next level.

3. Background Score/Re-recording/Songs

I found the background score is apt for the movie. Baradhwaj tries not to remind Ajithfans about Billa's background score. At certain places, background score ala James bond theme could have been avoided. His re-recording that involves engines sounds, gun shots etc etc are neatly done.

4. Stunts

Fight sequences play a major role in any action flick. In Aasal too, stunts are the major elements. Very interesting and innovative stunt sequences. Kudos to all stunt choreographers involved. Aasal scores more in this department.

5. Casting/Comedy

There are totally five villains and two heroines. Casting seems to be good with all of them having their own moments. Quite good to see everyone is having equal footage. On the other hand, a slight dissapoinment for Prabhu fans. Basically, he has nothing much to do except for making a cameo since Aasal is from his production house. Yugi sethu as Don Samsa evokes laughers. Not overly done yet effective comedy tracks that comes along with the screenplay and not as seperate portions, need a special mention.

Minuses

1. Screenplay/Story

Screenplay seems to be the one and only huge problem for Aasal. The screenplay falls flat all the way. Audience might feel difficult to attach to it. Even the twists are not at all shown in a suspenseful manner and lacks impact/punch. As far as the story concern, it is the same old 'beaten to death' revenge story. It seems the director and Ajith wanted to keep it that way so that audiences from any centre will not face problem in comprehending it. It is good in trying to cover everyone, but there should be enough room for basic plot. At the same time, all actors are given equal presence, so even the conversations among villains take up enough time to test audiences' patience.
Speaking of conversation, there is one between Bhavna and Sameera which last about 5 minutes, well taken and very impressive. It would have been awesome if the whole movie travels on that path keeping the audience thrilled at all time. For God's sake, it is an action film, all audience want is a gripping and mysterious screenplay. As pointed out earlier, the plot is old and medioacre, acceptable. Atleast the director should have concentrated on the presentation of it.

2. Ajith's weight

Although a little weight for Ajith seems to promote gangster look, without a doubt, it is a minus point when it comes to songs. It's very unpleasing to see Ajith dance with that kind of physical stucture.

3. Lacks Performance

As an Ajithfan, I always wanted Thala to act in performance oriented roles. Action flicks are not an exception in showing acting capability. It is all on the director's hand. Father Ajith does make an impact to a certain extent but it is obviously not enough for us.


As a whole, I'm deeply dissapointed after so much hype and waiting like more than a year. Ajith, the actor unquestionably doesn't deserve such script. I agree it is pretty much impossible to satisfy an Ajithfan like me. All I'm asking is a neat script that emphasize on performances more with the right mix of ingredients a normal moviegoer would hope for (i.e Vaali, Amarkalam, Villain and Billa).

P.S From my review, please don't get excited seeing plus points are more than minus points. My first minus point is sufficient enough to bring down any movie and yes, Aasal suffers from it's clutches pretty badly.

Tip: For those who has not watched Aasal yet, watch it with NIL expectations and accept it as it is. You might be satisfied with the product.

Aasal - Originality at it's stake

Goa - A Venkat Prabhu Holiday

Goa - After the stupendous success of Chennai 28 and Saroja, Venkat Prabhu seems to be obsessed yet again with his comedy route in story telling.

Basically, there is nothing much to say about the story. It revolves around three thick friends - Jai, Premji and Vaibhav who have nothing but create nuisance in their village. This result in their punishment of not to speak to each other by the village 'panchayat' president. Unbearable by The punishment, they ran away to Madhurai which eventually leads to the birth of their ambition to marry white girls and settle abroad. So, off they go to Goa in search for white girls. In Goa, their hardwork in chasing their dream forms the rest of the story.

For the first half an hour (village scenes), the director tries to mock 90's movies and most of the times, he succeed too. But, it seems overly streched a few times and test audience patience.

As far as cast and crew concern, all the lead actors did their part quite well. Sadly, all female leads - Pia, Melanie and Sneha have nothing much to offer except for being there when needed in this male dominated movie. Nevertheless, they did their best for their part.

All three actors on the other hand definately brought the roof down. Jai with his broken English is just too good. Vaibhav wittiness and the way he suffers from Sneha's clutch well showed and evoked laughter. Last but not least, Premji, who can be considered the show-stealer with his solo fight, mockery on other actors and funny face expressions is a delight to watch. On top of that, there is an element of surprise which is clearly new to Thamiz cinema. The 'gay' thingy shown was not at all vulgar, instead it is laughable. Sampath proves his calibre by carrying his role pretty easy. Hats off to him to VP for this bold attempt. By the way, the insertion of cameo of Prasanna, Simbhu and Nayantara is short and sweet. VP's touch is crystal clear there.

Since the movie travels in both comedy and serious patforms, the dialogues played a vital role. Venkat seems to be good in dialogue writing that ticles one's funny bones continously. Goa carries dull moments frequently but luckily, backed up by lots of one liners or funny moments that even up the scenario. It definetely helps in preventing audience from yawning or ditching it at once.

Picturisation of the first song, 'ElElu Thalaimuraikkum' could have been better. But, considering it is also an effort in ridicule the 90's style of movie making, pardonable. Yuvan's re-recording and background score stands tall in certain places and Venkat's hardwork clearly seen in trying hard to match up the songs that are already chartbusters with his own style of picturisation. Camera work and other technical aspects need a special mention.

Overall, Goa is in the line of Chennai 28 where the story wonders aimlessly with funny screenplay. Comparing with Saroja, one will realize that Saroja had a good storyline as a backbone to the arousing, interesting and thrilling screenplay. Goa is just the other way around.

For some, Goa offers nothing but a rehash of techniques from the director's previous works and funny scenes shown weren't funny at all mostly. The rest might take Goa as it is - entertainment at it's peak. I'm skeptical on which group I belong to. But, I pray Goa will show the hat-trick door to our talented Venkat Prabhu. For those who still hasn't seen Goa, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets for a exciting holiday. Sit back and enjoy, entertainment guaranteed!!!

P.S Friendly advise to VP. Please avoid the following 'repetitive' elements in your upcoming movies even if you are into comedy genre again.

Avoid using Ilayaraja's or other MD's song bits repeatedly.

Stay clear from using phrases like 'Enna kodumai sir ithu', 'EvvalavO pannittOm....'

Prevent scenes that makes the audience confuse between funny or serious scenes.

Even the above situation arises, try justify it by other factors like background score to differentiate both tense and funny moments.

Personally, I hope VP tries his hand on something else than focusing more on comedies in the future.

Goa - I could only enjoy VP's holiday to a certain extent...