dusted theme all right but first time director Ahmed has put in an earnest effort to differ via his treatment. VAMANAN does appeal to you thanks to the racy screenplay and plenty of humor but has more than its share of negatives. This statement can be emphasized by the fact that when you walk out of the theatre you are neither disappointed nor too pleased.

Jai is pretty convincing as the hero. Apparently he knows his limitations as an actor and settles down to a boy next door role after a rather exuberant opening song. He does emote well but he really must do something about his voice. It really irks at times especially when he has to mouth loud phrases and it gets comical unintentionally. Priya as the heroine does a good job for a newcomer and does not seem to have any camera fear. But it does not seem like glam roles would suit her so it remains to be seen for how long she can survive in the industry. Lakshmi Rai is just the opposite and does a Demi Moore by emerging out of the sea in a bikini in the first scene.

Comedy is a big plus for the movie and Santhanam and Urvasi share the honors in this department. Santhanam especially proves that he can make people laugh without necessarily mouthing double meaning dialogues. You just wish he continues in the same vein. It is refreshing to see Rahman back in the big screen after a long time and the man does full justice to a rather interesting role by essaying it with a lot of style. Another big plus for the movie is Aravind Krishna's camera. He really makes his presence felt, especially in the song sequences and has succeeded in giving the movie a dry urban look.

What does not work for the movie is its logical potholes. Although the speed of the screenplay does not allow you to think too much you cant help noticing a few. And also given that the central plot of the film revolves around a tape involving the killing of a big shot politician your interest is not aroused too much as its a many times seen before line. Also the climax sequence where everybody shoots everybody else is just too comical to be taken seriously. Its like 5 year olds playing with plastic water guns. Having said that the lead up to this shoddy climax is pretty good so it just ends up spoiling the effort.

Yuvan literally rocks the floor with the "money money" song and reminds you of how beautiful love is with the "etho seigirai" song. Other than that all the songs are so well picturised that you end up feeling why the other three songs are not as good. Surely Yuvan would do well to channelize his talent by accepting to do fewer films.

To summarise VAMANAN is worth a watch for those looking for some popcorn entertainment as it does not bore the viewer too much. But it might not stand the test of time as a movie to be remembered. Still kudos to the director for his sincere efforts. As the movie chugs along it does remind you of "mutthirai" but thankfully its not anywhere as bad as that. If you are the type who does not ask too many questions you may end up liking it.

VERDICT: - AVERAGE TIME PASS.



REVIEW BY

K. ANANTH
krishananth1990@gmail.com

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