| SIMPLICITY
MAKES KALAVANI SUPERLATIVE! |
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I had sauntered out of my house on Sunday
evening to watch a film that many of my
friends had certified as ‘good’
and ‘watchable’. I had not
prepared myself for what I was to experience
when I reached the theater. Considering
that the film had no big stars or the
backing of Sun Pictures’ publicity
campaign, I had thought that there would
only be few people there to catch the
movie on the big screen. Most others would
simply give it a miss or settle for a
viewing on a pirated DVD. But, what I
saw was nothing like what I had in the
last few months. In the end, I had to
shell out Rs. 200 for a ticket that would
have originally cost me around Rs. 50.
The theater was packed and there were
ladies and families in good numbers. Had
this been Raavanan or Madharasapattinam
I would have hardly been surprised because
of star and director value. In fact, I
would have taken the precaution of booking
my tickets in advance for these films.
But, this was Kalavani, the small timer
that had almost made a backdoor entry
to theaters with no fanfare or publicity.
Yet, it is now attracting crowds like
any of the other big timers. But, if what
I saw on Sunday is any evidence, this
film has the ability to match up to these
biggies, at least in the city. I know
that this might sound like an unrealistic
claim. But, knowing about the foolhardiness
of my claim, I wish that it comes true,
because I want more films like Kalavani
to be in theaters for our pleasure. |
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What is it that makes Kalavani so good? It is the
fact that the movie is simple. There is a quote ‘Simplicity
and repose are the qualities that measure the true
value of any work of art’. Yes, the film was
uncomplicated, uncluttered and non-sophisticated.
There are films that excite us, thrill us, scare us
and give us many highs and lows in emotions. But,
there are only very few films that leave us with a
pleasant feeling, a sweet taste which lingers on for
quite some time after the movie has ended. That is
what Kalavani does to the viewer - makes him feel
good. There are many films that have been called ‘feel
good’, but Kalavani, I feel, is the actual prototype
of a feel good film that needs to be emulated by film
makers in Tamil cinema.
What exactly did I like about the movie? No, I cannot
put my finger down on that. It was like enjoying the
cool evening breeze on a beach with the waves lapping
around your ankles and not knowing which part of the
experience you liked the most; you just love the feeling
that the experience gives you. Many films please the
senses; through visual beauty, through musical wizardry,
stunning art, great action etc - this one pleased
the mind and heart with its goodness.
The story in itself has no great twists and turns.
It is simple events in the lives of the people in
a village told in a fairly straightforward manner.
But, the director has scored to great effect with
his casting. Almost everyone in the movie is the perfect
choice for the character that they have played. In
fact, we cannot see any actors here, only characters.
One can say a lot about all the actors, but I choose
to elaborate on Ilavarasu. I feel he is one of the
most underrated performers in Kollywood at the moment.
His talents seem to be getting delayed recognition
and I hope that he gets his due ultimately.
The best part about Kalavani is that it has not been
stuffed with anything. Many films have screenplays
where room is made for many elements to be accommodated;
mostly comedy and glamour. Kalavani makes no such
effort; or at least it is not evident. There is humor,
but it is natural; something that can happen in every
household. Humor is part of the film; not created
by dialogues that are written by masters at ‘wordplay’.
And, for a change, a film that is set in rural Tamil
Nadu does not have characters who just have to drink
illicit liquor every night, foul mouth everyone, show
off their ‘patta pattis’ and brandish
their sickles. Village life too can be pleasant and
simple, says director Sargunam, I agree.
If you have not watched Kalavani till now, please
do so soon. And, if you are gong on a weekend, please
make sure to book your tickets in advance, because
word is getting around about this movie and people
might just be flocking in. Happy viewing!
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