Joker

After I saw the marathi movie "Court", I kept wondering whether a tamil movie can bring out the same magic, i.e. the "court" showed the reality of our judiciary system and this movie showed the reality in politics, common man's mind set and his carelessness towards all the injustice around us. This movie might bore some people, especially the restless impatient youth of today. But you can't help it guys, this movie depicts whats real and slaps you on your face for your inability and unconcerned nature towards everything we see around us !

Keep it up Tamil cinema !

I recently watched this on Amazon Prime. I wasn't expecting much from this movie but the synopsis given on the site intrigued me: "Mannar (protagonist), a villager, who declares himself as Indian President, protests government for absurdities. On a trial, he reveals his past. When everyone sees him as Joker, audience are questioned at the end".

Now, i'll admit i love myself a satirical movie, one that questions the convention and the authority. But this movie does so much more..

In a little over 2 hours, this movie captures the depravity that a man may be subjugated to, through no fault of his own and how mercilessly helpless we all are against the power of a system.

The sheer brilliance in the acting in this movie, coupled by such a powerful script and such brilliant screenplay; have managed to capture an essence which perhaps was last captured by Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron almost a quarter of a century ago.

I am in awe of this movie; the acting, the simplicity of its characters and the complexity of their emotions. The subliminal messaging and the sharp tongued wit! I would recommend anyone and everyone to watch this movie. The fact that this movie won a national award does not surprise me at all.

An easy 8/10

Plot

Mannar Mannan (Guru Somasundaram) is a middle-aged man who questions the loopholes of democracy and government rule. But the police officials and general people consider him as 'paithiyam'. What made Mannar feel responsible as a citizen? What made him question the government and protest against them? The film answers it beautifully, filled with emotions.

Direction and Screenplay

Director Raju Murugan has a great vision and one has to appreciate him for coming up with such a film. The dialogues are also bold and straight-forward, which conveys the intended notions at the right proportion. The love portions between Somasundaram and Ramya Pandian is cute and the emotions throughout the movie work big time. Though the film might be less on engagement factor, there are no yawn moments as there is something regularly on offer. Writing is very smart and it is great to see a bold film about politics after a very long time. The emotional second half explains what happens when poor people don't get the basic amenities due to the government's less functioning.

Cast

Guru Somasundaram, the man who impressed us with his character performances in films like Aaranya Kaandam, Jigarthanda, has played the lead role for the first time, and he has done full justice to his role. He is a thorough performer, and there can be no second thoughts about his acting. Coming from the theatre background, his performance is unmatchable. Both, Ramya Pandian and Gayathri as typical rural ladies fit into the role easily. Ramasamy and Bava Chelladurai gives their ample support to the film. Especially, Ramasamy's performance in the climax scene needs special mention. Though the cast doesn't have any big names, the acting has been immense from the entire cast.

Technical

Sean Roldan's music is a very big plus for the movie. His background score is emotionally moving, thereby standing as a great pillar. He has been very selective with his movies, and Joker is a wonderful addition to his career. The songs are also well in sync with the movie and gives you the right feel. Chezhian's visuals are neat and shows the beauty of Dharmapuri in the most convincing manner. The movie is crisp with a running time of 2 hours and 10 minutes. Art direction has been noteworthy, for the fact that the locations and properties used in the film can be easily associated with the film's core plot.

Producer S.R.Prabhu needs a special mention for showing the courage to invest on a refreshingly bold script like Joker.

Verdict: A bold and hard hitting political satire that might not have compromised entertainment but stands high on cast, music and writing

A well thought and well directed movie. Not many can think of a making a movie where you want to pass on a social message, keep it a emotionally 'hilarious' and keep the audience engaged. The director has done a really good job. Sean Ronalad's music is what Rahman's music is to Mani Rathnam's movies. If you are the one looking for entertainment, don't watch the movie. If you are a someone who appreciates art, class and hard-work, this will be a treat for you. "Chellama" will live forever, 'if you know what I mean'! There are very few directors who shoot what is in their heart and I can confidently say Raju Murugan is one among them.

A very healthy movie for the Tamil cinema lovers. We are expecting this type of movie in the future. The director who done a brilliant job especially in dialogues. A brilliant acting by each actors and actress. Even a small role who gives a best effort in their acting. Songs and the lyrics are very nice and the bgm is very support to this movie. Camera work and color tone are more than brilliant, editing and all the other technicians gives their 100% effort to lift this movie. Even though there is some slow scenes after interval block but the overall movie is really really awesome. its slaps not only the politicians, its for a every person. This is a good start for a movie which resemblance the life of the common man. Hats off!!