Aayirathil Oruvan

I review this movie so late because, I really didn't like it when I watched it for the first time.The second time I saw it,I felt that this movie has to be reviewed here.Its true that there were huge expectations and the movie was a bit disappointment.I feel the same even now.But there are more good things to talk about than the cons.

My first acknowledgment to the story writer(Selva).This is really a unique movie, so original in its script and content.I have never seen a fictional Indian movie so original and so thoroughly researched,as it deals with ancient Tamil culture.I couldn't believe that such an idea has splashed up for Tamil movie makers.The way he takes us to ancient Tamil culture and links it up fictionally to present culture is really breath taking.I bet that the story as a whole is just so fresh and new to Tamil or even Indian cinema.Kudos to you Selva.

My second acknowledgment to the director(Selva).Except for the graphics,the way the director has extracted work from all the departments is breath-taking(since this genre is so new to Tamil).Music,art,action,photography,editing,actors everything fits in well with the script and kudos to the crew for such an effort.

Now comes the screenplay(Also Selva!!!).I feel that this is where the movie is a big let down.The first half was really terrific and was in going with correct pace.The second part acted as the spoiler.There were tooooo many things to be shown and explained,so the director had to just rush with the script,which made the viewer baffled of what was happening around.

Having penned such a wonderful script, the movie could have been divided into two or more parts.Say, the first part can deal with the adventurous trip to the ancient Chola Kingdom.The second part could show what happens there, all the twists and turns and the third part could show what happens at the end.

This is where I feel that Tamil movies are a notch well behind the films from other parts of the world.Taking risk and being bold enough to split the movie into parts.So that everything could be explained in detail and in the manner the director wanted,especially in such scripts.

Having said this, I still feel that if the movie is watched once again,it will surely be loved.

This Movie was released during a Pongal. Had to over power crowd to get the tickets and was dumb struck by visuals, screenplay and non stereotypical variety. Not only that, it pushed me to learn more about these two rival kingdoms. But very unfortunate that many don't know their own history and viewers expect the director to "TELL everything instead of SHOW" The end result- movie which is supposed to be celebrated as the movie of the decade ended up as an average Venture. Feel sorry for the poor taste of the viewers at that time for this movie being ended up as Glorious Flops and celebrated now. But Its too Late.

This is the best Tamil movie I have ever seen!It is surely one of a kind.If you are an ardent movie fan,this is a MUST WATCH MOVIE. Hats off to Selvaragavan!India has got her own Christopher Nolan.

The first half makes you wonder if you are actually watching a tamil movie or not.My friends warned me that the second half was a bit confusing.But you have my word,the second half is even better than the first.The biggest plus is that the movie has an awesome script and a very good story.

But anyway it ain't a Hollywood movie with budget in billions.So there may be some technical flaws in animation,Graphics and the like.But this is compensated by the mind blowing music by G.V.Prakash.He is another plus to this movie.

To conclude Selvaragavan & Team have done a great job in taking Tamil Cinema to new standards.Am eagerly waiting for the sequel to this movie.

CHOLAN PAYANAM THODARATTUM!!

Selvaraghavan one of the most versatile directors in Indian cinema has attempted a new genre and has succeeded. His imagination has no limits and has reflected on the screen very well. This movie shows the vast history of South India (something not seen before).

The backbone of this film is around the cast consisting of Karthi, Reema sen and Andrea. All of them have given great performances especially Reema sen who has grown as an actor.

The first half of the film is an adventure on tone with Indiana Jones but the obstacles and concept is purely Indian which makes this film unique. The comedy timing of karthi is exceptional which keeps the first half fast paced with some great visuals. The pre-interval scene sets the pace for a great second half.

The second half of the movie is a little slower than the first half because the more detailed characterization. Parthiban plays the chola king to perfection and his dialogue delivery is flawless. Reema sen dominates the second half with less role for Karthi and Andrea.

The battle scenes towards the end might not be the best we have seen but are great keeping in mind the budget constraint.

The visual effects of the film are exceptional again keeping in mind the budget available.

The cinematography by ramji is one of the best i have ever seen. His visualization of the battle scenes, kingdom , seas, deserts were so close to reality.

G.V.Prakash's BGM score was good but not great which could be the only negative point i see in this movie.

Finally the director of this venture Selvaraghavan needs a pat on the back for this great attempt. It might not be as great as his career best Pudupettai but is still one of his best Go and book your tickets as soon as possible !!!! Rating 8/10

Aayiratthil Oruvan is a new Genre to Indian Cinema. No one has ever tried or attempted this kind of a Plot. Selvaraghavan has excelled in his part of screenplay and direction. Its really a tough one to direct. Actors have given their best. Karthi Reema Sen and Andrea have done their jobs perfectly. The First half of the movie is enjoyable for all people whereas to enjoy the second half you need patience and good observing powers. Selva has his own directorial touches. This Scene should surely be mentioned where a women shows how hungry she is. Coming to Visual Effects,this is the only place where we're lacking behind Hollywood People.The art director Santhanam has done a neat job. G.V.Prakash comes up with his best Music and BGM so far. The Movie as a whole is absolutely awesome, but could've been presented in a much understandable manner.

Movie's Major Plus

1. Screenplay and Direction 2. Background Music 3. Casting 4. Plot 5.Locations where the film is shot

Movie's Major Minus

1. Visual Effects(not so realistic) 2. Less Usage of the So called Hero Karthi 3. Too Much of Vulgarity which wasn't needed for this script 4. Incomplete Climax 5.Unable to deliver the plot to all classes

No one has the right to rate a film except the makers of it. Because they are the one who has taken the effort and faced the problems in making it. So i am not supposed to rate this film. But this tremendous effort should be appreciated. Hats Off to Mr.Selvaraghavan and Thank You Sir for this wonderful movie!!!

Prashanth Sekar