Unnaipol Oruvan

Not all remakes can aspire to reach the heights of 'The Departed'. So they should never be attempted. Kamal has always been fond of re-interpreting successful Hindi movie works. In my opinion, Kuruthipoonal was the one that was done the best, though it didn't get full marks for subtlety. This one, however, scores high on subtlety, esp. considering both the lead performances. I was only disappointed that they did not try to re-invent the movie, but just chose to make an almost exact replica. However, for those that did not watch A Wednesday, since it was more of a multiplex success, this is a good opportunity to sample something different from the run-of-the-mill fare (though Tamil cinema of late has fewer of those than Telugu, which is still ruled by the grandiose 'seema' style of movie plotting, or the 'Bommarrillu' fare).

The movie was excellent. As usual Kamal Haasan delivered a wondeful acting in the movie. Mohan Lal also done a good job in the movie. BGM was also amazing in the movie.

It's again a different experience for Tamil viewers. Thanks to Kamal Haasan. No songs, No Heroine, no big sentimental drags. First half thrill turns into a drama later reducing the curiosity. Still a good attempt. Mohanlal excels. Limited role for characters makes the film look crisp. Shruti Haasan scores in her debut. Content given importance in the form driven South Indian Cinema. Let this movie taste success so that further creations in Bollywood start reducing their usual run time 165 minutes. Different approach to Terrorism theme. Thanks for not infusing violence in this terrorism story. This movie might go well with Ladies too, though no big roll is earmarked for them.

Chakri Toleti's Eenadu is about a common man who calls the commissioner saying he planted bombs across Hyderabad and will explode them if the police don't accept his demands. His demands are to release four terrorists. Who is this man? Why does he want these terrorists released? How does he benefit?

The movie is fast paced, with a 100 minute run time it has to be to the point. The screenplay is quite good as it keeps the viewer engaged and it stays on point without deviating. A few quips here and there and quickly narrated flashback help with this. The film is a remake of Naseerudin Shah's A Wednesday, which I have not watched.

The movies thrills and suspenses land for me as I have not seen the original. The social commentary is not so in your face and is presented well. It explores extreme terrorism and questions why we hold onto these terrorists until someone demands their release, rather than executing them. It also questions the corruption involved in the process. Putting aside my personal opinions and disagreements with execution without trial and the death penalty in general, the movie succeeds in getting its point across in a simple yet effective manner.

Kamal Hassan plays the role of a common man, whose name is never revealed, while Venkatesh plays the role of DGP Eeswar Prasad. The two have palpable chemistry and it's a joy to see some of my favorite actors just killing it on screen. Kamal plays the common man's role quite well and succeeds in getting the angst he faces across well. Venkatesh pulls off the strict cop role quite well and his interactions with the Chief of Secretary, played by Lakshmi, lead to some laughs.

Overall, a solid thriller which shows the angst of the common man as terrorists keep the world in fear.

UPO is a well made movie in all aspects. It was very nice to see the two big stars cum actors of India, Kamal & Mohanlal share the screen. Kamal is so good in the last few scenes of the movie and Mohanlal has done his part with ease. Enjoyable movie with strong message. I feel that with big stars, message can reach broader audience and Kamal has exactly done that with the movie.

Dialogues and background score of the movie really need a mention. Era.Murukan as a dialogue writer and Shruthi Haasan as music director and both being a debutant have done a good job.

It's tough to cope with the expectations set and no one would dare to remake such a critically acclaimed movie like 'A Wednesday', only Kamal will. Hats off!