Joker

This is a tour-de-force of movie experience. Simply put, one of the best movies where everything comes together - Story, acting, direction, music, scripting, camera work. Just phenomenal. And the most important thing is - this has a soul which hits a raw nerve by its grim realism. The nativity of the location, milieu, the support cast is amazing. Shows the eye of detail of the movie makers. It also avoids the pitfall of being preachy or melodramatic or over the top. A pity that movies like this don't get a larger audience outside the region. There is so much of garbage movies which is produced nationally which gets reams and reams of media coverage but which everyone forgets immediately after the show itself.

I hate to give anything out about the story. It is better to watch this with no idea of the plot to heighten the cinematic experience. Even the very idea of having something like "this" (suspense) as fulcrum of the movie may seem a joke, but it is fitting.

And in all that grimness, there is also a very nicely played out love story where lot is said and exchanged by shy glances and slight chivalry.

Special kudos to the actor who played the lead role of Joker - Guru Somasundaram. He lives the role. All the useless Khans and big mouthed "heroes" should take note on what acting means. Nothing less, nothing more. The supporting star cast are no less behind.

Music including the background score is flawless! That is saying a lot.

Camera work is spectacular. Right from the first shot where it lovingly shows the rural place, not leaving even the minutest detail and continuing the same form till the end. Brilliant.

Dialogues are terrific. Again, not over the top, but very appropriate. Especially the climax.

Great work by Director! Do not miss it.

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.

My expectation of the movie after seeing the trailer was, "not worth my effort to see it". Somehow my friend convinced me and we went as a group of 40 to the theater. In the beginning the movie was funny, the hero was a quirky fool and it was fun to see all that quirkiness. As time goes by Indian political system and how people have changed by it and have turned a blind eye towards basic common sense are shown through sad happenings. Though it was sad, the movie was worth the time I spent there (I hate when any movie goes totally sad). The movie is a good movie that many Indians would like as a group. Children might get uncomfortable and really affected by the sad scenes in the movie

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