Andha Naal

"Andha Naal" is a Tamil film noir directed by Veenai S. Balachander starring Sivaji Ganesan, Pandari Bai and 'Javert' Seetharaman. It is inspired from the famous Japanese film "Rashomon" which is a film about an incident told from multiple contradicting perspectives but unlike Rashomon, the true incident is shown to us in the climax.

"Andha Naal" is about the investigation of the murder of Rajan (Sivaji Ganesan) where each suspect provides contradicting clues that points someone else as the suspect. 'Javert' Seetharaman plays the intelligent CID officer Sivanandam who does the investigation with this friend police officer. He is also the narrator and screenplay-writer for the film. His screenplay is so intelligent and believable that there is absolutely no plot hole. Sivanandam compares the suspects and the incident to the "Blind Men and the Elephant" story. He finally finds out the culprit using various clues (which you yourself might've noticed towards the end) but mostly thanks to a famous Tamil proverb that instigated an idea in his mind. (I won't spoil that!)

This film as any film noir uses shadows extensively to convey mood and personality of characters. There is also many innovative uses of cinematography like one scene showing Sivaji through a key tray and another scene showing Pandari Bai through a spinning chair's armrest. Sivaji, Pandari Bai and Seetharaman's acting were amazing and believable whereas the brother and brother's wife character did disappointingly overacting but it's forgivable for an old film.

Overall I gave it a 10/10. This film sustains interest even today and makes you realize that if a film has a good script, then you don't need any dance, fight or songs to enjoy it. It's a shame Tamil Cinema turned into a crappy crowd-pleasing 'Mass' movies producing industry. (At the time of writing this review, Alex Pandian is in theaters (facepalm)!)

This movie defines the greatness of Tamil cinema and is a must for any and all mature movie watchers. The movie has a novel narrative style that is said to be borrowed from the Japanese classic Rashomon. However the style is where it begins and ends. Every character effortlessly blends in the movie. This makes the acting near non-dramatic and appears real. Sivaji in a negative role is the person himself. Pandari Bai as his wife is amazingly apt for the women of that time. It is noteworthy that Sivaji Ganesan raises his voice but never shouts or laughs crazily. Pandari Bai panics but is never shrill. These elements have effectively blended to contribute to the noir theme. "Javert" Seetharaman as detective also amazes us with his unobtrusive role. His role reminds us of the wise sages "searching for the truth". One of the striking elements of the movie is how easily and simply it accepts promiscuity as part of social life. The movie is also a worthy work of direction. Songs are absent but not missed. The narration is taut and perfect. No loose ends here. The narration is so fascinating that the absence of special shots and camera angles do not matter. The B&W contributes to the effectiveness of the forlorn state of the house for most of the movie.

The only negative is that there are many murder mysteries in this period! But at that Time there were only a few. And most of them were from Hollywood. This movie is a crime mystery film and since we have seen a lot of them, we can predict the climax. Yet, the movie is very much interesting, taken in Rashamon effect without any songs at that time was a very big experiment. And then we must say about the performance, It was top notch. This movie though has a predictable climax, we cannot guess it easily. And not only that, the murderer is definitely a twist but the reason is a bigger twist which can never be predicted(but it is not considered as a twist). At 1950's if you had seen this film, then you might have disliked it if you were a commercial cinema lover. But if you had seen it as an art film lover, you would have found this film as a gem. Yet this is a gem. The film is must watch for all. Never miss this film. Available on YouTube for free.

Excellent Movie. Everybody acted very well in the movie. Every scenes in the movie were interesting and thrilling. There is no boring part in the movie. This Movie is one of the Best Tamil Thriller Movie. Excellent Movie.

Being a movie without any songs, Sundharam Balachandar made a daring attempt in bringing out the movie with the help of AVM. It is simply amazing on how each and every character is unique.

I can't think of any negatives as the movie was much ahead of its time. Even My parents weren't born yet at that time!

Positives: To start with Sivaji sir! He gave the much needed grip in the movie where he performs almost perfect with the negatively shaded Radi Engineer - Rajan.

Javar Seetharaman - in his tailor made role, he performed very well in being a smart CID cop.

The neighbor character gives the much needed laugh in this 120 odd minute play whereas the cunning character of sister-in-law of Rajan was done without any mistake at all!

The inspector, wife of Rajan, Classical dancer, Rajan's Brother did their part very well.

I am amused by the details which were given to each and every scene and to every characters! Although the concept was inspired from Rashoman - Kurosawa movie, the story line and screenplay was different from it.

This movie is sure a milestone in Thamizh & Indian cinema !