Unnaipol Oruvan

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.

Amazing acting for starters. For once I think they've reached almost international standards, the tension was awesome, there weren't any songs (the usual in Tamil movies) which was a pleasant surprise. Amazing acting again and the English when used (esp by Kamal) sounded like English for a change. India was portrayed well for a change as well, no rogues at every corner, well-dressed and neat police officers (and yes they were the good guys for a change). The places were clean, the shots were realistic and it was a good movie even in International standards. Even the Tamil was well spoken. I would recommend this to those who are learning Tamil, entertaining and good language used and as an example to future Tamil Film Makers. Make films like these and you'll attract the young, professional (non rowdy) crowd.

P.S. Kamal should consider starring in some Hollywood Blockbusters! Awesome Actor, the best the Tamil Film Industry has had by far. I would have given it a 7 had it been an English movie though. 8 Stars and well deserved (it being a tamil movie and because it definitely took a lot of breaking out of the box).

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.

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).

Its a daring move by Kamalhassan. We all have seen The Wednesday so would know the storyline. To reproduce the story to the taste and likes of another set of audience at the box office is a tough task. All the characters, be it Kamal or Mohanlalthe support crew have given their best effort to make the movie the life. Only Kamalhassan has been dare enough to give such movies and he has proved his worth. Introdcing Shruthi to the audience under the home banner is a real good effort and she has excelled in her share. Altogether UPO is a must watch and will remain the minds of the people forever. Ulaga Naayaganey ... Nee Vaalga Pallandu