Nanban

The Tamil remake of Rajkumar Hirani's blockbuster Hindi film '3 Idiots' based on Chetan Bhagat's 'Five Point Someone...' novel is the first of its kind in Kollywood history. Helmed by superstar director Shankar (his very first remake), a top team of technicians including Anthony, Resul Pookutty and Harris Jayaraj, and an ensemble cast that includes Illayathalapathy Vijay, Jiiva, Shrikanth, Satyaraj, Sathyan, Ileana and several others, 'Nanban' is indeed a must-watch.

Like its original version, the story points out the discrepancies in India's educational system which emphasizes cramming and good grades above knowledge and passion for one's chosen field. Told through flashbacks, the film follows Venkat (Shrikanth) and Senthil (Jiiva) as they search for their college friend who disappeared from their lives after changing them for the better. Panchavan Pariventhan (Vijay), Venkat and Senthil are engineering students who are unable to cope with the system due to their individual flaws. While Paari scores high with his love of machines and lateral thinking, his two friends have a tough time; Senthil is put under extreme pressure to graduate and help his poverty-ridden family, while Venkat has no interest in engineering, his true love being wildlife photography. It is Paari's unconventional thinking and his mantra 'All is well' that helps both of them succeed in life.

But where has Paari gone after graduation? Further details of their college life are revealed, including the trio's never-ending war with Principal Virumaandi Santhanam aka Virus (Satyaraj), an eccentric educator who is determined to make sure the three "idiots", as he calls them, don't come up in life. Also added to this colorful cast are Silencer (Sathyan), a bookish nerd; Riya (Ileana), Virus' daughter and Paari's love interest; Swetha (Anuya), Riya's elder sister; and Panneerselvam (Vijay Vasanth), a senior who loses more than just his degree to the pressures of the educational system. Also, a surprise awaits-- in the form of S. J. Suryah.

'Nanban' extracts top performances from all the lead actors. Vijay has undergone a complete makeover and shines in the humorous and emotional scenes. Jiiva, Shrikanth and Sathyan are perfect for their roles, while Satyaraj does a good job alternating from menacing villain to clown. Ileana does nothing memorable when compared to Kareena Kapoor in the original, but she is suited to the song-and-dance sequences that abound.

The film is slightly longer than warranted- Anthony could have done a sharper editing job! Manoj Paramahamsa provides the right feel as cinematographer. Harris Jayaraj has rendered some wonderful situational songs, with 'Asku Laska' (commendable lyrics by Karky!) and 'En Frienda Pola' being the picks of the album. The "Irukaanaa" number seems to have been added in to appease Vijay's fan following, and there's no harm in that! As for Shankar himself, it is best to follow his advice and "watch the film without any expectations". 99% faithful to the original, the director has crafted another memorable classic.

NANBAN: Must-watch!

"Thalaiva.... You are Great..!!!" Nanban - A Fantastic movie. With all due respect to 3 Idiots and Aamir Khan, Illayathalapathi glitters with his performance. Couldn't have asked for more... A must watch for all those who missed 3 Idiots, others go there to watch Vijay & Co., succeeding in remaking a legendary movie. Shankar should be given credit for his grandeur in making something big -bigger, Harris improves by every movie - BGM good, Manoj Paramahamsa plays subtle and Anthony adds beauty to it, Jeeva - Humorous, Srikanth - sensible performance, worth watching Sathyaraj, S J Surya and Anuya.. Oh did miss Ileana..?? She's a diamond pendant on a Platinum string. Overall a wonderful movie, the 1st thought that strikes me is - my Tamil audience will have a quality movie to watch, cherish and celebrate this Pongal. All is Well.!!!

First thing, I am not a vijay fan!!!Please stop comparing the Hindi version with Tamil version! If u are there to compare then it is your mistake in going to the movie.Hats off to the entire team for bringing out a great, colorful movie for Tamil audience. And regarding the performances,it is easy to comment from here. But to say the truth really an excellent job from all the actors.I feel only a director like shankar cud have done this remake so colorfully ,bringing out the best from everyone..Though it is a frame by frame remake,there isn't a single scene which makes you bore.vijay, you are great!!!! If he has copied the style of aamir khan,people would have said easily that vijay has imitated aamir.But he has tried the role in his own style suiting the Tamil audience. For those who have watched it already, you ll be eager to relate scenes and you ll find it interesting.And for freshers, this is a real treat for you. Finally to conclude, this nanban is a masterpiece and will surely remain in the hearts of everyone!!! All is well!!

A Feel Good Entertainer ... Shankar did not kill the essence of original & made this sincere remake .. Vijay did a good job by doing this normal guy next door ,without any heroism, I liked him on screen after 5 yrs. Jiva/Srikanth did their job well... Satyaraj was at his best as VIRUS.Definitely Shankar & Karki needs a special mention for their dialogues... Harris was OK as their no extra-ordinary BGM on few important scenes, the songs where nice.Apart from the hero-in everyone did justification to their roll.

Some people might cry that this movie is a scene by scene remake. According to me shankar & vijay have done justification to their job & did not spoil the essence of original. They have got the original as is to Tamil audience

There were many apprehensions when everyone heard vijay will be doing the role made famous by Amir Khan. At the end, everyone who watched the movie realized that shankar was spot on with his castings. The same goes for Jiva, Srikanth, Sathyaraj and the rest of the cast. The story basically revolves around Pari(vijay) and how he transforms the lives of his friends senthil(jiva) and venkat(srikanth) and disappears after their college graduation. The two friends along with one of their old college mate, who has his own set of intentions, set on a journey to find Pari. Ileana, sathyaraj and sathyan all have done a neat job. The dialogues by Madhan Karky really standout and is almost flawless. Harris Jeyraj music may not be liked by all, but he has done a commendable job in satisfying a majority of the audience.

The bottom line is Shankar-Vijay combo has come out with this year's first blockbuster and make sure you watch it in Theaters.