Star

Expected to see a fun, coming-of-age drama related to the struggles of an aspiring actor, ended up seeing more of a sentimental journey with its share of ups and downs (~unfortunately more downs than ups). Both the love stories in the film, while neatly performed, had problems in the writing. The "acting" struggles barely scratch the surface, and the screenplay rushes through these parts to focus on the protagonist's personal, physical, and mental hardships. While the writing feels somewhat derivative, the production design and locations carry a lived-in feel.

Lal puts in a worthwhile performance as the protagonist's father, even when his dialect seems to be a persistent bother. Kavin gets to showcase more of his acting chops here and proves he's ready to be moulded in the hands of Tamil cinema's capable filmmakers. The leading ladies (Preity Mukhundan and Aditi Pohankar) have good screen presence, and I'd love to see them featured more (in better scripts, i.e.). Aside from Kavin, the real star of the film is Yuvan. The songs and the score blend seamlessly with the visuals.

Kavin's performance in "Star" shines brightly, capturing the essence of an artist's struggle with a compelling narrative that resonates deeply. Directed by Elan, the film is a poignant portrayal of ambition and resilience, set against the backdrop of the Tamil film industry. Yuvan Shankar Raja's music elevates the emotional core of the story, while Lal's portrayal of a supportive father adds depth to the narrative. The film's surprises and twists keep the audience engaged, culminating in a satisfying climax that leaves a lasting impression. "Star" is a testament to the power of dreams and the unyielding human spirit. Overall, it's a must-watch that scores a solid 5/5.

The hero has everything going for him - a supportive family and two women who passionately love him. His desire to become an actor is dashed by a facial scar, which causes him to retreat into a shell. Does he beat the odds and come out on top? Lal and Kavin deliver outstanding performances as father and son in Tamil #StarMovie. Every young man would want his dad to be like Lal after seeing this film. However, Kavin comes across as an egocentric individual who consciously acts against his own best interests and makes bad judgments that will ultimately hurt him. Running time needs to be reduced by 15 minutes. Rating 3/5.

I recently watched 'Star,' a Tamil movie that truly impressed me. It tells the compelling story of a common man's journey to stardom in the film industry. The film opens with a poignant scene featuring a young actor playing the role of a revered poet. Despite missing his mustache in his makeup, his father wisely remarks that an actor's body language matters more than any costume or makeup. This profound statement sets the tone for the film's exploration of the essence of acting.

Throughout the movie, particularly after the protagonist's accident, we witness the transformation in his acting. His portrayal skillfully depicts the raw emotions of fear without relying on external props or effects. This underscores the film's message about the power of authentic acting over superficial elements.

'Star' not only showcases the struggles of its characters but also delves deep into the artistry and dedication required to succeed in the competitive world of cinema. It is a testament to the human spirit and the pursuit of dreams against all odds.

Kalai (Kavin) since his childhood is encouraged by his father to be an actor. Kalai's family consists of his photographer father, mother, elder sister and bedridden grandmother. His mother worries for his future whereas rest of the family supports his dream. He joins engineering but his sole ambition is to become an actor and thus a star. His first teacher is his father and all he has learnt about acting as well as life is through him. When Kalai dedicates his time to earn his opportunity, what challenges life throws at him and how does these challenges shapes him up while his core dream remains intact, forms rest of the story.

To put it upfront, I was blown away by Elan's vision. His writing is the soul of this film and the way he conceptualize the scenes and even stages them is what left me mesmerized. The very first scene with Kavin as a kid with his father doing the makeup while the mother rushes them, a sleepy sister and a missing moustache. The scene felt like designed specifically for the father to utter the dialogue about an actor's calibre but the throwback it receives in the terrific single shot climax sequence made me sit up instantly. Cinema won right there and I have spent the last 5mins recommending this film everyone in my contact.

The film is not without it's flaws though. The second half is completely melodramatic as well as preachy and the character of Surabi played by Aditi Pohankar was deliberately written to save Kalai. She was definitely very good in her role but it reminded me of Samantha's role in Majili and to have one character worship the hero to this extent didn't work well for me. Not just her, even with the family and friends, Elan pulled the strings too tight. Sure I my eyes went numb several times but compared to the excellent first half, the second half kept falling short until the magical climax. There is an extraordinary scene with the two heroines exchanging a simple thank you and I so wished these two characters had a better arc, because they simply deserved it.