Papanasam

Amir Khan once said about Kamal Haasan, "There are some things he can do that others can but there are many things Kamal can do that no other actor can." Once again, this film stands as a testament, particularly in witnessing that this same film is being remade in several Indian languages, showcasing the talents of several lead actors, since its conception as the Malayalam film; Drishyam, with Mohanlal.

I've heard many people say that they are partial to the original malayalam version - perhaps because they saw it first? But there is another side to this story. A filmmaker rarely gets the chance to do the same film twice, and if he is still as passionate about the story the second or third time, each time he makes it, he perfects the telling just a little more... I often hear stories about writers/directors lamenting about how they would look back at their work and notice mistakes they made that they would love to do-over had they been given the chance.

With Papanasam, what I see is the director, Jeethu Joseph, having improved upon himself. Of all the versions of the film I have seen, the tamil film comes across by far the most subtle - and that is in particular due to Kamal Haasan's sensibilities and energy permeating and influencing the cast, I feel.

So, personally, yes, the tamil version is the best! I understand that people who are sentimental towards 'originals' might not agree, but I think if you were willing to be impartial and unbiased, it is difficult to miss the perfection of this film in the tamil version.

Great thrills in the second half - a real roller-coaster ride!

The title represents a small town where the story takes place. An opportunity to see the old Kamal Haasan. It was like been ages, seen him in this kind of attire, especially Tirunelveli accent was phenomenal. As usual, his performance and expressions stole the show and none others were matched his par in the movie. Nothing wrong to call it was his show. Kind of addicted to 'Yeya En Kottikkaara' song. A typical Tamil song, if you are, you might feel the deep.

It was a remake of the Malayalam movie 'Drishyam', which was inspired by the Japanese novel 'The Devotion of Suspect X'. I have not seen the original movie, but seen the Japanese version based on the same book. There are no major comparisons, except the crime, the rest was completely rewritten to suit the Indian audience. But the writer denies, by saying neither book adaptation nor inspired.

I have heard that the narration was very emotional and the characters were more guilt feel than the Malayalam. Initially Rajnikath was considered for the main role, but happy it went to Kamal Haasan. None other than him would have suited better to portray Suyambulingam. He would definitely bring the emotions out of you easily. After Sivaji, he's the king of those roles. At the plenty of the scenes I was amazed by his execution, especially in the end scene when he finally breakdown with guilt.

I don't believe when people say the original version is a must watch. Every film industry in India has fine actors, especially this film recruited their best as of I have heard. So I recommend your native version or the closest one to opt. The advantage in the remakes are, a chance to fix if there were any flaws in the original. Since it was directed by the same filmmaker, I strongly suggest the neural audience to pick between the original and this one, because of the naturalistic portrayal of the rural family. But if you prefer stylish, especially for the non- Indian, there's always Bollywood.

9/10

Papanasam (2015) review: Remakes from Malayalam are not new for Tamil film industry. To name a few the recent successful 36 vayadhinile, Yester year's success movies like Friends, kadhaluku Mariyadhai, Chandramookhi, Ninaithale Inikum Kuselan, perazhagan etc

Drishyam was a one of the blockbuster Malayalam movies of all times. The successful movie went to speak Telugu, Kannada and proved its worth in both reprisals. Following that it was remade in Tamil and Hindi (yet to hit the screens). Who knows this script might be reprised in other languages as well in future.

Papanasam is a family drama – thriller. Since the story and screenplay is well known for almost all south Indian Cinema viewers. Kamal has not added anything extra to the script he seems to be the clear director's artist in the movie.

The story is about an ordinary village man trying to save his loved ones who has committed a situational crime. The Nellai nativity flows all over the story applause the writer Jeya Mohan who has penned the dialogues.

When it comes to the performances obliviously we have the ultimate show from the Ace actor and the legendary film star Kamalhassan. Asha Sharath who has reprised the same role has done 100% justice to her role as an I.G and a sobbing mother. Nivedha Thomas as the daughter fits comfortably on the role. The entire team was a good pick for the roles.

Plus points of the film would be definitely Kamal's acting, the script and the gripping story line.

On the contrary the length of the movie seemed too long almost 3 hours ten minutes and the initial portion of the movie to introduce the characters was bit long journey before the actual turning point of the movie.

Overall for those who didn't watch Drishyam this would be an ultimate family thriller. For the other viewers definitely the flavour of Drishyam would be missing throughout because originals stay in your mind which is inevitable.

-Reviewed by Sivakumar Balachandran

This is a rare instance where the remake surpasses the original. Not many remakes do that. But Tamil cinema has quite a few memorable instances like Ghilli and Vasoolraja MBBS that stepped above the remakes and became better films. Papanasam joins that list now. Kamal Haasan makes Mohanlal look so uninteresting, bland and inept. Yes, that final climax scene was slightly overdose of the melodramatic Kamal Haasan but that's his strength and that's why people love him. He comes from the Sivaji school of acting (his mentor is Sivaji Ganesan as said by him umpteen times).

The film is so superbly blended into the Tamil nativity that a lot of effort and detail have been done by the makers to achieve this. The girl who plays the elder daughter is top notch, and so is the younger one. Gautami passes muster. Asha Sharrath (the cop) is as brilliant as she did in the original. Kalabhavan Mani goes one step above the original's actor to deliver a knockout performance. The music greatly aids the film with the haunting background score (very well done Ghibran). Overall, the Kamal Haasan factor lifts the film above the original easily. Note: I watched Drishyam (Malayalam) first, but now I regret it. I wish I watched Papanasam first. But out of the two, I will end up watching Papanasam again.

Chill thrilling experience. Waiting for Papanasam2.