Punnagai Mannan (1986) :
Brief Review -
One the Finest Musical Rom-Com Tragedy Ever Made in India which has its own experimental theories in Mainstream Features. How the hell it has remained Underrated? Whatever Romantic Comedies and Tragedies you have have seen before 90s, try and remember all the theories and forget them all at once. Because Punnagai Mannan is new experiment in Mainstream cinema that has more than expected and more than demanded in every aspect. The film begins on different note from other romantic movies. While all the regular tragedies had death factor saved for the climax, this film starts its engine with that tragic note. And how. Totally different, experimental, something that we haven't seen before. A failed suicide attempt also explores a disowned life formula when Kamal Haasan asks Court to hang him instead of 1 year sentence. At the same time we meet Kamal Haasan's 2nd role where he is seen in Charlie Chaplin's shoes. Then another suicide attempt but for childish mistake and new Love story begins. Now tell me how many Indian Films have had so much in store just for the basic plotting? Kamal Haasan is a terrific as an actor in both the roles. His Chaplin acts are stunning, one of them also inspired his own 'Apoora Sarodharagal' and additionally we are blessed to see his Dancing skills. In Sagara Sangmam he ruled in Classical dance form but here it was completely opposite, a modern form of Dance and he has nailed it. Revathi looks so beautiful as Malini and her dancing skills are absolutely top notch. Ilaiyaraaja's Music is Fine but the songs have made this film little longer. Otherwise, the screenplay is very engaging. I enjoyed it thoroughly and didn't feel bored even for a moment which i felt somewhat for other high rated comedies of Kamal Haasan. This is an Evergreen Classic by K. Balachander, some stuff like one of its own kind in this Rom-Com genre.
RATING - 8/10*
By - #samthebestest.
