Coming to the performance quotient of the artistes, Dr.Kamal Haasan needs no review to justify his class and perfection in enacting the roles he undertakes. As the effeminate Kathak dancer, Dr.Kamal Haasan was marvelous with his body language and facial expressions, thanks to his dancing background. His dancing skill needs no introduction, and he executes the Kathak dance movements with complete ease and grace. The transformation from the dancer to an action hero was fantastically portrayed and Dr.Kamal looks totally convincing as an action hero as well, at the very ripe age of 58. He proves again and again that he is the 'Ulaga Nayagan' indeed. Rahul Bose, plays an equally important role as the antagonist of the film, and has nearly as much time space as the protagonist. His body language and composure in playing the role of a terrorist leader, was super good and proves that he is one of the best performers in Indian cinema. Pooja Kumar makes a good debut in Tamizh cinema, and looks confident on screen. Abhirami's dubbing work was in sync with Pooja's look and suits the character well. Jaideep Ahlawat, made use of his opportunity quite well. The rest of the cast such as renown director Shekhar Kapur, Andrea Jeremiah, Nassar, Samrat Chakrabarti, Zarina Wahab, Miles Anderson, James Babson were appropriate for their roles but had very little time space in the film. Some of the dubbing work for a few artistes among this list, looked awkward and fake, due to the unfamiliarity with the Tamizh language.
When it comes to the technical front, 'Viswaroopam' is one of the best films made in Tamizh cinema. Every department worked their socks off for this film, and the output is visible on the silver screen. The sound department under the supervision of Anand Krishnamoorthi and Kunal Rajan must be applauded for the extensive and detailed work in the film. The script demands such stunning sound recording and with the Auro 3D effect put to use, the audio effects were brilliant. Gautami Tadimalla's costume designing was very apt for the diversely different scenarios and locations used in the film. Kudos to her, especially for the Afghan episodes. Madhu Sudhanan's VFX supervision was good but it could have been better if more budget was allocated for the visual effects department. Ralis Khan and Gage Hubbard's make-up effects for Kamal Haasan and Rahul Bose and Nassar was top notch. Their make-up gave the characters, realistic and authentic look. The stunt choreography was stunningly done in the film and was handled by experts from various backgrounds and country. The scope is very extensive since it covers war-prone backdrop. Also, Dr. Kamal's solo fight sequence in the warehouse was explosive ! A treat for Dr.Kamal's fans !! Fantastic work by Kecha Khamphakdee of Jaika Stunt team from Thailand, Lee Whittaker, Parvez Feroz and T.Ramesh !! Another important work is of the art department's because thhe film must look authentic in order to be convincing and Dr.Kamal's choice of the apt technicians, was a good decision indeed. Lalgudi N.Ilayaraja and Vietnamese Boontawee 'Tor' Taweepasas handled the production and art department, extremely well. The Afghan war-torn and cave-filled landscape was brought out authentically in Chennai studios. A huge sum of money was invested for the art department, and each penny was put to good use. The props such as guns, machinery, bombs and explosives, everything looked original and believable. Boontawee and Ilayaraja should take a bow, together !! Mahesh Narayanan could have handled the editing department better, especially in the second half. The transition from past to present and vice versa was not smooth and the plenty of cut-shots in the end was sloppy and abrupt. But still, his work in the action sequences, was fantastic. This film would not have been possible, without the huge contribution and dedication of cinematographer Sanu John Varughese. His framing and camera movements for the battle scenes were terrific and he has handled the color tone of each episodes very well. The thrilling car chase scene was well shot, but it could have been even better. Also, his time-slicing/time-freezing technique was executed well. Anyway's 'Viswaroopam' will definitely be a milestone in Sanu John Varughese's career. Well done !!
Music by the Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy trio was adequate. The title track, "Vishwaroopam" was used during Dr.Kamal's first introductory action scene, and it fits in terrifically well for the situation. "Thuppakki Engal" is a lighthearted song picturized in montages, showing the assimilation of Dr.Kamal's character into the Al-Qaeda network and their activities and journeys done and encountered daily. "Anu Vidhaitha" is an emotional song showing the power of destruction and war on the people who resides in the isolated, hilly regions of Afghanistan. "Unnai Kaanadhu" was picturized beautifully on Dr.Kamal's fabulous Kathak dancing skills, which was beautifully choreographed by Pandit Birju Maharaj. The song was shot on Dr.Kamal and his pupils and has the theme of Radha yearning for Krishna's love. The remix version of the title track appears towards the end credits. The background music was very apt, but it lacked the power and arresting-nature, which the movie demands.
Dr.Kamal's film has a global and important message underlying throughout the film. The film is peppered with highly intelligent dialogues, which some of them carrying concealed messages. The screenplay was structured in a non-linear manner, but it lacks a powerful and gripping narration. The action is there to watch, but the intensity was missing. The open-ended climax surprised many, but deters a few from true satisfaction, because of many unanswered questions and gaps left, which could be explored in the sequel. Dr.Kamal's intention has been to merely entertain the audience and he has succeeded in it. But hardcore fans of his might feel disappointed and unsatiated with the film, which leaves them craving for more, in order to come to a conclusion, of being satisfied or not. Many characters have very little space and time in the film, leaving the majority of the film focusing primarily on Dr.Kamal, Rahul and Jaideep's characters. Also, the dubbing work for some of the characters was a out of place. The direction by Dr.Kamal was good. Though the film is not on par with Dr.Kamal's previous directorials such as 'Hey Ram' and 'Virumaandi', it is worth watching for the effort of Dr.Kamal in making intelligent commercial entertainers
'Viswaroopam' - the standards of commercial cinema has been raised once again by Dr.Kamal. An engaging watch for regular cinema-goers. Part 2 is definitely essential for a thoroughly, complete satisfactory feel for the die-hard fans of Dr.Kamal.
Ratings: 3.5/5 STARS
BY:TAMIL
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