AINTHU AINTHU AINTHU / 555 MOVIE REVIEW

Sasi, who is known for his sensitive and emotional story-telling methods, is back with a flick after the critically acclaimed 'Poo'. However, this time the landscape is urban and theme is an action-oriented suspense thriller. The film has been long in the making, for nearly 3 years and is a very, very vital film for Bharath, if he is serious about salvaging his acting career. Also, Bharath has put in tremendous effort to sculpt his physique, which is marketed as a USP of the film. So how does this fresh pairing works out, aided by a new team of technicians ?

Bharath has poured his best efforts to look and bring out the raw emotions of his characters, especially with the rough, bearded look. His dancing skills are of no questions, and has handled his stunt sequences not too bad, either. He has shown good maturity in handling his character but there are lots of room for improvements in terms of dialogue delivery and timing. He could work out more on his modulation, certainly. But bravo to the man, for his excellent output of his laborious hard-work, put in maintaining that eight-pack physique. The need of it for the script, is a different question altogether, but still hats-off to him. Of the two female leads, Mrithika has the meatier role and she does a fairly good job. Pulling off the innocent and naivety-filled character, seems to be an easy job for her. But still there is a long way to go. The petite and svelte-bodied Erica Fernandez was okay in her role, though she was not given enough screen space nor the proper room to stamp her mark. Nevertheless, another good looking glamor-girl is available for Tamizh cinema. Santhanam, chips in with his comedic one-liners, which is spread unevenly in the film, while also having a scope for more serious sequences. Sudesh Berry is a disappointment as the antagonist, as he is not convincing and looks out of place, though his' was an interestingly-motivated character. The film's small cast such as Letchumi, Ravi Ratnavelu, Rajbharath, Manobala, Swaminathan and etc are there to fill out the necessities of the script.

P.R Ganesh's costume designing was apt, in bringing out the persona of the characters and their current circumstances. Rajeevan's production design was simple but on the dot, especially with the interiors of the room sets used, such as bungalows and psychiatrist's counseling room. But the car-wreck should be the actual highlight of his work. Ravi Sri Chandran's action choreography was well handled, and fits the capabilities and physical aspects of Bharath, very well. Subarak's editing is a little too sharp and it hurts the flow of the screenplay. A smoother transition from one sequence to another could have made the film, even more better. But kudos to his work for the song sequences. Saravanan Abimonyu's cinematography was good. He has experimented with lighting and color tones for the various change-overs and mood of the script, and it has brought good results for the film. The car-accident sequence was very well and professionally handled, by the new cinematographer.

Newcomer Simon's music is just average but his love melodies, are pleasant numbers. "Rowdy Girls" was shot as Erica's opening song and was picturized in a harsh landscaped area, with minimal props and few dancers. Erica's costumes, made her look elegant. Some good editing by Subarak for this song. "Saregamapa" was used used as a background bit-song in few scenes of the film. "Mudhal Mazhai Kaalam" has montages and dance sequences mixed, with the latter shot on simple sets and had seamless dance work from Bharath. "Kaadhal Indha Kaadhal" was shot on Erica and Bharath, and has few montages used as a situational song. "Vizhiyile Vizhiyile" is the pick of the lot, and was shot in localities of Malaysia such as upmarket streets and parks, as well as indoor dance portions. Subarak has experimented with some editing methods for the song. A decent work from the crew, indeed ! "Elavu" was shot in a club-like setting, with dark lighting and featured John Vijay in a cameo, and was used as a situational song. "Ghanni Khamma" was shot in North India and featured Mrithika in the song, which was only used as a bit song. The background score was just functional, but the melody numbers have been used well.

Sasi, is a director who can handle his subject very well. He has used Aravind and Suresh Kumar's basic storyline, and developed a screenplay, with many intriguing mini plots and some fine twists and turns. However, the crux of the film is the love episode of Bharath and Mrithika, which was not up to the mark. The direction was a little disappointing, because the love episodes were not strong and emotionally, powerful enough to drive the film further. To have this sort of work from a director, who is a master in sensitive love portrayals, is a disappointment. But Sasi tries to make up for it by packaging the film with enough suspense elements and revealing it one by one, as the film progresses, though the non-linear screenplay is a little turn-off. The relationship between Erica and Bharath was not worked out well too, as it is inorganic and has no depth in it. The dubbing for the artistes are substandard, and is the real turn-off, actually. Sasi should have worked out well in regards to his casting. There are minor continuity mistakes and the detailing is a little amateurish. A more gripping screenplay and direction, could have worked wonders for the film. Songs have been ill-placed, as well and spoils the flow of the screenplay.

'Ainthu Ainthu Ainthu' is a neat thriller, but with its own shares of flaws.


Ratings: 2.75/5 STARS

BY:TAMIL