The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Kamal shines in this police plot

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Saturday, Sep 01, 2007
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Kamal shines in this police plot

Film: Raghavan

Cast: Kamal Hassan, Jyothika, Kamalinee

Director: Gautam Menon

Gautam Menon shows his fetish again for cop stories and this one creates a tone of sombre determination and provides an engaging plot. In this dubbed film Kamal strikes the Telugu screen as a courageous cop who investigates a series of brutal rapes and murders, with the culprits seeming to cover more than one country.

While the actor travels to New York to nab them, the episodic film is a little off balance - for every terrific scene, there is another misfire. But the good stuff is quite inventive, and some arresting visuals, pleasantly hammy performances balance the occasionally gooey romance with Kamalini and Jyothika .

The film has got everything realistic (the FBI scenes, the international police operations). The first one hour is heavy where you get to watch characters becoming victims of serial killers, then there are sporadic songs, irritating flash backs and deviating sub-titles. The film certainly has more of interest to provide visually than it does through its story. Still, the movie’s reluctance to progress beyond standard action cliches prevents it from becoming anything more than a mildly interesting curiosity. Kamal looks his usual charismatic self, no over action while doing those weepy scenes – he looks a touch old and little out of shapeJyothika uses her eyes to the maximum advantage. Kamalini is wasted and Prakash Raj surprisingly accepts to work in a subdued role. Except for the repulsive rape scenes, corpses and the preposterous coincidence called ‘the sixth sense’ that lead pair keep landing in, the niche appeal of this film means it will not be a roaring success, but those looking for a screenplay with even a modicum of cleverness will certainly love it.

Harris Jayraj’s music is cool, and the film thrives well on the strength of Kamal’s screen persona and a delightful mix of supporting characters.

Y. SUNITHA CHOWDURY

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