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No cakewalk for the Almighty!
less of humour From Arai Enn 305il Kadavul
Neither God visiting the Earth nor man setting foot on the celestial horizon is new in cinema. Simbudevan tows the former line in S Pictures’ ‘Arai Enn 305il Kadavul’ (U). After ‘Imsai Arasan …’ it is but natural to expect a laugh riot from him, but the cartoonist turned filmmaker often touches a serious chord in ‘Arai Enn …’ thus relegating comedy to the second place.
Simbudevan’s shift is a little disappointing. But though the characters are many, Simbu’s screenplay sees to it that no confusion arises. His intelligent dialogue is another redeeming feature. Donning the role of God comes easy for Prakash Raj but playing a dominant part is a big leap for Santhanam — there’s a sea change in his physique and voice modulation. Kanja Karuppu is more or less his usual self, though he has his morose moments too.
Cribbing about their future that looks as bleak as ever, Rasu (Santhanam) and Mokkai (Kanja Karuppu) — roommates in a lodge — curse the Almighty. But they are struck dumb when God (Prakash Raj) actually appears before them. He is willing to listen to their woes, show them a little of his magical powers and guide them. But doling out money isn’t this Supernatural figure’s aim. And funnily he himself depends on gizmos to retain his super power! What follows ought to have been a host of hilarious situations, but surprisingly Simbu opts for a pensive strain with just a sprinkling of humour.
Admirably, every character big and small has individuality and each of them is practical. It is child’s play for Prakash Raj and the brilliant strokes he executes with his mellowed down reactions will be remembered for long. Santhanam and Karuppu do reasonably well, but the onus sits too heavy on their frail shoulders. It’s sad to see a serious Santhanam.
Madhumita scores with her taciturnity and traditional look, though her screen time seems curtailed. As a simple girl in love with Prakash Raj, Jyotirmayi is natural. V.S.Raghavan, Rajesh, M.S.Bhasker and Ilavarasu are laudable additions. But the long-drawn discussions that the characters have with Prakash Raj are tedious. Thankfully Madan Bob appears sans his trademark laughter — watching him chortle in film after film was getting a bit too much. One sequence and it’s enough for ‘Delhi’ Ganesh to showcase his versatility! The same goes for the other scene-stealer VMC. Hanifa.
The words (Na. Muthukumar) and tune of Vidyasagar’s ‘Kadhal Sei’ remain with you for long. Technically, CG and visual effects (by Indian Artists) are strong points of ‘Arai Enn … Children will enjoy them. Soundararajan’s camera skilfully travels through the cramped rooms of the main players. Also V. Selvakumar’s art work warrants special mention.
The inspiration could have been any film from Carl Reiner’s 1977 rib-tickler ‘Oh, God!’ and its sequels, to the Jim Carrey drollery, ‘Bruce Almighty’ and S.V.Ramanan’s ‘Uruvangal Maaralaam’(Tamil). However, it’s the treatment that matters and you can’t help but note that in ‘Arai Enn …’ the low levity level and the overdose of didacticism are dampeners.
Arai Enn 305il Kadavul
Genre: Supernatural
Director: Simbudevan
Cast: Prakash Raj, Santhanam, Kanja Karuppu, Madhumita, Jyotirmayi
Storyline: When two youngsters are in despair God descends. But does he help?
Bottomline: It isn’t laughter all the way
MALATHI RANGARAJAN
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