Dialogue rules the roost
Amidst violence, villainy and cacophony that pervades today's cinema scene, enters L. Ve. Creators' `Jery,' (U) a full-length comedy, backed by the story, screenplay and dialogue of `Crazy' Mohan. Directed by S. B. Kanthan, `Jery' offers a lot to laugh about. Mohan's intelligent and healthy humour dialogue is indeed the mainstay of `Jery.'
Jayaram or Jery (Ramesh) as he is known, is a college goer who scoffs at the idea of true love. Falling in love is a waste of time, and the easiest thing to do, he thinks. When his friends disagree with him, he throws up a challenge that he will make not one, but three girls fall for him. His friend Kaushik (Raghav) could select the girls.
Apt casting
Kaushik promptly points out to the seemingly strict police official Jeeva (Meera Vasudevan), famous film actor Janani (Mumtaz) and Janaki (Shruti), the college girl he's constantly at loggerheads with. (The names of all the lead players in `Jery' begin with the alphabet J.) The three heroines are examples of apt casting.
`Jiththan' Ramesh gets a chance to do comedy and for one whose career is still in its nascent stages, he does quite a neat job. `Jery' glides through the first half without sagging. (Mohan's screenplay is a strong point here.) The story for the most part, is light and typically Mohan — only that he has tried to weave in serious emotions later on, in an otherwise clear stream of comedy. So much so, the suspense and sentiment brought in appear contrived. In films, you'll never come across such a romantic police officer as Jeeva. (Meera looks cute.) And the fun-filled police station in `Jery,' is a refresher. A sozzled `Crazy' Mohan, as Janani's uncle Rukmangadhan, gives you a whale of a time in the scene at the pub. Mumtaz's understated portrayal deserves mention — a solid role with no sleaze. Shruti, the girl who leads the story to its end, enacts her part with sensitivity.
Another commendable show comes from `Madhu' Balaji. He sails through the role of an illiterate hairdresser with the ease of a veteran. Thankfully, for the first time, Madan Bob has not been made to punctuate his dialogue with his characteristic laughter! Small parts for Neelu and Sachu, yet they manage to make an impact. Raghav's casual approach to the role is impressive. Towards the climax Santhana Bharati with his serious demeanour in the comic situations makes quite an impact.
Jery confuses the viewer in the climactic sequences when he acts as though he has a great ploy up his sleeve to get out of the tricky situation, but does nothing concrete till the end. The final scenes lack clarity. Rukmangadhan's single point agenda (to get Janani married) is overdone. But probably you don't ask too may questions in a comedy.
Technically speaking
Ramesh Vinayakam sets the right mood straightway with the vibrant music he provides for the titles. The scenes where you hear the mellifluous notes of the ` En Swasathil ... ' song in the background bring the composer's potential to the fore. The fast paced `Naan Pudicha ... ' and `Devuda ... ' are foot-tapping pieces from Vinayakam. Lyricists Su. Ravi and Kavivarman's words make you sit up and take note of them. Thepicturisation of the numbers is astutely done. Vincent's camera is a plus.
On the whole, `Jery' offers a fiesta for lovers of fun and wit in `Crazy' style.
MALATHI RANGARAJAN
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