A captain's knock -- Paerarasu
TAUT AND RACY: Paerarasu
Paerarasu
Genre: Action
Director: Udhayan
Cast: Vijayakant; Prakashraj;
Damini
Storyline: As CBI officer Kasi Viswanathan begins to solve a missing case matters take several turns.
Bottomline: Victory for Vijayakant!
Vendetta and valour are always in vogue in cinema. Lend them pace and a plausible storyline and you have an indisputable winner on your hands. First time filmmaker Udhayan has understood the viewer's psyche and has churned out a potential grosser with Vijayakant in the lead, in Roja Combines' `Paerarasu' (U/A).
Writer-director Udhayan's intelligence shimmers throughout `Paerarasu.' To quote a few examples: He has done away with speed-hampering duets (The Rahasiya number may hence be excused!), doesn't allow the proceedings to get melodramatic (Though the story does offer scope for excessive sentiment.), has no disjointed comic diversions, and has a flashback that's quick and crisp. Also Udhayan's dialogue does have punches to highlight Vijayakant's leadership skills, but very astutely, they don't go overboard.
Kasi Viswanathan (Vijayakant) of the CBI is given the task of solving the case of a missing judge. In the process he stumbles upon certain startling truths about his sibling, who is equally commanding and straightforward. One believes in the Law and the other in Justice (which need not always be the same). The hunt is on, and Viswanathan proceeds undeterred.
Cameos click
Vijayakant looks comparatively trim and makes a solid impression. The costume designer has to be complimented for garbing the hero in sober outfits that become a high-ranking police official. No garish blazers or gaudy shoes for Vijayakant here! Heroine Damini makes a guest-like appearance once in a while, but they only help maintain the tempo of `Paerarasu.' Laudable aspects include Udhayan's cameos — Saratbabu, Vagai Chandrashekar and Pandiarajan do a worthy job. Also a notable break for Anandraj, who comes out with a commendable performance! All the same it is Prakashraj as the callous, criminal-minded politician, with a wacky sense of humour who steals the show.
Editing (Anil Malnad) steps up the narrative speed of `Paerarasu.' Composer Pravin Mani's re-recording is sonorous and suits the action-oriented sequences. The predictable backdrops (R.K. Nagu) make no pretensions of being imaginative. Ambiguities there are — there's no concrete difference between the twin heroes in body language or action. One tucks in his shirt the other doesn't, and that's about it. And stating that the only way to know one from the other is through a confidential mobile phone number is rather ridiculous!
Actually there's nothing new about the story of evil politicians and conscientious policemen. But surprising twists and clever treatment make `Paerarasu' interesting. Paerarasu may have surfaced later than expected but he should reap rich dividends for the team. It is an impact-making show by Vijayakant, who presents himself creditably as a dignified, imposing and upright CBI official. `Man of the Match' goes the slug — `Paerarasu' is surely one!
MALATHI RANGARAJAN
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