Mixed recipe lacks punch -- Gnabagangal
WEAK SCREENPLAY: Gnabagangal
Genre: Romance
Director: Jeevan
Cast: Pa.Vijay, Sridevika, ‘Nizhalgal’ Ravi, ‘Silandhi’ Chandru and Jeevan.
Storyline: A young poet aspires to make it big in the film industry, and his ambition is fulfilled too. But his romance suffers a setback.
Bottomline: Distracted debut.
The first frame of ‘Gnabagangal,’ in which lyricist Pa. Vijay makes his debut as an actor, unfolds with his voice informing the audience that it is the love saga of his good friend, poet Kadiravan. But the way the narration flows, one fee
ls that it could be Pa.Vijay’s own love story too.
The tale is a mix of O. Henry’s ‘The Gift of the Magi,’ Mithaq Kazimi’s short film, ‘Through Her Eyes’ and Rituparno Ghosh’s ‘Rain Coat,’ especially the second half. The only difference is that Pa. Vijay’s male protagonist is a poet.
The plot
A young poet, Kadhiravan, wants to make it big in the film industry as a lyricist and his ultimate aim is to get a national award.
In his quest, he is helped by Meera. They love each other. But Meera’s father marries his daughter off to a wealthy diamond merchant. In the meantime, Kadhiravan makes a name for himself as a lyricist and his dream comes true when he is also selected for the national award.
Kadhiravan goes to New Delhi to receive the award. From there he goes to Haridwar, in search of Meera. They meet, talk and pretend to be happy.
Debut role
Pa.Vijay should have worked more on his debut role than allow himself to be distracted by the responsibilities of writing the storyline, screenplay and dialogue apart from production.
He seems comfortable as the dialogue writer and passes muster as an actor in some scenes.
The heroine, Sridevika, looks older than the hero, but does a good job in some scenes in the second half.
The others do not have meaty roles. Chandru and Jeevan are just adequate. ‘Nizhalgal’ Ravi makes a brief and breezy appearance as a popular lyricist.
Jamesvic, making his debut as the music director, has done a decent job.
The climax song ‘Gnabagam Illayo Thozhi,’ in particular, is sure to fetch another award for singer S.P. Balasubramaniyam, whose golden voice seems to suit all the actors in the industry – young or old. The background score is also up to the mark.
Cameraman-director Jeevan should have worked more on the screenplay with the writer to offer interesting insights, bring out different facets and incidents to make the film gripping. Most of the songs do not blend well and seem to have been imposed upon on the scenes. The narration lacks the much-needed punch.
S.R. ASHOK KUMAR
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