Originally Posted by
mappi
Veeram [Tamil : 2014 : 2h40m]
Co-Written & Directed by Siva
Produced by Bharathi Reddy
Music : Devi Sri Prasad (DSP)
Cinematography : Vetri
Editing : Kasi Viswanathan
Banner : Vijaya Productions
Starring : Ajith Kumar & Brothers, Tamana & Family, Santhanam, Appu Kutti, Big eyed Villans & their running side kicks
Vinayagam brothers are 'orphaned kittens'. The eldest, Vinayagam, parents the rest 4 and all 5 become successful rice merchants. Even though their daily lives is filled with fun and frolic, the necessity that the age demands, marriage, is vacant - the sole reason being Vinayagam, who simple refuses to get married creating a roadblock for the rest. The brothers hatch a plan to ditch Vinayagam in the love pool, and they succeed. All 5 pack up to visit Koopuram Devi's family [the love interest of Vinayagam] and they are heartily satisfied with the warmth and joy they get simply being in the presence of a family. But fate does take a pinch at their happiness. Their past deeds comes as a threatening thunder upon Koppu's family, to which Vinayagam vows to himself on safe guarding them at any cost. But what he gets back is the pain of the pinch which puts him in a cloud of deception when he learns the danger that's hitting Koppu's family. Taking a stand of righteousness, its all about how Vinayagam takes all the wounds to save his loved ones which showcases not only his affection but also his VEERAM
Let me clear off the major point that’s been worrying many while watching a movie for entertainment - Veeram does not care about E=mc². Instead it takes much care on its presentation. With an apt casting and light-headed narration, Veeram turns out to be an awesome entertainer in which ever corner one looks at. Most importantly they have kept all the ingredients of a main stream movie in check, and that what helps the viewer-ship. The characters who come in the film are believable, exception to the Villan(s). It was like he was flying over in a parachute when suddenly one of the ropes got cut. But hey, he is an important pawn used by Siva to project the basic character of Vinayagam. But still Siva could have given them a different costume, looks like he shot those scenes during Siruthai and added it to Veeram.
One more word from me about Ajith will make no difference as it will be like just another drop to the already known fact how an awesome artist he is. He just gets more brotherly as the movie advances and during the climax performance you could really see a Big Brother on the roll. He is convincing to the core as Vinayagam. Teaming up with Tamana, their is a aura present in all the scenes & situations where they are together. Ajith's getup was spoon fed by Siva. But where he actually portrays his age is with the 1991 Thalapathy song. Do your math you can get Vinayagam's age. Plus, he goes forward and gives a profession for Koppu which needs enough dedication and time to be quite experienced. Koopu's nature of handling her work puts her on top in her work, making her easily nearing her 30's. Now this hidden factor in the narration is what clicks the couple's reunion and togetherness.
The rest of the cast fill the screen aptly rounding up the family atmosphere. Few characters are used to link us with Vinayagam, but the rest are just those wonderful items on a decorative shelf. Santhanam gets a special mention here along with the brothers. Even though the situations and the one-liners are converged to be funny, what makes it work is the coordination of these 5 characters giving you the jerks and crooked expressions at the right time. The small part played by Appu Kutti is warm. Even though the humour with Thambi Ramaiya attracts only a certain group of audience, his facial expressions are note worthy. Even Ajith could not stop laughing, which was captured as it is, just before the Jing Chak song.
Siva was very keen on the entertainment factor with 2 things in his list - Ajith & his experience as a film maker. Using Ajith & a charming set of artists, he narrates his tale quite intensively. One does not find a "seat-adjusting-moment" (exceptions excluded) while watching Veeram. The shots he had called for Ajith are praise worthy as he angles Ajith while uttering some fabulous lines such a way that you get the "larger-than-life" feel on screen. The way he leads us to the climax was quite efficient and crisply finishing the movie may become a note for future film makers. Not only the names of the characters are revolving around the name Vinayagam, the climax where Ajith gets up gives you the "thrid-eye" feel while looking through the Trident. Plus care to note the Vel that pierces the 1st side kick. There are so many instances like that throughout the film.
Where Siva marks his authority is in his poetical narration. The angelic entry of Tamana was much needed as until then it was just the rustic and the unkempt environment. He uses Tamana to cleanse Vinayagam Borthers, and the variation in tone color he uses on screen is worth noting. I enjoyed mostly all the scenes and situations, one being, when Vinayagam goes to the temple to meet Koopu, you see Tamana moving up as an angle and ends by telling the colour is also fine on Vinayagam. Small moments like that marks the potential of Siva. Similarly after the train episode when she realises her deception, the camera follows the crack up to Koppu illustrating that "their relationship cracks due to Vinayagam's action". Another one, when sad Tamana is by the window you see a bird trapped in a cage - explains a lot - and when Ajith gets caught by Nasser you see 2 birds trapped in the cage - explains a lot too. I can go one, but just wish to tell you one final thing that gets all my appreciation - in a house everyone were bare foot, and that’s a rarity - even Ajith walking away from the house is barefoot, as he comes from inside the house. So the point is Siva has attentively worked on the script, and if you ask me, I would say its Siva Show all the way.
Vetri, Silva, DSP, Kasi Viswanathan etc., the rest of the technicians are top notch, where DSP and Vetri seem to be in a battle. Vetri has excellently captured Ajith in his lens. DSP did try his best to keep it soft, and appreciations for him esp. the 2nd half where his bgm does allow us to connect to the sentiments. Thanks for not using the theme as the only bgm, but put it in apt places just to pump up the viewership experience. Action blocks were beautifully shot and sprinkled with some mind blowing stunt sequences [blood and gore, well, quite in check]. Dialogues were quite crisp, but also were quite cheesy at many places esp. for Nasser and the villains. The decor was superb too, both Vinayagam and Koopu domiciles looked live. Costumes / make-up were quite natural. Anything or anyone missed - a universal say : Good team work.
Watch Veeram with anyone you want, there are moments for each one to enjoy. The Hide-seek episode will be a treat for the kids, as its like a fairy tale - that mischievous wolf entry moment - narrated by an advisory voice of Ajith.
Veeram : Beautiful and tough
