Movie Review: Andhagan
The much awaited Andhagan, ( Andhadhun remade in Tamil) has finally released.
Krish (Prashanth) is a pianist in Pondichery who pretends to be blind as it helps him get better professional opportunities. His life goal is to settle in London.
One day he meets a girl ( Priya Anand) who gives him a performing gig every evening at her family restaurant. They develop a bond.
One day, veteran actor Karthik ( Karthik) invites him to play at his home as a surprise for his wife Simi ( Simran) on their anniversary.
But a dreadful surprise awaits Krish when he lands up there. He actually witnesses Simi and her lover, Manohar (Samuthirakani) disposing off Karthik's deadbody in a suitcase.
Nobody suspects Krish as he is blind. But he is torn by what he saw and lands up at a police station to report the crime. However, to his horror he discovers Manohar , the lover is actually a senior cop who now becomes suspicious of Krish.
What happens next?
The comedy noir thriller directed by veteran Thiagarajan, ticks all the boxes, making the film a gripping, entertaining watch.
Though its a remake, Thiagarajan manages to give the film a local flavor, and yet retains the essence and story of the original. The way he treads this fine balance successfully deserves kudos.
The film is aesthetically shot by cameraman Ravi Yadav who coupled with the art director's superb choice of locations and decor of interiors, makes the film a visual delight in every frame.
Perfect casting is a huge plus for this film. Every actor has been carefully chosen and fits the part to a T, while also showcasing a different dimension of their talent. So you have Samuthirakani as a tough cop, but scared of his wife played by Vanitha Vijaykumar who nails the look and the role. Some very entertaining scenes there.
Then there is KS Ravikumar in a top notch performance, as are Urvashi and Yogi Babu. The scenes with the trio are to watch out for. Veteran actor Karthik lights up the screen with his presence.
For Prashanth, it is the perfect winner of a comeback film, with its strong content and a meaty role of a man who pretends to be blind and Prashanth the performer, totally nails it to perfection. He carries off, seemingly effortlessly, the transitions that the story takes him through, and though the role is devoid of starry 'heroism', the actor impresses in every frame, balancing his vulnerablity and thinking on his feet, in order to survive.
Matching him in every scene they are together in, is Simran Bagga, another excellent performer. Watching her add value to every frame, with her finely nuanced performance, one hopes she will be seen more in Tamil movies in coming days.
Priya Anand, an effortless performer, is perfectly cast as the pretty love of Krish's life, and lights up the screen with her innate positivity and amiable presence. Another talented actor, whom we hope to see more of.
Dialogues are good and the suspense and twists have been kept intact like in the original.
On the flip side, the songs of Santhosh Narayanan dont leave much of an impact, though the BGM is good.
Overall, Andhagan is a rivetting, edge of the seat thriller, with a superb cast, impressive performances, aesthetically mounted, highly entertaining comedy noir and a terrific comeback film for Prashanth.
Rating 4/5
Starring:
Simran, Priya Anand, Karthik,
Samuthirakani, KS.Ravikumar,Yogi
Babu,Oorvasi, Vanitha
Vijayakumar, Manobala, Besant Ravi,
Leela Samson, Ramesh Vaidhya,
Poovaiyar & Others.
Produced by Shanthi Thiagarajan
Directed by Thiagarajan
Camera : Ravi Yadav
Editing : Satish Surya
Music : Santhosh Narayanan
PRO : Nikkil
