Movie Review : Jananayagan
The cinematic farewell as Thalapathy Vijay's last film before his political journey, H Vinoth's Jananayagan, hit theatres in July 23rd.
The story told largely in flashback is about Thalapathy Vetri Kondan ( Thalapathy Vijay) who was once a fearless cop dreaded by baddies. Due to a series of events, involving the corrupt politico Roja Rangasamy ( Prakash Raj) he ends up in jail implicated falsely. There he meets the jailer ( Gautham Menon in a cameo) and his little daughter and in a series of circumstances, when the jailer dies in an accident, Vetri becomes the guardian of the child. Once she grows up, he wants Viji ( Mamitha Baiju) to get over her fears, be a strong young woman and join the army.
Years later, once he is out of jail, he crosses paths with Rangasamy again, who this time is in cahoots with a dreaded international criminal John Himmler (Bobby Deol). Together the duo have a plan to wreak havoc and create a civil war, all to tbeir political advantage.
Is Thalapathy able to stop them in time?
The film is a commercial entertainer filled with mass whistle worthy moments with Thalapathy Vijay at the epicentre, engaging the audience with his mass action sequences, epic dance moves and touching emotional scenes. He also delivers moving messages on women's empowerment and the duty of the public to protect democracy and their rights by choosing their representatives wisely.
Anirudh Ravichander's bgm and songs elevate the film, aided by superbly choreographed and filmed songs, in grandly designed sets, and Thalapathy's spellbinding dance moves that all add to the mass moments in the film. The stunt choregraphy is also well done, bringing out the power of the villains and powerful punches of the hero.
Prakash Raj does a fine job as the nefarious politico while Bobby Deol fits the bill of Himmler in a lengthy role, with a solid act. Pooja Hegde makes her presence felt as Kayal the journalist and has a meaningful presence in the story while Mamitha Baiju as the ward of Thalapathy, fits the bill, with her noteworthy performance. The scenes between her and Thalapathy are both lighthearted, yet touching and meaningful, showing their deep bond. Priyamani in a significant cameo, does a, fine job.
At the centre of it all is Thalapathy Vijay, whose act not only entertains but also leaves you nostalgic, as the film emphasises this his last time on the big screen. Watch out for the end credits which pay homage to the years he has spent entertaining fans.
On the flip side, the second half feels quite stretched with several segments woven into the stort, and could have done with some editing. The climax also seems a tad rushed through with too many things happening all at once. The robot scenes, though giving a contemporary touch with thrilling elements of remote controlled warfare, seem a tad lengthy after a while.
Jananayagan, with the charismatic, mass presence of Vijay, is a most engaging, commercial entertainer, with a blend of mass, fun and emotional highs, a fantastic, nostalgic celebration of the phenomenon that is Thalapathy Vijay.
Rating 3.5/5
