BOOLOHAM (2015)

BOOLOHAM (2015)

Director: Kalyanakrishnan

Casts: ‘Jayam’ Ravi, Trisha, Ponvanan, Prakash Raj
Music: Srikanth Deva
Language: Tamil
Genre: Action

After being in the cans for about three years, ‘Booloham’ has finally seen the light today. With two out of three films turning out to be super hits, ‘Jayam’ Ravi has all reasons to anticipate another one to add to his winning list. With good star casts and exciting promos, did ‘Booloham’ manage to direct its punches accurately?

Synopsis

The film starts with a long-term rivalry among two clans of boxing generations in North Madras. However, when Booloham (Jayam Ravi) clench victory, a greedy TV channel owner (Prakash Raj) tries to rake in the ratings by pitting a reluctant local boxer against a notorious international champion who is known for killing his opponent in the ring.

Story – Screenplay

Kalayanakrishnan should be given a pat for crafting a script that highlights the corruptions and control in sports that are happening behind all the glitz and glamour. The message has lots of potential and the concept itself should be commended.

The best aspect of the writing must be definitely pointed at director S.P.Jananathan’s fiery and punchy dialogues that will make you stop and think about the business angle of sports in current society. During the scene where ‘Jayam’ Ravi and Prakash Raj have a verbal fight on the contractual clauses, Jananathan’s writing evokes a thunderous response in the theatre hall.

However there are too many forced commercial elements that make this concept loud, exaggerated and preachy. The film stays sceptical throughout on its objective. The tonal inconsistency of the film results in losing the audience gradually who might be confused to take this film as a thoughtful boxing film or a mindless parody. The devotional/motivational song looks funny and out of place despite intending to move the narration. Moreover, Trisha’s character and the love angle look forced too. Salsa dance as a practice for boxing? Seriously? This is juts one example of how a novel script gets buried down by certain sore portions.

Casting & Performance

‘Jayam’ Ravi has certainly worked very hard for the role, with chiselled, toned body and his raw dialogue delivery. He is extremely convincing as an aggressive local boxer from North Madras. The climax fight sequence is the biggest highlight of the film and Ravi has done a great job in it. However, the director could have avoided in making his character a little too exaggerated at parts.

Trisha has a very limited role has ‘Booloham’’s fiancé. Honestly a character that might be the most underwritten one in her career. Prakash Raj fits perfectly as the menacing TV channel owner. However, a little more closed arc for the character could have made the character more memorable.

Professional wrestler Nathan Jones is the best casting choice Kalayanakrishnan have made as he looks dangerous and threatening. His presence makes the film more interesting in the second half.

Technicality

‘Booloham’ is technically satisfactory and offers what is needed for the narration.

Satish Kumar’s cinematography is exciting and raw, especially during the fighting segments. His desaturated colours and fast motions do add value to the concept etched out by the maker. Veteran editor, VT Vijayan moves the film in a quick and steady pace. The flashy TV graphics appearing throughout the film to give a TV programme treatment is interesting.

On the flipside, the biggest drawback that pulls the overall experience of the film down is Srikanth Deva’s loud music that is out of place. The repetitive BGM and uninspiring songs does not help the proceeding.

Bottomline

'Booloham' is a thoughtful boxing flick with lots of potential that goes undiscovered in the loud execution.

Verdict:

Rating :  2.75/5