NAVARASA (2021)
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| Critic - No. 229 |
Produced by: Madras Talkies
Casts: Suriya, Arvind Swami, Siddarth, Atharvaa, Vijay Sethupathi, Revathi, Anjali, Bobby Simha, Sananth, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Yogi Babu, Aditi Balan, Prakash Raj, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Prasanna, Shamna Kasim, Riythvika, Rohini, Prayaga Martin, Delhi Ganesh, Ramya, Nambeesan, Nedumudi Venu, Manikuttan
Language: Tamil
Music: A. R. Rahman, Santhosh Narayanan, Sundaramurthy KS, Rajesh Murugesan, Karthik, Ron Ethan Yohann, Govind Vasantha, Justin Prabhakaran, Vishal Bhardwaj
SYNOPSIS:
From secrets and lies to jealousy and control, four stories in this anthology film explore darker, deceptive sides of love.
REVIEW:
"Navarasa" is an anthology drama featuring some big directors, technicians and actors of the Tamil film industry. The anthology drama is an effort to help the film workers in Tamil cinema impacted by the pandemic. Kudos to director Mani Ratnam for bringing this project together for a greater cause.
The money generated from this effort will go to the film industry workers. Based on various rasa (emotions) such as anger, compassion, courage, disgust, fear, laughter, love, peace, and wonder, the film’s proceeds were given to the film industry workers.
Even though this initiative was kick started quite early in 2020, in terms of release, this will be the 4th anthology series in Tamil after Putham Pudhu Kaalai (202), Paava Kathaigal (2020) and Kutty Story (2021). For me, this was the project I was most excited about among the other anthologies and let’s dive into how it turned out to be!
Ethiri (dir. Bejoy Nambiar) - Compassion
Episode synopsis: When a young man unleashes years of pent-up rage on a stranger who wronged his brother, the aftermath reveals layers of regret and resentment.
Travelling in parallels, the film focuses on the repercussions of a murder and the guilt and forgiveness that follows. The film doesn’t have much dialogues and is heavily banked on the performances and visuals. The middle twist can be predictable miles away and due to the sombre mood sustained throughout, the engagement level is quite low as nothing much happens until the ending scene. The final conversation between Revathi and Vijay Sethupathi is almost similar to Cheenu Mohan and SJ Suryah’s conversation in Iraivi (2016) (if you have watched both the films you will know what I mean).
The resolution is simple, predictable and by the time the film ends, you don’t feel anything for the characters. Maybe, it would have been a great feature film with this segment being part of it. So as a standalone 30 min segment, Ethiri is nothing but a slow, dry film which wastes some talents like Prakash Raj and Ashok Selvan in blink and miss roles. That said, out of the star studded cast ensemble, Revathi shines.
Verdict - Despite having a strong cast ensemble, Ethiri lacks the intensity and character development needed for the concept.
Summer of 92 (dir. Priyadarshan) - Laughter
Episode synopsis: Invited back to his alma mater to speak, a popular actor takes the school's stage to recount his reckless, ridiculous antics as an unacademic teen.
I was quite disappointed that the laughter episode was replaced after director Ponram’s short film was rejected by the team. However, with due respect, veteran director Priyadarshan is a comedy king and he knows how to structure great situational comedies. Summer of 92 short is supposedly based on a true incident that happened to Malayalam actor Innocent Vareed Thekkethala. It is quite nice to see some school based comedies and it was really heartening to see legendary actors like Nedumudi Venu and Y.G.Mahendran elevating the story with their fine nuances.
Was this a laughathon? Nope. But it did make me chuckle here and there, especially during the climax scene. It was quite unsettling to see Yogi Babu being reduced to just a ‘narrator’ who tells his funny flashback. I would have really wanted him to be in the action of comedy. After changing gear to a bittersweet note for a bit at the last act, I was relieved that the film ended with a light note. Nothing to complain for this short but nothing really to rave as well. It was just okay.
Verdict - Despite its dry treatment, Summer of 92 will definitely make us chuckle occasionally with its cute, comical situations.
Project Agni (dir. Karthick Naren) - Wonder
Episode synopsis: Fixated on his radical theory on the human subconscious, a brilliant thinker realizes his ideas’ potential, and risks, as he shares them with a friend.
We really saw Karthick Naren in wonder when he debuted with the exceptional Dhuruvangal 16 (2016). Even if his second film, Mafia (2020) came out as quite a pretentious work, his film language was always on mark. Project Agni is a roller coaster to the mind from the word go. Even though the film is mostly filled with the conversation between Prasanna and Arvind Swami, it has some nice concepts that are easily structured for the audience to follow and be enthralled.
Of course, there were influences of Nolan and Kubrick at times and the theories are not entirely original but Karthick even nods to the influences by mentioning them in the film. Arvind Swami and Prasanna are terrific in their roles and the dialogues are sharp as knives, concise and relevant. Music by Ron Ethan Yohan elevates the sci-fi mood of the film, gelling well with the narrative, almost filling in as a character. This was one film that I couldn’t deviate even a second. It was on mark in terms of interpreting the given rasa (emotion) and was executed well. The twist in the end was good and emphasized again that Karthick is not a one trick pony. After watching this, all eyes will now be on his next film, ‘Maaran’ with Dhanush.
Verdict - Project Agni does full justice to its genre and rasa with a solid premise and performances, ending up as the strongest short of the lot.
Payasam (dir. Vasanth Sai S) - Disgust
Episode synopsis: Envious of his nephew’s success in life, a discontented villager’s simmering insecurity and resentment rear their ugly heads at a family wedding.
Vasanth is one director that the film industry needs and misses. At one point of time, his films were always raved as bold and ahead of his time. Even though he had a shaky form recently, I was happy to see his name in this anthology. ‘Payasam’ probably is the most simplest film of the anthology that literally follows through a 77 year old man’s jealousy and his vented up pain that instigates him to act in a way that might disgust the people who really know his real intentions. I really loved the earthy tones of the visuals and the fact they managed to hire many extras to replicate a nice Bhramin wedding despite the pandemic restrictions.
Delhi Ganesan is exceptional in expressing his hidden pain of his so called failed life (at least that is what he thinks) and projects that anger on his successful nephew who really loves him. Rohini as his subconscious self is interesting to watch and I really wished that there were more physical conflicts in it. Aditi Balan as the widower felt a bit unnecessary and flat. The final act was quite simple as well given the set up of the anger and it ended very abruptly. Again, another film that will give you a mixed feeling.
Verdict - Despite Delhi Ganesh’s nuanced performance, Payasam is an average, simple story about jealousy that will not leave you with much complaints.
Peace (dir. Karthick Subburaj) - Peace
Episode synopsis: A group of soldiers face risky choices when a young boy, separated from his family while fleeing home, seeks their help in making a rescue.
Coming from the school of short film, executing short stories is Karthick Subburaj’s forte. Peace kick starts from the first frame and has masterful one takes that really enhances the intensity needed for the film. All the five actors including the boy are exceptional and consistent. Bobby Simha owns each frame with his strong grip on the character. Set in a war space, the sound design is very detailed which keeps us on the edge of the seat at most parts.
Though idea wise, the film touches on the same beats of similar Eelam stories, it does really well on the execution front. The lead character was well written and the story is kept simple without exaggerating any emotions. Santosh Narayanan’s score elevates the final cry of the film and as the credits roll, I felt satisfied that it didn’t end in a filmy way but rather a realistic one. The film was definitely an interesting interpretation of Peace.
Verdict - With a good pacing, intent and visual storytelling, Peace is a job well done from Karthick Subburaj who continues to flex his muscle as an efficient storyteller.
Roudhram (dir. Karthick Subburaj) - Anger
Episode synopsis: Detained after committing a physical assault, a young man reflects on the troubling events that led to his action and its painful impact on his family.
Good to see Arvind Swami debuting as a director with this film and as expected, the performances of the film were the strongest aspect (for the lead actors). Pasanga Sreeram walks away as the best performer with his layered expressions during the most challenging scenes. Roduhram also flows with 2 parallel tracks and combines them at the end with an interesting twist.
Even though story wise, the film was quite strong, I just felt that the staging of the film played out more like a stage play with some supporting actors over performing (especially Rythvika’s final scene). The purple light shades do act like a visual motif but the over use of it at every single location felt a bit artificial as well. A.R.Rahman’s music was quite overpowering at some parts as well. As you can see, I am elaborating my opinion of how the entire film felt larger than it had too. Good story, good performance by the lead actors but somehow felt a little superficial in terms of execution. Therefore, I couldn’t connect with the characters as much as I would like to. That said, Roudhram did grasped the emotion well and can be considered a decent watch.
Verdict - Arvind Swami makes a decent debut as director with Roudhram that is packed with intense performances and a heartening story.
Inmai (dir. Rathindran R Prasad) - Fear
Episode synopsis: An ordinary day takes a frightful — and fateful — turn for a young woman when a stranger arrives at her home.
After reading the synopsis, I started with this thinking that it might be a typical horror but I was quite surprised by the subtle mind boggling drama it turned out to be. Inmai was the neatest story in the anthology which showed how fear can push people to comply without thinking straight. I liked the storytelling with a supernatural undercurrent and how it turned back with a twist. It was never pretentious at any scenes. Actors Siddarth, Parvathy and Ammu Abhirami were really good in their roles maintaining the intensity of the story.
It was refreshing to see the little details that Rathindran added about the muslim community and the concept of djinn. The production design was very rich, especially in the luxurious house of Parvathy where the majority of the film was set. Inmai is definitely one of the best in Navarsa.
Verdict - Rathindran shines as an intelligent storyteller with Inmai which throws in a few surprises in an unhurried pace that will keep you at the edge of your seats.
Thunintha Pin (dir. Sarjun KM) - Valour
Episode synopsis: A new official’s grit and guts are tested when, after an ambush in the field, he is tasked with transporting a wily captive to police headquarters.
The first shot of Thunitha Pin will definitely shake us with Adharva pointing a gun towards Kishore with eyes full of anger. More than the story, the film’s main focus lies in its powerful dialogues and exchange of words between Vetri (Adharava) and Comrade (Kishore), proving that courage is beyond just about possessing a weapon. The film has great forestry locations and sound design, bringing us closer to the ambush scenes. It was quite surprising to see that the film was written by Mani Ratnam as the narrative lacked the depth in the lead character or the emotion (courage) the film has picked to express.
The lead character at most parts looks clumsy and amateurish. Therefore, when his character changes, it looks nothing but filmy and flat. There’s no doubt that Adharva is a great actor but somehow he looked misfitted in this role. I felt more for Comrade than for Vetri. Anjali is wasted in a very brief role as Vetri’s pregnant wife who is waiting for his return. In overall, though technically the film was good, Thunitha Pin feels underwhelming when it ends. For me, this was my least favourite episode of all.
Verdict - Though Thunitha Pin might have sounded good on paper, fails to translate its intent on screens, ending up as an underwhelming piece that loses its grip of rasa that it was trying to portray.
Guitar Kambi Mele Nindru (dir. Gautham Vasudev Menon) - Love
Episode synopsis: A musician hopes to jump-start his stagnant career overseas, but on the cusp of his departure, he meets a vocalist who sweeps him off his feet.
Guitar Kambi Mele Nindru is undoubtedly the most anticipated short in Navarasa with big nnames like Gautham Vasudev Menon, PC Sreeram and Surya all in one project. GKMN is a total GVM film filled with long conversations, charismatic lead pair, love at first sight and lots of music. Basically all his cinematic conventions are there, stamped over each frame. The film is visually rich, musically astounding and Surya just speaks with his eyes. He continues where he left off in Vaaranam Aayiram 13 years ago and easily fits in as a romantic hero.
Karthik’s music is one the best aspects of the film and the songs are soulfully composed. Most importantly, all 4 songs are very well laced into the film, something that GVM masters in. PC Sreeram’s arresting visuals ensure that the emotion of love is enhanced in each frame.
That said, there are lots of cliches of GVM and dialogues which were used in his previous films. Nothing looks new and the characters are designed at surface level. The story is thin as a wafer. Though it’s refreshing to see a woman openly telling a man that she is attracted to him, Prayaga's performance oozes artificiality. I generally like chatty films but when we don’t see dialogues expressing the skin of the character, we disconnect and whatever happens to them we can’t really care. That’s why even when Surya breaks a ‘shocking’ reveal at the end, I don’t really care.
Verdict - The soulfully exceptional music and poetic visuals somehow fail to salvage Gautham Menon’s Guitar Kambi Mele Nindru that drowns itself in the wafer thin, pretentious treatment.
My Ranking of the 9 films based on the overall cinematic experience -
Project Agni (Karthick Naren) - Wonder (4/5)
Peace (Karthick Subburaj) - Peace (3.75/5)
Inmai (Rathindran R Prasad) - Fear (3.5/5)
Roudhram (Arvind Swami) - Anger (3.25/5)
Summer of 92 (Priyadharshan) - Laughter (3/5)
Payasam (Vasanth S Sai) - Disgust (3/5)
Guitar Kambi Mele Nindru (GVM) - Love (2.75/5)
Ethiri (Bejoy Nambiar) - Compassion (2.5/5)
Thunitha Pin (Sarjun KM ) - Valour (2/5)
VERDICT:
Though Navarasa is a well conceived concept on paper, it is a mixed bag with just a handful of films doing full justice to the given emotions despite the big names involved in the project.
CELLULOID METER- 3/5:
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