Speed Track Review

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Other than the fact that the film was very slow at reaching the theaters, everything else about the film happens at a fast pace. It now makes us wonder why Dileep was so hesitant in releasing this film all these years. Maybe he needs to have more faith in the people who direct his films, especially when they are newcomers who need a big hit to establish themselves. Jayasurya makes his debut as a director with this film and he has done a splendid job. The film moves at a fast and uniform pace.

So convincing is the narration that you don't even mind watching a senior actor like Dileep play the role of a student of a sports college. Anyway, Dileep looks convincing enough. He has worked hard to tone his body to play the role of an athlete.

The story
The entire story takes place at BCM Sports College. Dileep is Arjun, an athlete who joins the college. He has his sight set on winning the state level 400-meters race. He desperately needs the prize money of Rs 10 Lakhs so he could send his elder brother to the US for treatment.

Anil is his elder brother. He too was a sportsman, a promising volleyball player, but because of Arjun, he has an accident and ends up on the wheelchair.

You don't go to college without falling in love with someone. This film is no exception either. Arjun earnestly prepares for the race. His dedication and good nature gets him many friends in the campus, including Rahul and Gouri, played by Madhu Warrier and Gajala. Both are siblings. The problem is thar Rahul is the current hot favorite to win the race. Predictably, Gouri ends up falling in love with Arjun. But she has to decide- should she support her brother or the man she fell in love with.

That's when Vinu, played by Riyaz Khan, steps in. He has his personal score to settle with Arjun and he too has an eye on Gouri. He uses both his muscle power and cunningness to get both the jobs done. For a while, it looks as if he succeeds. Everything leads to a grand finale.

The malayalam film industry has found a beautiful heroine in Gajala provided she continues to stick around. She looks stunningly good in her role. Dileep has played his role with ease. This is going to be one of the films that will help him successfully transform his image to an action hero.

Songs are fast-paced and full of life. 'Paatum paadi' by Yesudas sounds pleasant to the ears. Almost all other songs are very youthful including Udit Narayan's 'Oru kinnaara gaanam¦'.

The film however belongs to its director, Jayasurya. He should be proud of this film. The producer could really have chosen a better time to release the film, though. In another few days, the Vishu releases will start hitting the theatres and in that rush, it is highly doubtful of Speed Track would survive. Let's hope for the best.

Plus Points:
Narration and pace of the film.
Jayasurya's direction
The heroine, Gajala
Music and cinematography (P Sukumar)

Minus Points:
Elements of predictability
Some scenes that defy logic- running a race with a profusely bleeding wound