Deepavali - A Flop Show

Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Whenever the Heroes meet the press, they tell some usual story about their 'story discussion'. They discuss about the novelty of the story narrated by the director at their first meeting and how they accepted the film immediately. The exaggeration blows nearly out of proportion until the film hits the screens and proves to be a flop. After seeing many films, one question arises in. Do the heroes really having the capacity to judge story of a film?

After watching the movie Deepavali I remembered what the hero Jayam Ravi, his father Editor Mohan (considered an expert in adjudging successful stories) and the producer of the film, Lingusamy had spoken about the story of the film Deepavali at its launch. All of them applauded the story conceived by Director Ezhil. But there is nothing unique about the the so-called story.

Vijaya Kumar, a rich man is known for his helping attitude in North Chennai. People who live in that area are very affectionate towards him. His only son Jayam Ravi, a household name in that area, famous for his brave deeds against the local Dons lives like a Prince in North Chennai. Bhavana, the daughter of a Bangalore based Don, Lal visits V.M.C. Haneefa's house, who had earlier worked under her father. Haneefa requests Ravi to receive her at the railway station. Love happens at first sight though they do not reveal for sometime. Later Ravi comes to know that Bhavana is affected with selective Amnesia. Doctor remark that she would forget her past whenever she meets with any shock But Ravi is deeply in love with her.

Bhavana's father who opposes this relation rushes to Chennai to separate the lovers. But the supporters of Ravi get Lal arrested and lock him in a room. Finally Lal gives consent for the marriage of Ravi-Bhavana, with bitterness in mind. When the marriage gets fixed, he escapes with Bhavana to Bangalore. Ravi also rushes Bangalore. But Lal's men attack Ravi severely even before he enters the City. After spending a few days in hospital, Ravi calls Bhavana to come along with him. However the latter reacts strangely and all his efforts to remind her go in vain. Bhavana does not recover from Amnesia. Then how Ravi and Bhavana join together? This is the climax.

Ravi, is playing the role of a rich youth who helps a lot and mingles with the poor easily. For the first time he has used the typical Chennai slang without any artificiality. It seems that he has done some homework to sharpen his speech skills. Though he has faired well in the action scenes it is of no use.

Bhavana known for her conventional looks seems a bit too pathetic in some scenes. Vijaya Kumar, Lal, VMC.Haneefa, Meenal, Devadharshini and Raguvaran are also cast in their respective roles with some sense.

Though there is no separate comedy track in the film Ravi's action scenes make up for the defects.

There are many loopholes in the story. Since Lal is a big Don in Bangalore, why has he sent Bhavana to Chennai alone? Bhavana always remembers her father and other relatives, but forgets her friends and lover only. How could it be possible? If we ask the question to the Director, he simply answers that it is the nature of selective amnesia. Cinema people can do anything in their screenplay for their convenience sake.

What happened to VMC. Haneefa after being assaulted by Lal's gang? What about the psychiatrist Raghuvaran? -There are so many unanswerable questions like this.

The first half of the film is just moving with meaningless scenes. It has made the viewers very tired. This would deter us from watching the eventful second half also.

'Kannan Varum Velai...' the soothing melody of Yuvan has pleased music lovers. The meaningful lyrics of Muthukumar in the song 'Pogathey...' is really enchanting the viewers.

S.D.Vijay Mildon's camerawork pleases the eyes. Kanal Kannan has marked his stamp in the stunt scenes.

Ezhil gave some good movies like Thullatha Manamum Thullum and Pennin Manathai Thottu. But he has missed his rhythm in this film.