7aam Arivu – Movie Review: Big, bold and beautiful

Not all films would leave you in awe. If last year it was Enthiran, this year it is 7aum Arivu, for the movie is bold in conception, big in execution and beautiful in packaging. An important message has been conveyed without giving that bore-feeling to the audience. But it should also be said that the movie is preachy in some places.

Produced by Udhayanidhi Stalin's Red Giant Movies and directed by AR Murugadoss, this Surya-Shruti Haasan starrer reminds us the greatness of ancient Tamilians. It also points out that the present generation doesn't have any idea about its forefathers and laugh at them without understanding their value.

Bodhi Dharma (Surya) is a Pallava prince, who is an expert at all big things. Be it medicine or martial arts or genetics, he is the best. One day, he is sent to China by the Gurumatha. Initially opposed, he is later accepted by everyone in the foreign land and they start worshipping him for his qualities and skills.

As centuries pass, modern day China wants to control India, and for that, it sends Dongli (Johnny Tri Nguyen) to Chennai to start a bio war by spreading a dangerous disease. In the meantime, Subha Srinivasan (Sruthi Haasan) finds that circus artiste Aravindh (Suriya) shares the DNA of Bodhi Dharman.

She tries to give life to Bodhi Dharman to end the menace of Dongli. But Dongli, who is capable of doing anything, does all impossible bad things, thanks to his 'Nokku Varmam,' a martial art, which was actually taught to the Chinese by Bodhi Dharman. What's next is the climax.

Surya shines bright in both roles. He aptly fits in the attire of a saint and makes us to believe that he is a circus artiste too. Shruthi Haasan is a welcome debut in Tamil cinema and the daughter of Kamal Haasan has got a meaty role in her very first movie itself. Johnny Tri Nguyen is the right choice, to spit venom through eyes.

Harris Jayaraj's music is old wine in new bottle, while Ravi K Chandran's cinematography is fresh. It refreshes us all through the movie. Antony's editing has made the film script, but some more chopping is needed. But for the loads of advice the film gives to the audience, 7aum Arivu is an enjoyable entertainer with a purpose. The Ghajini team has done it again.

Producer: Udhayanidhi Stalin

Director: AR Murugadoss

Cast: Surya, Shruti Haasan, Johnny Tri Nguyen

Music: Harris Jayaraj