Am writing this review after a night of thoughts about the movie I watched last evening at Satyam cinemas, Chennai. Yes I am talking about Kama's Haasan's new release 'Unnaipol Oruvan'. I must accept that it was a riveting watch. Unfortunately I had seen the original movie 'A wednesday' by Neeraj Pandey way back and is a fav on my list.Dont expect a masala entertainer but go with an open mind to spend some quality time (1 hour and 45 minutes) at the movies. The film has been largely faithful to its original except for the star cast of Kamal & Mohan Lal. The screen presence of these 2 legends by itself is a treat.
I can sum up the story in one line as a common man's extreme act over a few hours on a given day holding a city on its edge. Few minor errors in the original such as the blast sequence have been rectified in this remake. Technology is top-notch with the use Red camera in 4k resolution.
A friend of mine at Prasad Labs was telling me that the foreign crew that came with the camera had problems with the temperature in Hyderabad (where the film was shot). They weren't prepared of this situation and the camera hung up frequently and finally they found a solution by placing ice packs around the camera. This led to re-shoot of few days of Kamal's work and he understood and co-operated with the crew being the tech-savvy guy he is.
A friend of mine at Prasad Labs was telling me that the foreign crew that came with the camera had problems with the temperature in Hyderabad (where the film was shot). They weren't prepared of this situation and the camera hung up frequently and finally they found a solution by placing ice packs around the camera. This led to re-shoot of few days of Kamal's work and he understood and co-operated with the crew being the tech-savvy guy he is.
Although Manoj Soni (cinematographer) had a limited canvas to work, he has made judicious use of the technology which takes the movie to the next level. Shruti Haasan's re-recording is adequate but don't expect to hear or see the songs of the audio album. Era. Muragan and Kamal's dialogues are sharp and thought provoking although a tinge verbose towards the end. Chakri Toleti has proved Kamal's chosing him as the director. Almost perfect spring board for a debut.
Kamal is perfect as usual and Lal gives his full as always. Ganesh Venkatram as Arif Khan is the surprise package while Lakshmi as the Chief Secretary proves her mettle for appearing in the title credits along Kamal and Lal. Rest of cast includes the usual Kamal favourites such as RS Sivaji, MS Baskar and Santhanabarathi. Tamil audience will be surprised and pleased to see the scene outside Chief Minister's residence in Gopalapuram and the voice over telephone. Smart!
You should watch Unnaipol Oruvan for the following reasons
- a must watch if you have not seen 'A Wednesday'
- watch it if you are a fan of Kamal or Lal
- watch it if you cant' stand the usual masala fare
- edge of the seat thriller
BTW I was left yearning for more of Lal & Kamal (in the order I specified) as the the end credits rolled on.
