Luckily, I have finally managed to watch this film even before it is out of the 'new films' list. One of the very last films to come out in 2008, and a heavily-anticipated one at that. In a simple verdict, all I could say is that Abhiyum Naanum is a film that doesnt take itself too seriously, is very poignant, and makes more than a worthy viewing. Repeat viewing value is also something that it certainly has, but it falls just a little short from greatness in my opinion.
Synopsis
While taking his regular morning walk one day, Raghuram (Prakash Raj), an estate owner in the hills of Ooty, comes across a young man (Prithviraj) who is struggling to deal with his young daughter's antics. They strike a conversation, where Raghu reveals about his own daughter Abhi, and his relationship with his daughter over the years. The film begins from the point when Abhi was still a baby and culminates in her finally getting married.
There isn't too much more to be revealed in the synopsis, because as I said, the film is a poignant and simple tale. Just like his previously lauded effort 'Mozhi', which used a deaf and dumb girl as its main character, director Radha Mohan continues to tell off-beat stories in a heart-warming, simple way through 'Abhiyum...'. Prakash Raj is simply magnificent in his role as Raghuram while Trisha (who is slowly winning my respect and interest) oozes elegance all over the role even though her character could and should have been elaborated further. Its a huge relief to see 'Thalaivasal' Vijay in a positive, simpleton character after a long time, as it is the case with Aishwarya, who moves away from the loud, negative roles she has been doing of late in dumbed-down commercial films. But the real scene stealer has to be Kumaresan in the role of the beggar. He has appeared in Radha Mohan's directorial debut 'Aazgiya Theeye' some four years ago, and he oozes such class into a character that uniquely becomes an important highlight for the whole film.
On the bright side, the film doesn't have any negative characters at all, and Radha Mohan needs to be lauded on many aspects of writing. The idea of tackling a father-daughter relationship is in itself unique and deserves a pat, and his usage of the character Ravi (Kumaresan) in the film is an example of wonderful writing. The way he utilizes a cameo by Prithviraj is also commendable. On the directorial front, Radha Mohan induces light humor into many meaningful scenes, such as the scene when Prakash Raj's character goes ballistic thinking that his wife has poured hot water into his daughter's hands, and also not to forget the character of Varadarajan, a passer-by who meets Raguram on the road regularly in the film. Even the concept of bringing in the 'Sardarji' as Trisha's love interest and the poetic scene where 'Thalaivasal' Vijay describes about the pride of 'Sardarji's all are testimonials to Radha Mohan's talents in making this film. And the message that he conveys through the film is also a warm, meaningful one.
However, despite all these, Radha Mohan could have dispelled some elements of the film, such as songs, length, and also comedy. Songs are completely uncalled for in a film like this, of course, you could have one or two songs maximum to convey emotions through poetry but not more than that. Of all of them, only the song 'Ore Oru Oorile' worked pretty well barring some cliches. Other songs could have done without. The film's length is not actually an issue, but Radha Mohan spends too much time concentrating on Raghuram's way of seeing things, which invites some unecessary scenes, but little on Abhi's way of seeing things. The comedy made by the two young boys on Raghuram as the film draws to a close too are a little too much of slapstick and ridicules a dignifying portrayal of the character by Prakash Raj. While showing Raghuram as a seemingly human character, Radha Mohan's portrayal of Abhi is as a woman who is nearly flawless, who is always right while Raghuram worries too much. However, Radha Mohan fails to establish enough about Abhi's character or ideology that you feel abysmal that Abhi justifies having a registered marriage is more practical than Raghu's long-bated wish to do his daughter's wedding with grandeur. These scenes gives one a sense of being a little short in fulfillment at the end, but nevertheless the poetic and meaningful message conveyed by Radha Mohan covers up those loopholes.
All in all, a film worth watching which could have been so much better and poetic to watch, but nevertheless still a good film.
Rating: 7.5/10
Verdict: There are plenty still to take away from this flick. Worth a watch.
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