Papanasam

In a trend where original scripts are seen with awe and appreciation, remakes rarely makes the cut to be successful. When the Malayalam film, Drishyam received a stupendous commercial and critical response, it was obvious that it was going to make it to our Tamil shores soon. Who will be recreating the magic woven by the legendary Mohanlal popped out to be the most apparent question to which Kodambakkam retaliated with the words ‘Kamal Hassan’.

Jeethu Joseph, who directed the original version which ended up being the highest grossing film in Malayalam industry, got back to his director’s chair with this Tamil remake. Most of the crew members, on and off screen have been retained from its original version. Contemporary writer Jeyamohan was chosen to be the dialogue writer for the film. After impressing Kamal himself with a splendid job in Uttama Villain, Gibran has scored the music for Papanasam. We’ll be seeing more from this duo as Gibran is also the music director for Kamal’s upcoming ventures, Vishwaroopam 2 and Thoongavanam.

Kamal as Suyambulingam is a self-made man with his small yet beautiful family that comprises of his wife Rani, played by Gauthami and two daughters (Nivetha Thomas and Esther Anil). Born in a theatre and brought up as film fanatic, movies is what Suyambulingam loves next to his family. A closely knit family and his small circle of friends and relatives is his own little world. When a problem erupts from out of the blue, topples his family and disturbs the balance of his life, Suyambulingam decides to go to great lengths to save his kith and kin. If he succeeds in doing so and will he emerge victorious is the story of Papanasam.

The film’s first half drifts across in a slow pace, establishing the characters strongly and beautifully setting the base for a racy second half. Kamal Hassan essays the role with ease and his prowess over the Tirunelveli dialect is inevitable to be ignored. The difference in his style of acting makes it literally impossible to compare it with Mohanlal’s. Kamal’s extraordinary acting in the last fifteen minutes stands as a testimony to that statement. Gauthami returns to the big screen after a long hiatus with a subtle performance. Nivetha Thomas has done an excellent role with picture perfect reactions even in close up shots. Child artist Esther Anil, Kalabhavan Mani and M.S.Bhaskar has portrayed their roles to perfection. Asha Sarath as IG Geetha has delivered an excellent performance as a ruthless cop and as well as a bewildered parent.

Editing is crisp and sharp. Cinematography was exceptional, especially the refreshing shots of the village. Gibran’s contribution is a plus but the background scores have a striking resembles to the ones from Uttama Villain.

Papanasam is yet another spectacular feather to Kamal’s cap that’s got to be experienced at the theatres.