Thandavam is slow but good!

by Bharath Vijayakumar

A.L. Vijay's latest offering 'Thaandavam' is an important film, particularly for Vikram post the Rajapaatai debacle. The duo's last outing was the much appreciated 'Deiva Thirumagal' despite controversies about its originality. The striking aspect of Vijay is that all his films are of different genres - be it Kreedom,Poi Solla Porom, Madarasappatinam or Deiva Thirumagal. And now Thandaavam is his attempt at making a stylish action flick with all the ingredients of an entertainer intact. Has he succeeded? The answer is 'Yes'. But not an emphatic 'Yes' since the movie moves at a moderate pace and this might distance it from the masses.

Plot

Thandavam starts of with a series of bomb blasts in London. A year later we are introduced to Kenny Thomas(Vikram) a blind person who is on a killing spree. As already disclosed in the trailer he manages to do this through echolocation.The reason for this and the connection he has with the bomb blasts is what Thaandavam is all about. Though not blatant you do get reminded of ‘Ghajini’ subconsciously.

Nothing needs to be said about Vikram the performer. As usual he carries of his role with finesse. However age seems to be catching up with him and it shows in his face in certain scenes. Anushka is grace personified and once again proves that given an able director she is an actress of substance. Amy looks good but you do not relate much with her character. Lakshmi Rai's is a limited but important role. Telugu star Jagabathy Babu makes an impression as Vikram's friend. Santhanam is a little subdued but still manages to evoke a smile or two. There is also a huge support cast of well known faces.

Direction and Crew

Music by G.V.Prakash is pleasant with 'Oru Pathi Kathavu' being the pick. He also makes an impression with his BGM. The song before the climax is soothing and beautifully picturised. But it hampers the pace at a crucial point. Nirav Shah's neat camera work is another reason for you to watch Thaandavam. Stunts in Thandavam deserve special mention. They are believable and crisp.

Upsides and Downsides 

A.L.Vijay has packed in everything in Thandavam. There is action, romance, comedy and sentiment. Subsequently the length and hence the pace of the movie suffers. The movie is fairly logical and there isn’t any gaping hole. Of course, Anushka being unaware of Vikram's profession is taking things a bit too far but the love track between them is sweet, dignified and like a whiff of fresh air that you tend to ignore it. The scene where Vikram tries to impress Anushka by boasting about his love for books, paintings, etc. is a scream. Vijay's movies have always been clean and neat. Thaandavam is no exception. There are three heroines and yet focus is on their beauty and not glamour.