Review - Maattrraan is worth a watch for the different experience

 by Raven

Maattrraan brings back the successful team of Suriya, Director K V Anand and music director Harris Jayaraj after the blockbuster Ayan in 2009. There was a lot of buzz around the film, thanks to the conjoined twins factor associated with it. The film has its brownie points but one would feel the traces of Suriya’s last film 7aum Arivu in this film as both the films deal with the same concept of genetic engineering. Also, the screenplay becomes wavering post intermission and there are no major twists, which are usually seen in a K V Anand’s film.

Plot

The movie revolves around the conjoined twins Akilan and Vimalan (both characters played by Surya). Their father Ramachandran (Sachin Khedekar) is a genetic engineer and he struggles initially without getting due recognition. Then, he starts a health drink company and it brings him the fame and money. Akilan finds there is something wrong behind the humongous growth of the company and tries to find the truth. Unfortunately, he gets killed and Vimalan takes the initiative forward with the help of translator (Kajal Agarwal).

Performances

Suriya is the spearhead of the movie. He has brought out the contrasting mannerisms of both the characters with ease. If there is someone who could have done the role of conjoined twins so convincingly, it could only be Suriya. Be it the innocent Vimalan or the flirty Akilan, he has done the roles with conviction. Kudos to him for trying out new roles and setting up new benchmarks for himself!

Kajal Agarwal has played her part well. She looks gorgeous and trendier than her previous flicks. Though she does not have much significance in the first half, she has supported Suriya well in the second half. Sachin Khedekar looked little weaker for such a powerful role. He tries to stay calm and subtle a tad too much. The rest of the supporting cast has done justice to their roles.

Technicalities

Harris Jayaraj’s songs may not sound fresh but look good along with the visuals. ‘Nani Koni’ shot at Norway is an amazing visual treat. ‘Kaal Mulaitha Poovae’ song looks unwarranted at a critical juncture of the movie. The BGM is good at some places, but definitely sounds repetitive. 

Cinematography by Sounder Rajan is praise worthy. He scores in most parts of the film, especially in the songs and fight sequences. Hats off to K V Anand and Sounder Rajan from conceiving and bringing out the visuals of ‘Nani Koni’ song respectively!

Editor Anthony has made some sharp cuts in the first half. Even though it was a little lengthy, it never dragged. However, the second half takes a hit due to prolonged sequences. Special credits to VFX team under Srinivas Mohan of ‘Endhiran’ fame. The motion capture technology is an all new experience for Tamil audience and the conjoined twins are shown so realistically on screen.

Script and Direction – K V Anand

Hits

• The first half of the film is racy and interesting. There is ample scope for being hooked to the first half.

• The characterizations of Akilan and Vimalan are brilliantly sketched out with contrasting behavior patterns.

• K V Anand has tried to bring in the International flavour to the movie and he has partially succeeded.

Misses 

• The movie becomes very predictable and there are not much of goosebump moments. In K V Anand’s previous films, major twists happen in the second half. That does not happen here.

• The second half looks over-dramatized and illogical. As we have seen in umpteen Tamil films already, hundreds of bullets miss striking the protagonist. And, everything falls into Akilan’s hands without any trouble. Above all, a very clichéd climax might tire you.

Bottomline

Maattrraan has Suriya’s style and elegance written all over it but K V Anand’s clichéd screenplay brings down the excitement level. However, Maattrraan is worth a watch for the different experience it gives.

Rating – 3 / 5