Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara Visitor Review

by Arun

Direction and Performances:

IABK directed by Gokul involves four characters brought together by two incidents, one being a theft and another accident. While much of the initial sequences involving the characters Kumuda (Nandita) and Kumar (Vijay Sethupathy) are a routine one, the humor is injected by Vijay’s acting. Vijay Sethupathy fits the character well but could do better with voice modulation. The other central character is portrayed well by Ashwin. He grows into the character bringing out much needed anguish in the some portions. But the direction has failed to capture the realization of his wrong drinking habit in those points.

There are moments of brilliance in the second half particularly the sequences in which the husband reacts to his wife’s accident or where Bala reacts to his carelessness. But such moments are overshadowed by some comic moments which do not make much sense. The director ideally should have done away with the comedy track involving Suri which was a bit repetitive .Also in  search for the donor, the direction failed to maintain the pace properly. On several occasions, romance and comedy seemed needless inserted into serious moments.Pasupathy’s characterization could have been better. Of the two heroines Swati has done a perfect job. The romance involving Swati and Ashwin seemed the more realistic of the two. The director should have done more justice to the core message or made the film into a usual romantic entertainer. But despite flaws, Gokul’s IABK is an improved effort over Rowthiram.

Songs and Technical Aspects:

Songs by Vipin are good especially the Prayer Song and Birthday Song. Both the songs are presented neatly. Technically the film is adequate with good cinematography by Mahesh.

Bottom-line:

IABK is a passable entertainer and  Gokul ‘s non-linear screenplay is decent.  But he failed to convey the core concept in a sincere manner.

Rating – 2.75/5