I had for long wanted to write about this magnum opus , the first and last of its kind . I have never seen a movie portraying politics or rift between the thickest of friends so subtly yet effectively.
Brilliance of the maker is evident in every single frame of it. Technically superlative, the film benefits immensely from a very powerful characterization of the protagonists. It would be unfair to write a review as it is more of an experience which perturbs the viewer for a long time after the film ends. Hence I would like to express my thoughts on several scenes of the film which made a huge impact on me .
Scene 1- Madipukuriya ediriya illa pasathukuriya nanbara
An interesting friendship is flagged off the very first time Anandan and Tamizhselvam meet . This single scene succeeds in etching the contrast in the characters so strongly in our minds. On one side is a God fearing actor struggling to get a break to earn his bread while on the other end is a Tamil fanatic with strong sense of atheistic thoughts and disregard for God. This scene portrays the desire in Anandan to make it big and the faith and confidence Selvam has on his language and beliefs. However the highlight is the begining of the scene where Anandan sits on the throne hesitantly in the begining and shows an air once he is seated. The music changes pace from a slow trumphet solo to a heavy orchestration which adds to the intended symbolism on the future of the actor.
Scene 2- Ellathayum Maathuven
A scene involving the two lead characters discussing their theories of the changes either of them will bring about in the soceity if bestowed with the power. The discussion takes place on the terrace of a magnificient old palace which marks the regular meeting place of the two . This structure in the latter part of the movie gets portrayed as a symbol of their friendship. It starts off by a casual question which Anandan asks Selvam about his dreams of a changed soceity. Initially hesitant to reply, Selvam gets aroused after he is put forth the question repeatedly. This moment of arousal is powerfully expressed thanks to the heavy beats which start to play in the background. Selvam instantly expresses his desire in bringing about a Tamizh soceity where minorities come to power and where the rich and upper class people are thrown out. He gets lost in his dreams as he continues and gets interrupted when Anandan says that basically poverty and hunger should be eradicated. This reinforces the contrast in ideologies and thoughts of the two, but this time politically. Though Anandan barely says more than a sentence or two about what he would like to change, the earnesty in his voice speaks volumes about his political and social priorities which cater to the common man.
Scene3 - Naan verum nadigan daane!
It is ironical that it was Selvam who had actually sown the seeds of political desire in Anandan . Of course, it had an inner intention of exploiting Anandan's popularity for their party to benefit. Selvam forces Anandan off his meal and takes him to the terrace. Anandan slowly walks towards one corner to see what s in store. He is taken aback when he finds a huge crowd of people gathered down to catch a glimpse of him. He is puzzled and asks Selvam why he , being just an actor,enjoys so much of a following. . Selvam makes Anandan realize his popularity and hints at exploiting it to the needs of the party. He also uses the reference of Karl Marx and Lenin to emphasize. Anandan feels nervous to react to the public at first, but once Selvam catches hold of his hand and lifts it,he looses his apprehension and gets confident. As a consequence, he throws his shawl at the people which marks the birth of his realization about the significant place he holds in the people' heart. Not as just an actor, but as an icon!
The camera makes an amazing transition from the blankness of the terrace as the crowd slowly come into the frame once Anandan reaches the edge. This crane shot combined with Rahman's soulful humming as the crowd comes into picture produces goosebumps. The shot of Anandan and Selvam facing each other with the people seen in between can be considered as the best in the history of Indian cinema.
To be continued...
