Tamil Review: Tale of bravery impresses in period drama 'Aravaan'

Chennai: Film: 'Aravaan': Cast: Aathi, Pasupathi, Dhanshika; Director: Vasanthabalan; Producer; T. Siva; Storwriter: Su. Venkatesan and Vasanthabalan; Composer: Karthik; Cinematographer: Siddharth; Rating: ***

Vasantabalan, who made a name for himself by sensitively handling human lives and emiotions in his films, has come out with 'Aravaan', based on a novel by Su. Venkatesan, who won a Sahithya Academy award for the novel. The film was in the making for a long time.

Vasanthabalan has added his own flavour to the story that is set in 18th century Madras Presidency, as Tamil Nadu was then called. The movie is not about kings and kingdoms. It is not even about the British rule which was spreading its roots all over India during that period. 'Aravaan' talks about ordinary people and their lives. It revolves around a few villages and communities, including the one which thrives on looting.

Much awaited period film 'Aravaan' hits screen on March 2nd. The film stars Aadhi, Dhansika, Archan Kavi and Pasupathy.
It is not without reason that Vasanthabalan's Aravaan is eagerly awaited. The man, after all, has delivered three critically acclaimed films, back-to-back.
It stars Aadhi, Dhansika, Archana Kavi and Pasupathy in the lead roles.
Bharath, Anjali, Shweta Menon and Sruthi Prakash all have special appearances in the movie.
The film would mark noted playback singer Karthik's debut as a music director.
The period film will be produced by T Siva.
The movie also has Kabir Bedi in a pivotal role.
'Aravaan' is based on the novel 'Kaaval Kottam', depicting the history of Madurai during 1310-1910.
Vasanthabalan claimed that he took one year for penning the scriptment, further telling that he had tried to 'mix action and emotion'.
Since the film was set in the past, the crew shot the film at remote unsettled areas.
His fourth flick 'Aravaan' a period film, he says, will enable him to jump to the next level altogether.
To avoid cell phone towers and over head power lines - deep jungles were picked as shooting locations.
'Aravaan's story would be based on one chapter from the novel, running to about 10 pages.
In Ovvamalai, near Melur, a settlement of 100 houses was created, while another set was erected at Kongaimalai, near Tenkasi.
The movie will be distributed by Vendhar Movies (S Madhan).
Vasanthabalan selected Aadhi to portray the lead character of Varipuli, after he had seen him performing in 'Mirugam' and 'Eeram'.
Producer Siva said that he ordered 5,000 dhotis and 3,000 sarees specially made from Erode and Karur to give it a historical feel.
The director said that he chose him because of his height and his nose.
Aadhi was further requested to develop eight pack abs, which he accomplished in three months.
Malayali actress Archana Kavi was roped in for the role of Chimitti, a bold and aggressive woman.
Pasupathy, who earlier was casted in Vasanthabalan's 'Veyil', was chosen to essay another lead role, since he had the looks and complexion of the character he plays.
In January 2011, Kabir Bedi was signed up for a significant role.
As the story behind the screens go - The scene where buffalos are sacrificed are shot in dense forests in Tamil Nadu-Kerala border.
Vijaya Chander, a famous Telugu actor, portrayed the lead role of a head for the village.
Shweta Menon plays the role of a 'dasi' in the movie.
'Aravaan' will mark Kabir Bedi's Tamil movie debut.
The novel 'Kaaval Kottam' on which 'Aravaan' is based, was published in 2009.
Bharath, who had collaborated with Vasanthabalan in 'Veyil' as well, accepted to perform a cameo role.
The crew of the film spent a great deal of time in hunting down mountains, caves and hidden places used during wars that took place during the Pandian Era.
The final spot chosen was the Arittapatti Hills that is situated near the Madurai Melur.
The location was not encroached by human life and boasts off many caves, streams and huge valleys.
Art Director Vijay Murugan set up a grandeur village with the help of a huge art work team.
Aadhi had injured himself rather badly while performing a stunt for the movie - he had refused a body double for the stunt.
The soundtrack is composed by playback singer Karthik.
The major part of the lyrics are written by Na Muthukumar.
Shooting in difficult conditions - the two heroes of the film Aadhi and Pasupathy have braved the forests and the leech bites.
The director says that Aravaan is a story about the life of a simple man.
Archana Kavi's role in the movie is completely unlike her thus she had a tough time not only with the role but the language as well.
Shweta's role in the movie is said to be a pivotal one.
The two-and-and-a-half hour film will be gripping from start to finish.
In terms of art direction, Vijaymurugan has left no stone unturned.
Two villages were created for the script because it focusses on the rivalry between two villages.
The crew had to build hundreds of huts made of bamboo straws, palm leaves and stones. The sets also included a Karuppan Temple.
'Aravaan' means someone who has all the good qualities of an ideal man.

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$Tamil Review: \'Aravaan\' is impressive$

\'Aravaan\', the people\'s history, is worth a watch despite some shortcomings.

The story begins with a set of people led by Komboodhi (Pasupathy) set to steal some jewels from a rich family. The group belongs to Vembur village, known for stealing. During the course of one such heist by his gang, Komboodhi finds Varipuli (Aadhi), a lone robber, whose whereabouts are suspicious. Fascinated by Varipuli's courage and amazing talents, Komboodhi adds him into his team.

Varipuli claims that he is an orphan and wins over the hearts of the Vembur inhabitants with his brave and good deeds. He once saves the life of Komboodhi, who gets some clue about Varipuli in the process.

Varipuli is hunted by a group of people belonging to a village called Mathur and it is Komboodhi's turn to save him. Before we get to know if he could save Varipuli from the clutches of death, we get to see a flashback that reveals Varipuli's past. His original name is Chnna and he is belonged to Chinna Veerampatti village, known for brave young men engaged in guarding the people from all kinds of dangers.

The village is at loggerheads with neighbouring Mathur.

An unfortunate incident in the village pits both villages against each other.

Circumstantial evidence makes Chinna Veerampatti culprits, though they have no connection with the incident. Both villages set for a bloody clash but an intervention by the local king finds a compromise. He says that a young man from Chinna Veerampatti village should be sacrificed in the temple to bring peace.

Chinna, like Aravaan in Mahabharat, is ready to accept the verdict to avoid blood bath. But turn of events saves his life however, people of Mathur are hunting for him with more vengeance. It is here Komboodhi tries to save him.

Kudos to Vasanthabalan for treading on an unusual path. He has got his homework right. The story is substantial and the script ensures smooth flow.

Boht the director and the scriptwriter have given attention to the details to portray the period well. The culture of the people has been shown well with precision. The dialogues are apt.

Vasnathabalan could have done better in the scenes that lead to climax. The way Aadhi escapes from the death looks dramatic rather than realistic. The sex worker angle seems to be imposed.

The length of second half tries our patience. Too many sub plots mar the impact. But the director has managed to ensure that the overall impact is unaffected.

The voice against death sentence echoed in the film seems to be out of place, as the movie doesn't deal with death sentence but sacrifice (balidaan).

Aadhi enjoys the challenge of featuring in a period film. As the brave Varipuli, he proves his mettle. He has justified the confidence the director has placed on his acting prowess.

Seasoned Pasupathy gets into the skin of the character. His body language, expression, and voice are just amazing.

Others including Dhanshika, Archana Kavi, Singam Puli, Thirumurugan and T.K. Kala among others have added value to the fare.

Cinematographer Siddharth contribute to the overall experience by his angles and colours. But some of the scenes lack authenticity.

Singer-turned-music director Karthik's background score jells well with the script. The song 'Nila' sounds good.

'Aravaan', the people's history, is worth a watch despite some shortcomings.

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