VIVEGAM MOVIE REVIEW
VIVEGAM REVIEW .
Vivegam is an over-the-top but engaging action thriller
with a calculated mix of brawn and brain, action and sentiment, smartly
pandering to fans while giving families something to connect with. Right from
the moment the film begins, it is all about one man, Ajay Kumar or AK (Ajith
Kumar). Once the head of a counter-terrorism squad, AK is now most wanted by
the intelligence agencies after his daring strike on a terrorist outfit gives him a hard drive containing codes to launch a nuclear weapon. Assembled to
track him down are his former team mates, his friend Aryan Singha (Vivek Anand
Oberoi), Mike (Serge Crozon), Rachael (Amila Terzimehic) and Shawn (Arav
Chowdharry).
Director Siva and Ajith, in their third consecutive
collaboration, go all out to present a film on an international scale and
going by the standards they've set, it's truly remarkable. The attempt is
ambitious and the team's effort is commendable, but what's the point of all
this hard work when it is not backed by an engaging story. Despite going
international, in terms of scale and vision, Siva's filmmaking style is still
loud and over-the-top mostly. It defeats the whole purpose of giving the story
an international touch.
Action is what Vivegam promises and it is what the film
offers — bangs for every buck. And Ajith takes it upon himself to single
handedly provide plenty of mass-hero moments (a shirt-ripping, six-pack
showcasing climactic moment is a particular highlight) and innumerable punch
dialogues (Jaikaradhukku munnadi kondadradhum jaichadhukku aprom aadradhum
namma agaradhilaye illa).
Vivek Oberoi, who appears in stylish attire, is often used to hype up AK (or rather Ajith), giving fans plenty of whistle-worthy moments in the first half. However, the dubbing for the actor gives the film a dubbed-film feel. Kajal, as the wife who pines for her husband and also proves to be his biggest strength, is quite likeable, while Akshara Haasan, for whom this marks her Tamil debut, acquits herself well in what is essentially an extended cameo role.
Director Siva sticks to his filmmaking style of ramped-up visuals and hyper-editing, and it does take some time to get used to the rhythm of the film, which is way over the top of over-the-top. It even feels like an assault on our senses, initially. Plus, the scenes involving white people talking in Tamil is quite comical. But once the film gets into flashback mode to narrate the mission to capture Natasha, things starts to get engaging. Karunakaran, who appears in these portions, acts as a good comic relief. The stunts, too, are exciting enough to keep us hooked.
In a surprisingly good role, Kajal Aggarwal
plays her part aptly. She plays Ajith's wife and their chemistry works well, Akshara is introduced as the
widely popular hacker, and she is wanted by the Interpol.
The film really takes off in the second half, by when we have gotten used to its loudness. And Anirudh's electric (and again, loud) score lends punch to the proceedings. We also get a formidable antagonist, a friend-turned-foe, whom AK has to take down and stop mass destruction. The battle between them is largely one of wits and it is these moves and counter-moves that give the film its rush.
The film really takes off in the second half, by when we have gotten used to its loudness. And Anirudh's electric (and again, loud) score lends punch to the proceedings. We also get a formidable antagonist, a friend-turned-foe, whom AK has to take down and stop mass destruction. The battle between them is largely one of wits and it is these moves and counter-moves that give the film its rush.
Ajith's physical transformation deserves special praise, and
he has worked really hard, despite shooting in extreme climatic conditions. He
carries the film on his shoulders and turns in a never seen before kind of
performance.
