Vaaranam Aayiram

 

Another brilliant cinema from director Gautham Vasudev Menon, after not-so-noticed Pachaikili Mutthucharam ( starring Sharath Kumar and Jyothika).

Vaaranam Aayiram which means ‘fleet of a thousand elephants’ a metaphor for the ‘force of emotions one goes through which is as forceful as of the elephants fleet). This movie stars Surya, Simran, Sameera Reddy, and Divya Spandana aka Ramya. Should not forget to mention the not-so-noticed sisters role who played to be a great support character.

I loved this movie personally. It connected to my life, or the story of someone else’s really well. Should agree it does not have a story line as with a start, a middle and an end. But is a sensitive capture of the life of two men- a father and his son, on how they influenced eachothers life. An autobiographical  depiction of directors real life emotions with his father and his demise.

This movie captures all flavors of life from petty fights, love, parenting, parental love, depressions, realization, achievements, focus and finally death in a span of three hours. Brilliant cinematography, especially the intro shot of the Young Surya in an Helicopter in the sky, on a rescue mission. Just spell bounding shot to me. Surya as an actor has set a benchmark and great expectation for other actors of the industry. Phenomenal performance and his portrayal of emotions are just a class apart. The music is a great asset to the film, now that I listen to this song atleast twice a day. Simran plays her role gracefully. SAMEERA REDDY – Man! I am in love with her smile, no wonder he fall in love with her so much in the movie. Well done by her after a real long time. Ramya does not have a great presence but sure is a important character of the film who makes a difference in a man’s life.

Gautham Menon as a director still is a school of filmmaking. So much to learn from this man. The way he handles parallel subjects in the same film, is stupendous. And his portrayal of the female/women in his films are wonderful. They are simple, elegant, and confident. This makes his films more broadminded and worldly. This film surely a new perspective of Gauthams ventures from all the cop stories and love stories he’s made in the past.

In the end, A WONDERFUL FILM, which I loved.( I don really expect the same from any other spectator, as each one connects at a different level to a film)  Great work Gautham. Learning from every frame.

A brilliantly captured, sensitively thought and immensely felt,

fleet of emotions which are lost and found in every man’s life.

Rating: 3.5/5

On favoritism: 4/5 😀

 

P.S. There is so much more to say about this film. But I am just thinking, I shall keep this short and let you all watch the movie. 🙂