After ‘Periyar’, now some folks seemed to have zeroed in on ‘Anna’ (Annadurai, founder of DMK and former CM of Tamil Nadu). Even more surprising is the rumour that Kamal has been approached for the title role! Let’s see if this turns out to be true. If Kamal does take it up, it would become another interesting movie to look forward to.
[Picture courtesy: BehindWoods]

Came across a new perspective on Aalavandhaan (Abhay in Hindi and Telugu). You could skip through the first half of the post, if you’re tired of reading the author’s travails of getting to watch the movie; but it gives you a peek into his mind.

Excerpts:

…completely mind-blowing, thoroughly bonkers, and immensely enjoyable mind trip of a film…

…”Abhay” is destined to become an adjective, a descriptive term for a movie so completely nutso that even over-the-top film shake their head in admiring disbelief.

Hassan has a reputation as one of Indian cinema’s bolder and more unconventional risk-takers…and Abhay was certainly a risky movie. It’s equal parts psychological horror, Hong Kong action film, fantasy effects film, and musical comedy — even Indian audiences accustomed to seeing every genre imaginable crammed into a single film didn’t really know what to make of Abhay’s gloriously madcap combination of ingredients.

Although it’s a financial failure, as a piece of mind-blowing phantasmagorical entertainment, you’d be hard-pressed to find a film more enthusiastic and strange than Hassan’s big-budget ode to schizophrenic kungfu insanity. It’s a bit bloated, definitely way over-the-top, wildly imaginative, and as a result, an absolute joy to watch — if you get to watch it at all.

Suddenly, I was greeted by a cover featuring a screaming bald man, covered in tattoos and brandishing a huge knife, flying down the side of a skyscraper. At the top of the box, an employee of this particular video store had slapped a white label then scrawled a simple message in black Sharpie: “Completely Bonkers!!!”

…for a variety of reasons at which analysts can only guess, audiences shied away from the film, and it wasn’t long before the biggest film in Indian history became one of the biggest flops in Indian history.

Still, box office failure and critical and audience puzzlement at just what the hell Hassan was trying to do doesn’t mean the film isn’t spectacular, especially from the viewpoint of a cult film fan. It packs in a ton of breakneck action, some quality acting, and some absolutely inspired freak-out scenes.

…there’s no denying that Hassan and Suresh Krishna were calling in some visual effects big guns, putting forth a vision that far exceeded anything ever attempted in Indian cinema, where effects work is often crude.

The bulk of the effects are up to the standards of Hollywood productions of the time (2001), and they set a new benchmark for the quality of effects work in Indian films in much the same way Star Wars did in the United States…

…Kamal Hassan is wonderful in his dual role, creating two chracters so individualistic and unique that you never once even realize you’re watching the same actor in dual roles.

…you never have any doubt in your mind that this guy could kick your ass while downing half a dozen beers without spilling a drop. He’s not buff, but he’ssolid, and you know he’s tough. That he’s an engaging performer only sweetens the deal.

Hassan’s script wastes no time, and even at three hours, he keeps the film skipping effortlessly from one crazy moment to the next.

Check out the whole write-up.

Image courtesy: Philip Lutgendorf, University of Iowa.

After Kamal returned from USA, shooting for Dasavatharam, possibly the first function he attended was for the audio release of Periyar. His participation was perhaps due to a couple of reasons close to his heart. One was the subject itself and the other being Sathyaraj (who goes a long way back with Kamal from Sattam En Kaiyil), apparently in a landmark role. Additionally, there was another person whom Kamal admires, Chief Minister Kalaignar Karunanidhi as the Chief Guest.

Let’s leave aside the politics behind the movie and the function, and listen to what Kamal had to say (in Tamil). Kamal was happy for Sathyaraj who is donning the part that even Sivaji Ganesan had desired for. He thanked his family for allowing him to follow Periyar (EV Ramaswami Naicker) and expressed great satisfaction for a recent award from the Rationalist Association of India. He reminisced about RC Sakthi (director) who was instrumental in him turning towards Periyar. He also called for fair treatment of atheists in the society. Finally, he also lamented about non-acceptance of Periyar’s ideals even till date.

The audio was released by Karunanidhi and received by Kamal, dressed aptly in black.

[Picture courtesy: BehindWoods]