Comments on: Good, Bad and the Ugly http://www.allthingskamal.info/blog/2007/10/29/good-bad-and-the-ugly/ The Kamal Haasan Blog Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:28:19 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.1 By: Manix http://www.allthingskamal.info/blog/2007/10/29/good-bad-and-the-ugly/#comment-1959 Manix Mon, 29 Oct 2007 03:40:41 +0000 http://www.allthingskamal.info/blog/2007/10/29/good-bad-and-the-ugly/#comment-1959 Nandhakumar in Aalavandhan will be an appropriate addition to this - the poetry spouting moments, voilent outbursts in absolute madness, the loud disturbing animated hallucinations, subtle grins, grimaces and utter body language that speaks volumes all adds up to an immaculate representation of an unstable and grossly demented character, culminating in the finale, a mayhem in madness - a class act by Kamal. Nandhakumar in Aalavandhan will be an appropriate addition to this - the poetry spouting moments, voilent outbursts in absolute madness, the loud disturbing animated hallucinations, subtle grins, grimaces and utter body language that speaks volumes all adds up to an immaculate representation of an unstable and grossly demented character, culminating in the finale, a mayhem in madness - a class act by Kamal.

]]> By: Hal http://www.allthingskamal.info/blog/2007/10/29/good-bad-and-the-ugly/#comment-1960 Hal Mon, 29 Oct 2007 06:21:18 +0000 http://www.allthingskamal.info/blog/2007/10/29/good-bad-and-the-ugly/#comment-1960 I think "Alavandhaan" had one excellent moment, when Riaz khan(forgot his character's name) and Nandakumar escape, Nandu stops at one point, and (a Paranoid himself) plays with Riaz's Sanity, that was ruthless indeed. I remember Kamal's reaction was cold and chilling.. In the start, when Vijay takes his fiancee Tejaswini to meet Nandhu, Nandhu takes a quick squirm - That was a Lectur meets John Doe moment! I think “Alavandhaan” had one excellent moment, when Riaz khan(forgot his character’s name) and Nandakumar escape, Nandu stops at one point, and (a Paranoid himself) plays with Riaz’s Sanity, that was ruthless indeed. I remember Kamal’s reaction was cold and chilling..

In the start, when Vijay takes his fiancee Tejaswini to meet Nandhu, Nandhu takes a quick squirm - That was a Lectur meets John Doe moment!

]]> By: randramble http://www.allthingskamal.info/blog/2007/10/29/good-bad-and-the-ugly/#comment-1962 randramble Mon, 29 Oct 2007 13:15:03 +0000 http://www.allthingskamal.info/blog/2007/10/29/good-bad-and-the-ugly/#comment-1962 Thinking about it now, I think that Kamal took his villainous performances to the next level with <i>Aalavandhaan</i> / <i>Abhay</i>. Before that, there were also the politician in <i>Indrudu Chandrudu</i> and the selfish common man in <i>Indian</i>. Thinking about it now, I think that Kamal took his villainous performances to the next level with Aalavandhaan / Abhay. Before that, there were also the politician in Indrudu Chandrudu and the selfish common man in Indian.

]]> By: Zero http://www.allthingskamal.info/blog/2007/10/29/good-bad-and-the-ugly/#comment-1963 Zero Mon, 29 Oct 2007 13:31:28 +0000 http://www.allthingskamal.info/blog/2007/10/29/good-bad-and-the-ugly/#comment-1963 The name is Sultan. (And Riyaz Khan's performance here -- the way it's written and enacted -- is a <i>tour de force</i> to my mind.) The scenes at the asylum in the first half-hour and the ensuing sequence of the madness of the free Nandhu is so well written and has some brilliant moments. A favourite scene is when a drugged Nandhu calls up the doctor. His intent seems to pose off as Sultan (one can see that Nandhu mimics Sultan's voice), but ends up telling the truth... (Nandhu is mentally very strong and it's very much possible that he drugged himself beyond his own control just so as to sound like Sultan!) The name is Sultan. (And Riyaz Khan’s performance here — the way it’s written and enacted — is a tour de force to my mind.) The scenes at the asylum in the first half-hour and the ensuing sequence of the madness of the free Nandhu is so well written and has some brilliant moments. A favourite scene is when a drugged Nandhu calls up the doctor. His intent seems to pose off as Sultan (one can see that Nandhu mimics Sultan’s voice), but ends up telling the truth… (Nandhu is mentally very strong and it’s very much possible that he drugged himself beyond his own control just so as to sound like Sultan!)

]]> By: Kannan http://www.allthingskamal.info/blog/2007/10/29/good-bad-and-the-ugly/#comment-1964 Kannan Mon, 29 Oct 2007 15:17:09 +0000 http://www.allthingskamal.info/blog/2007/10/29/good-bad-and-the-ugly/#comment-1964 Aalavandhan and Indran Chandran are more obvious examples. Both had one thing in common. Kamal's appearance never overtakes his performance. Infact, he rises above the the near joker appearance of the Mayor in IC and genuinely scares the viewers with the 'Odi vilayadu paapa' line. And of course Nandhu's poetry recitals in trance add the extra perspective of a genius psychopath. That was one of the factors that made the character so distinctive. Aalavandhan and Indran Chandran are more obvious examples. Both had one thing in common. Kamal’s appearance never overtakes his performance. Infact, he rises above the the near joker appearance of the Mayor in IC and genuinely scares the viewers with the ‘Odi vilayadu paapa’ line. And of course Nandhu’s poetry recitals in trance add the extra perspective of a genius psychopath. That was one of the factors that made the character so distinctive.

]]> By: Prabhu Ram http://www.allthingskamal.info/blog/2007/10/29/good-bad-and-the-ugly/#comment-1970 Prabhu Ram Tue, 30 Oct 2007 19:03:32 +0000 http://www.allthingskamal.info/blog/2007/10/29/good-bad-and-the-ugly/#comment-1970 Welcome aboard Kannan ! Scary Appu is a very well chosen example. When he finishes off Delhi Ganesh is pretty sudden for the audience. We are also watching the domino-routine and the arrow comes in from nowhere. Ilayaraja springs into action for slowcoaches like yours truly who haven't stopped smiling still. When he pushes the ball back for the second arrow he has Appu has a menacing expression which is pretty scary. We have never seen him before. The sword wielding Appu in the interval block is wearing his clown paint. The Nasser murder is on the same lines. Even though you see the tiger you are still not allowed to realize the gravity of the situation thanks to the line <em>"jimmy....kutti...naalu vayasu thAn aavudhu" </em> :-) You mention the satisfactory grin. It comes with a sort of blood-lust that makes one wonder who is actually mauling Nasser. (recently noticed that his name in this film is :...Nallasivam !) Welcome aboard Kannan !

Scary Appu is a very well chosen example.

When he finishes off Delhi Ganesh is pretty sudden for the audience. We are also watching the domino-routine and the arrow comes in from nowhere. Ilayaraja springs into action for slowcoaches like yours truly who haven’t stopped smiling still.
When he pushes the ball back for the second arrow he has Appu has a menacing expression which is pretty scary. We have never seen him before. The sword wielding Appu in the interval block is wearing his clown paint.

The Nasser murder is on the same lines. Even though you see the tiger you are still not allowed to realize the gravity of the situation thanks to the line “jimmy….kutti…naalu vayasu thAn aavudhu” :-)

You mention the satisfactory grin. It comes with a sort of blood-lust that makes one wonder who is actually mauling Nasser. (recently noticed that his name in this film is :…Nallasivam !)

]]> By: Zero http://www.allthingskamal.info/blog/2007/10/29/good-bad-and-the-ugly/#comment-1971 Zero Tue, 30 Oct 2007 20:29:27 +0000 http://www.allthingskamal.info/blog/2007/10/29/good-bad-and-the-ugly/#comment-1971 Missed to mention it the last time around, this is a superb write-up, Kannan. And, a great choice of topic. I've always found the depiction of the "villainy" of Appu (the cold grin, the twinkle in the eye) in <i>Aboorva Sagodharargal</i> to be one of the subtle but audacious choices that Kamal made in his revisionist take of the stock revenge story of two sons separated at birth. Indeed, all victims take him lightly and pay the price. ("AnA, alatchiya paduthittiyE Anbarasu!" he says.) But, there's something far more meditative in this choice of making the avenger a midget. In other words, there would have been no avenger had there not been a midget son. Appu is the one who is forced to bear the burden of their villainous act, and it's only fitting that he should carry out the execution. And this could lend more meaning to his life in a way. Of course, this is fairly well established in the film itself, the root cause for his revenge is his being a midget and not his father's death. What is also notable is how deftly Raja is kept out of all this. (The comic genius is of course in the way Raja is brought into all this!) He could chip in for fight sequences and manage to pull off some fisticuffs, but he's no killer material. Raja can never be truly aware (not just literally, but also psychologically) of the horror of what the villains did to his family. The way things transpire to this point is also fascinating. Sethupathi, the father, also an upright police officer, takes on a bunch of corrupt bigwigs, but when he loses the case and is suspended (stock material again), he doesn't go seeking justice in other ways. (His mood quickly changes to familial concerns, the flute theme piece makes its entry, as Sethupathi sits dejected after the court session.) But, the villains kill him brutally (quintessentially stock), but not because he arrested them, but because he crossed the usual limits. (And, that is in turn because Sethupathi is provoked by Dharma Raj's arrogance which makes him go overboard.) Prabhu Ram, Now, what is Delhi Ganesh's name in the film? But of course, Anbarasu! Missed to mention it the last time around, this is a superb write-up, Kannan. And, a great choice of topic.

I’ve always found the depiction of the “villainy” of Appu (the cold grin, the twinkle in the eye) in Aboorva Sagodharargal to be one of the subtle but audacious choices that Kamal made in his revisionist take of the stock revenge story of two sons separated at birth. Indeed, all victims take him lightly and pay the price. (”AnA, alatchiya paduthittiyE Anbarasu!” he says.) But, there’s something far more meditative in this choice of making the avenger a midget. In other words, there would have been no avenger had there not been a midget son. Appu is the one who is forced to bear the burden of their villainous act, and it’s only fitting that he should carry out the execution. And this could lend more meaning to his life in a way. Of course, this is fairly well established in the film itself, the root cause for his revenge is his being a midget and not his father’s death. What is also notable is how deftly Raja is kept out of all this. (The comic genius is of course in the way Raja is brought into all this!) He could chip in for fight sequences and manage to pull off some fisticuffs, but he’s no killer material. Raja can never be truly aware (not just literally, but also psychologically) of the horror of what the villains did to his family.

The way things transpire to this point is also fascinating. Sethupathi, the father, also an upright police officer, takes on a bunch of corrupt bigwigs, but when he loses the case and is suspended (stock material again), he doesn’t go seeking justice in other ways. (His mood quickly changes to familial concerns, the flute theme piece makes its entry, as Sethupathi sits dejected after the court session.) But, the villains kill him brutally (quintessentially stock), but not because he arrested them, but because he crossed the usual limits. (And, that is in turn because Sethupathi is provoked by Dharma Raj’s arrogance which makes him go overboard.)

Prabhu Ram,
Now, what is Delhi Ganesh’s name in the film? But of course, Anbarasu!

]]> By: Zero http://www.allthingskamal.info/blog/2007/10/29/good-bad-and-the-ugly/#comment-1972 Zero Tue, 30 Oct 2007 21:05:40 +0000 http://www.allthingskamal.info/blog/2007/10/29/good-bad-and-the-ugly/#comment-1972 Francis Anbarasan, that is. I also like the fifth guy's name -- Valliyambalam. ("<i>podhumakkaLukkum, periyOrgaLukkum, thAimArgaLukkum, kuzhandhaigaLukkum...</i>") Of course, Kamal's usage of very real-life-like names is lovely in general. Be it Subramanya Raju (a nod to the eponymous, renowned Tamil writer), Palakkadu Mani Iyer (a nod to the eponymous, renowned <i>Mridanga Vidwan</i>; simultaneously a nod to Gurumurthy, the <i>Mridangam</i> player of <i>Sindhu Bhairavi</i>?), VirumAndi, KothALan, PEikkAman or PuliyERupadiyAn! Francis Anbarasan, that is. I also like the fifth guy’s name — Valliyambalam. (”podhumakkaLukkum, periyOrgaLukkum, thAimArgaLukkum, kuzhandhaigaLukkum…“) Of course, Kamal’s usage of very real-life-like names is lovely in general. Be it Subramanya Raju (a nod to the eponymous, renowned Tamil writer), Palakkadu Mani Iyer (a nod to the eponymous, renowned Mridanga Vidwan; simultaneously a nod to Gurumurthy, the Mridangam player of Sindhu Bhairavi?), VirumAndi, KothALan, PEikkAman or PuliyERupadiyAn!

]]> By: Zero http://www.allthingskamal.info/blog/2007/10/29/good-bad-and-the-ugly/#comment-1973 Zero Tue, 30 Oct 2007 22:10:03 +0000 http://www.allthingskamal.info/blog/2007/10/29/good-bad-and-the-ugly/#comment-1973 Coming back to <i>Aboorva Sagodharargal</i>, Appu's execution of the four villains could possibly seen as even being slightly unfairly to them! It's not as if a doctor told Srividya that her son is a midget because of a poison intake. (When giving birth to twins, it's possible that one of the babies, most often the elder one, turns out to be less 'enabled.' Also, by the time she's forced to take poison, the babies are in full shape and are all set to be delivered!) "<i>oru vELai, nAn kudicha veshathunAla dhAn ippadi AyittiyO ennamO...</i>" she ponders, and Appu takes no time to buy that perspective. (And, these guys did kill his father after all.) What a fantastic film! This is our man's <i>Kill Bill</i>, I say! Coming back to Aboorva Sagodharargal, Appu’s execution of the four villains could possibly seen as even being slightly unfairly to them! It’s not as if a doctor told Srividya that her son is a midget because of a poison intake. (When giving birth to twins, it’s possible that one of the babies, most often the elder one, turns out to be less ‘enabled.’ Also, by the time she’s forced to take poison, the babies are in full shape and are all set to be delivered!) “oru vELai, nAn kudicha veshathunAla dhAn ippadi AyittiyO ennamO…” she ponders, and Appu takes no time to buy that perspective. (And, these guys did kill his father after all.)

What a fantastic film! This is our man’s Kill Bill, I say!

]]> By: Hal http://www.allthingskamal.info/blog/2007/10/29/good-bad-and-the-ugly/#comment-1974 Hal Wed, 31 Oct 2007 06:57:45 +0000 http://www.allthingskamal.info/blog/2007/10/29/good-bad-and-the-ugly/#comment-1974 Not exactly a baddie, but I find Virumandi's put-on act in the courtroom(Kondarasu's murder case) to be one of the classic example of 'grey areas' in every individual, and how he submits (and becomes "means") to Kothala thevar's scheme. Note that Peiykkaman says to Viru, <i>naama ellaarumE karuvinga dhaan</i> - Makes more sense! Not exactly a baddie, but I find Virumandi’s put-on act in the courtroom(Kondarasu’s murder case) to be one of the classic example of ‘grey areas’ in every individual, and how he submits (and becomes “means”) to Kothala thevar’s scheme. Note that Peiykkaman says to Viru, naama ellaarumE karuvinga dhaan - Makes more sense!

]]> By: Hal http://www.allthingskamal.info/blog/2007/10/29/good-bad-and-the-ugly/#comment-1975 Hal Wed, 31 Oct 2007 07:11:55 +0000 http://www.allthingskamal.info/blog/2007/10/29/good-bad-and-the-ugly/#comment-1975 Kamal's films are often self-referential (to his own life, and qualities,) the characters' names are self-referential with "names" at least. Very good find PR and Zero, never realized this particular one. BTW, If I remember correctly, Kannannn made a great point sometime back about recurrent character(s) - the pimp-like middle man, in Peiykkaman (<i>Virumandi</i>,) Govardhan ((<i>Hey! Ram</i>,) Dhanush (<i>Mahanadhi</i>.) Of course, there are many many more.. Kamal’s films are often self-referential (to his own life, and qualities,) the characters’ names are self-referential with “names” at least. Very good find PR and Zero, never realized this particular one.

BTW, If I remember correctly, Kannannn made a great point sometime back about recurrent character(s) - the pimp-like middle man, in Peiykkaman (Virumandi,) Govardhan ((Hey! Ram,) Dhanush (Mahanadhi.) Of course, there are many many more..

]]> By: Kannan http://www.allthingskamal.info/blog/2007/10/29/good-bad-and-the-ugly/#comment-1978 Kannan Wed, 31 Oct 2007 10:02:03 +0000 http://www.allthingskamal.info/blog/2007/10/29/good-bad-and-the-ugly/#comment-1978 Prabhu Ram and Zero, great points. The sword wielding clown before the interval nicely sets the viewer up for what is in store. Infact, the interval evenly divides the movie into pre-revenge and revenge phases (another example of how meticulously written the screenplay is). Yes, Appu's eagerness to attribute his stunted growth to the poison is probably his way of coping up with life after the marriage disastor. He might have wanted something to live for and finally found it in the form of the four. That would explain why he doesn't go through the formal justice system. Prabhu Ram and Zero, great points. The sword wielding clown before the interval nicely sets the viewer up for what is in store. Infact, the interval evenly divides the movie into pre-revenge and revenge phases (another example of how meticulously written the screenplay is).

Yes, Appu’s eagerness to attribute his stunted growth to the poison is probably his way of coping up with life after the marriage disastor. He might have wanted something to live for and finally found it in the form of the four. That would explain why he doesn’t go through the formal justice system.

]]> By: Prabhu Ram http://www.allthingskamal.info/blog/2007/10/29/good-bad-and-the-ugly/#comment-1979 Prabhu Ram Wed, 31 Oct 2007 19:23:59 +0000 http://www.allthingskamal.info/blog/2007/10/29/good-bad-and-the-ugly/#comment-1979 Zero, Nice one about names.In fact Kamal "Hassan" itself is a tribute-name ! <blockquote>Now, what is Delhi Ganesh’s name in the film? But of course, Anbarasu!</blockquote> And Jaishankar is Sathyamoorthy (as in "un pEr enna daaaaa...!"). In AS, it may have been a clever joke as he is a lawyer. btw SatyA may have been about <em>nesam vandhu kadichirum</em> but perhaps also a nod to the freedom fighter Sathyamoorthy(must dig if Kamal's father was associated with him). But the grand naming award goes to Mahanadhi: with Krishna, Saraswati,kavEri,Yamuna,Punjabi,BaraNi..the script was still far from watered down. In this regard, <em>Hey Ram !</em> itself deserves an essay. Perhaps a separate post here. Zero, Nice one about names.In fact Kamal “Hassan” itself is a tribute-name !

Now, what is Delhi Ganesh’s name in the film? But of course, Anbarasu!

And Jaishankar is Sathyamoorthy (as in “un pEr enna daaaaa…!”). In AS, it may have been a clever joke as he is a lawyer.

btw SatyA may have been about nesam vandhu kadichirum but perhaps also a nod to the freedom fighter Sathyamoorthy(must dig if Kamal’s father was associated with him).

But the grand naming award goes to Mahanadhi: with Krishna, Saraswati,kavEri,Yamuna,Punjabi,BaraNi..the script was still far from watered down.

In this regard, Hey Ram ! itself deserves an essay. Perhaps a separate post here.

]]> By: Ravages http://www.allthingskamal.info/blog/2007/10/29/good-bad-and-the-ugly/#comment-2053 Ravages Fri, 09 Nov 2007 19:15:56 +0000 http://www.allthingskamal.info/blog/2007/10/29/good-bad-and-the-ugly/#comment-2053 Aboorva Sagodharargal - the scene in which Appu kills Jaishankar. The way Kamal's eyes shine - evil fucking glint in the iris. And that upturned lip. Genius! genius! Zero/Prabhu Ram - Funny you should mention names. For a long time, I've been nursing a thought - the names of the three main chars in AnbeSivam - Nalla loves Bala A. Ars loves Saras I thought it was a deft touch. And thought I was the only one who'd noticed that. Damn! Aboorva Sagodharargal - the scene in which Appu kills Jaishankar. The way Kamal’s eyes shine - evil fucking glint in the iris. And that upturned lip. Genius! genius!

Zero/Prabhu Ram - Funny you should mention names. For a long time, I’ve been nursing a thought - the names of the three main chars in AnbeSivam -

Nalla loves Bala
A. Ars loves Saras

I thought it was a deft touch. And thought I was the only one who’d noticed that. Damn!

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