Review: Aarambam Movie is a delight for Ajith fans

DIRECTOR : Vishnu Vardhan ACTORS: Ajith, Arya, Nayantara, Tapsee, Rana Daggubatti, Kishore, Atul Kulkarni, Mahesh Manjrekar Run time: 157 mins Language: Tamil


​Fro'm the start to the end, Aarambam is an out-and-out Ajith film - a perfect Diwali gift for Thala's fans across the world. The film unfolds in Mumbai - Kollywood's favourite shooting spot these days - and Ajith once again plays a character with negative shades. Perhaps boosted by the success of his 2011 film Mankatha, the actor returns to the Salt-and-Pepper look as well. But, other than Ajith, the film has stellar cast, directed by Vishnu Varadhan.

The plot centres around Ashok (Ajith), a former bomb disposal specialist with Maharashtra's Anti-Terrorism Squad who is on a (revenge) mission. Ably supported by (Maya) Nayanthara and Arya (Arjun), Ashok plots the downfall of the state home minister (Mahesh Manjrekar), the kingpin behind many nefarious activities and scams plaguing the police force. How they wreak vengeance forms the crux of the story.
The gripping first-half breezes past, but the second half slips into familiar Tamil cinema terrain and is not as racy as one expects it to be. Though there are some boat chases and top action sequences (shot in Dubai), it fails to keep the audience enthused. The build-up to the climax is interesting in parts, but the film ends with a whimper. Yuvan Shankar Raja's music has too been a big let-down.
Ajith steals the show, but Mahesh Manjrekar is also a stand-out performer. Actors like Kishore and Rana Daggubati excel in their respective roles, while Nayantara comes up with another sterling performance. The scenes featuring Ajith and Rana countering the attacks of the terrorists have been filmed well, but it defies logic when a bomb expert is deployed in such a crucial operation with a single cop for compan y.
Aarambam is far from perfect, but it works mostly because of Ajith's mannerisms though it doesn't come anywhere near Mankatha or Billa. If you are in mood to watch a Tamil film this Diwali, you can try it out. Strictly a one-time watch.
S Saraswathi says Aarambam is a stylish and fast-paced action thriller set in the backdrop of the 26/11 Mumbai serial bomb blasts, that is unfortunately let down by its uninspired and mediocre storyline.

Director Vishnuvardhan’s magnum opus Aarambam, starring Ajith Kumar, released in theatres worldwide a couple of days ahead of Diwali, to give it a valuable two-day advantage over the other Diwali releases.

The film opened to packed houses with some theatres even screening 50 shows a day. Expectations are high for this multi-starrer, which boasts of popular stars Arya, Nayanthara and Taapsee Pannu.

The film also features Kishore, Suman Ranganathan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Atul Kulkarni and Telugu actor Rana Daggubati, who makes a special appearance.

Vishnuvardhan’s penchant for repeating his actors seems to extend to his music as well. Yuvan Shankar Raja composes the music yet again.

Unfortunately, this time, the duo fails to create their old magic. Though the songs have been well picturised, neither the lyrics nor the music is memorable, except perhaps the peppy En Fuse Pochu number. Even the background score is average.

The film is set in the backdrop of the 26/11 serial bomb blasts in Mumbai. In the opening shot, Ashok (Ajith) plants bombs in strategic locations around the city.

Though the bombs go off as planned, no one is hurt, as he very helpfully informs the police, who manage to clear the crowds in time.

The scene then shifts to Chennai Airport. Arjun (Arya) is on his way to Mumbai for a job interview. Maya (Nayanthara) is travelling on the same flight. They are college mates and the surprise meeting helps them catch up on old times and old friends.

However, once they reach Mumbai, everything changes. Arjun belatedly realises that Maya has trapped him into playing a deadly game orchestrated by Ashok.

Arjun is the best hacker in the state and Ashok requires his expertise to infiltrate the computer systems of certain organisations. Arjun initially refuses to co-operate, but relents when they threaten to kill his girl friend and TV host, Anitha (Taapsee Pannu).

Angered by the death and destruction caused by Ashok, Arjun secretly informs Prakash (Kishore), an honest police officer, who is investigating the bomb blast.

The first half of the film is dangerously fast, loaded with action and excitement, and keeps you guessing. Unfortunately, the director loses his zeal and enthusiasm at this point. The film degenerates into an ordinary revenge drama, with the mandatory corrupt politician, crooked police officer and cliché-ridden flashback.

Sleek editing by Sreekar Prasad, stunning action sequences choreographed by Lee Whitaker, and the impressive visuals of Mumbai and Dubai captured by cinematographer P S Vinod are some of the highlights of the film.

The performance of the lead actors and the supporting cast is consistent. Ajith’s magnetic screen presence is enhanced by his popular salt and pepper look of Mankatha, but he does look a little tired and even overweight in some of the scenes.

Arya and Taapsee share a great chemistry. Nayanthara looks gorgeous and does full justice to her role. The dependable Kishore has once again proved that he is a natural.

Director Vishnuvardhan’s Aarambam is an action-packed film that will delight Ajith’s fans.

The wait is over. Ajith Kumar's much-awaited Arrambam (Aarambam) has hit the screens today (October 31). The movie, which was released on Wednesday (October 30) in some foreign countries, has got good pre-talks in the industry. Director Vishnuvardhan has taken inspiration from the Mumbai 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Expectations
With the successful combo of Billa (Ajith Kumar, Nayantara, Vishnuvardhan and Yuvan Shankar Raja) joining hands again, the expectations are obviously very high on the Tamil movie. Adding to that, Thala and the director's last movies (Billa 2 and Panjaa in Telugu) had failed to impress audience. Hence, they too want to deliver a hit.
Is Arrambam up to the hype? What has Vishnuvardhan churned out for Ajith Kumar along with Nayantara, Arya and Taapsee Pannu? Read on to know more...
Story
The movie opens up with Mumbai witnessing a series of bomb explosions. AK alias Ashok Kumar (Ajith) is the man behind it. Soon he kidnaps Arya, a hacker, and includes him in his larger plan. A flashback is revealed, where we are told about Maya (Nayantara), Anitha (Taapsee Pannu), who is the girlfriend of Arya and an aspiring TV journalist.
Ajith threatens to kill Anitha in order to make Arya to work for him. They successfully hack and bring down the server of a media company. Honest cop played by Kishore catches them and another flashback takes us to Ajith Kumar's past life at ATS (Anti Terrorist Squad) along with Sanjay (Rana Daggubati).
In the second half, we get a clear picture about the revenge drama. What is the motive behind the bomb explosion? Does Ajith have a terrorist connection? Why does he target a media company? What role has Nayantara played?