Not that I’m a conservative Indian in terms of wanting to watch movies with the protagonist running around trees, punching the antagonist and finally taking home his lady love; it’s just that it is much better than a movie with expletives in every single line and having to hear fellow viewers laugh just ‘cause the F word was used!
Such was my state when I watched ‘Delhi Belly’. I wouldn’t say I did not like the movie; I liked it in bits (Amir Khan’s item number for sure!). But having to hear people laugh just because someone swore and saw shit is a little annoying for me. I again re-iterate – I am not a conservative Indian movie viewer. I sure am up for a change; something which leaves me feeling happy at the end of it all. And I did end up watching such a movie – Deiva Thiirumagal.
The movie is a brilliant adaptation of ‘I am Sam’. As the director mentions, there is absolutely no similarity in terms of the story and it is completely Indian! One can relate to the storyline entirely and having watched ‘I am Sam’, not at one instance do I compare this version to the original.
Krishna, a borderline mentally challenged person, played brilliantly by Vikram, exudes all the qualities of the ‘best-est’ father in spite of his shortcomings. His wife Bhanu, a social worker, runs away from a wealthy home to fall in love with Krishna and mother his child. She unfortunately is chosen to go back to God, leaving behind her husband and the new born to fend for themselves.
Thanks to Krishna’s employer and other friends, little Nila grows up quite well. Trouble knocks first when she is admitted into school and she is unable to finish her homework etcetera. The correspondent of the school ends up being a mother figure to Nila, who actually turns out to be Nila’s kin. Nila is whisked away, leaving Krishna all alone.
How he gets his loved one back is the storyline of this movie and the ways and means used is what makes it an Indian story!
The choice of artistes could not have been better! Vikram as Krishna is utterly heart-warming whether he is being affectionate to his daughter or when he is around with his friends/colleagues. His timing of comedy is impeccable and is equally good when he gives us tears. My only issue was when he ran; it quite looked like what he was in Pithamagan!
Sarah, the little girl who portrayed Nila’s character is one girl anyone would want to take home and treasure! She has been made up very well whether it was the holy ash on her forehead or the clothes she wore. Her acting definitely was good and mature at several instances.
Anushka’s character as the lawyer was crisp and for once a female lead was not a mere bimbo. Her father, played by Y. G. Mahendran was a pleasant watch as well. The strained relationship between daughter and father improves, thanks to Krishna’s stay at their home.
Nasser, as the highly successful lawyer, M.S. Bhaskar as Krishna’s colleague and friend, Anushka’s friend who plays another lawyer and the guy (sorry, did not find his name) who is smitten by Anuskha’s friend, calling her ‘dear’ throughout – have all played their roles to perfection.
But for me, the real hero was Santhanam who played Vinod, another lawyer who works with Anushka. The timing of his comedy was faultless and for those who are tired of watching Vadivel getting beaten up and calling it comedy or Vivek letting fly punch dialogues with a message, Santhanam is a whiff of fresh air! Whether he calls Krishna, Mr. Sweater or is forced to act as though he is mentally retarded, to get away from trouble, he was just too good!
Nirav Shah as cinematographer has done a commendable job and our very own Ooty looked stunning. Music by G.V. Prakash, needless to say, was pleasing again. For me the stand out songs had to be ‘Aariro’ by Haricharan and ‘Vizhigalil oru Vaanavil’ by Sandhavi.
Overall, I’d give it a 4 on 5.
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