2.0 Review

2.0 Review – 2.0 is a Tamil Sci Fi action film released in 2018. Dr. Vaseegaran brings Chitti back to take on an evil force that goes around killing people.

For quite sometime Indian movies have been aspiring for recognition of making movies of big scale and making it work. Movies like Chandralekha gave this confidence in the yesteryear. Now movies like Baahubali and 2.0 push the needle in the positive direction in creating a large-scale movie on high budgets and still making it commercially workable. Shankar’s extravagant dream and realizing them as grand visuals makes 2.0 a visual treat. Rajnikanth has shouldered the movie to make it entertaining throughout. As the commercial values rested on Rajnikanth, this has definitely overshadowed the power and purpose of Akshay Kumar’s character which is pivotal to the plot.  That is where the movie falters, the character arc which is always a strong point of Shankar’s movie goes weak. Like many of Shankar’s movies, there is a very essential social message in this one too. However, due to the weak characterization, the message doesn’t hit you hard in your face as it did in Anniyan like it did in Indian.

In essence 2.0 is all about visual extravaganza and superstar show. You are sure to get entertained for the 160 minutes. Shankar has repeated the subtle introduction of the Superstar without any frills like in the first installment. The absence of force fitting of songs is a welcome change, Amy Jackson portions are there merely to add humor to the proceedings. The body language transformation from Vaseegaran to 2.0 is still a treat to watch and forms some of the high points in the movie. As a superstar fan, you would want to whistle as the transformation happens. There are some surprise shades of characters he has played as well, which you would watch in the movie. The scenes comprising of Vaseegaran, Chitti, and Akshay Kumar at the crossroads in the second half is constructed very well and makes you long for more. The movie has a fitting grand climax sequence that has been action choreographed very well. From visual spectacle, we have already seen Chitti and 2.0. The stunt sequences of Bird and the formation of particle animation to create the bird is quite stunning to watch. The bird not being revealed completely, but in parts across various scenes would remind you Spielberg movies like JAWS and Jurassic Park.

High Points: Shankar’s visualization, Rajnikanth’s screen presence, Visual effects, 3D movie, Action Sequences, Animation of the Bird, Social message.

Low Points: Weak Characterization,  Flaws in the screenplay. Sujatha’s magic is missing in the screenplay.

Overall 2.0 definitely pushes the envelope of creating a movie with visual grandeur and adoption of latest technology in Indian movies. This can change the commercial landscape of Indian Cinema in a positive way. Shankar’s dream stands tall at the end of it.

If good writing combines with such technology then it would be a treat to watch. Go watch the visual spectacle in 3D, you would be entertained if you are willing to forgive the flaws in the script.

Don’t miss the post-credits scene like Marvel Style 🙂

Worth a Watch

Pariyerum Perumal Review

Pariyerum Perumal Review – Pariyerum Perumal is a Tamil drama released in 2018.  Pariyan is a youth from a village who aspires to become a lawyer and joins law school. As he struggles with English, a girl in his class named Jo helps him out with it. But their friendship does not go well with her family as Pariyan is from the oppressed caste.

The movie is very intensive right from the beginning and brings out the darker side of casteism based divide in the society. In the first few minutes of the movie the plot line becomes clear as Pariyan’s beloved dog (Karuppi) becomes victim of the caste based fight. The stereotypical social practices come into light during various scenes in the movie like the one where he sits in the back bench, Different glasses are given in the tea shop based on the caste, People do not sit in the bus near a oppressed caste person,  honor killing, Law college not teaching in local language although there is provision for taking exams in the local language. The desperation of folks from oppressed caste not able to lead a simple life by not getting into any fights is depicted well. The closing shot of two tea glasses on the same table is an aspiration from the film maker.

The character of the old man who is a mason and assassin used for honor killings is definitely portrayed very well and brings in thrills in many scenes. The lead actors Kathir and Anandhi have performed well. Yogi Babu brings in some laughs in an otherwise a very serious script. Also he is a character who is the representation of folks who do not mind caste of people while Anandhi’s character is of a person who is ignorant of the whole problem. Each of the characters highlight various facets of the society which is quite brilliant writing. Director Mari Selvaraj backed by Producer Pa. Ranjith definitely scores high in his first movie.

High Point: Very strong script on the prevailing issue of casteism, The script not falling for the stereotypical gangster uprising, the characterization of the lead pairs, the mason and Anand played by Yogi Babu.

Low Point: The raw violence may not suit all audience although the film is rated as suitable for all ages.

Overall Pariyerum Perumal is a hard hitting movie that asks tough questions against the caste based social divide in the society. If you love intriguing realistic drama, then this one is a Must watch for you.

Must Watch