Sep 01, 2006 04:56 PM
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#1) Be it my 13 month old stunt stint as a politician or be it my 13 years of existence as a knowledgeable citizen, I have always been fascinated by the way cartoonists look at social happenings (seriously laughing them off). I always have great respect for cartoonists, their creative minds and exciting works.
#2) I have great regard for tha Tamil magazine Ananda Vikatan for their humorous touch in a general weekly. I have grown up laughing with their jokes and other humorous sections. I still remember two names that have made me laug out loud – Seerkazhi.V.Revathi and Simbhu.
#3) Further I got to read Simbhu’s comic book “Kimuvil Somu”, a humorous narration of a scientists journey through time with unexpected guests. Tamil Comics have been mostly for action/mystery genre and except for Lucky Luke (courtesy – Lion Comics), there is no recognizable jovial comic character. In this context, Kimuvil Somu was a refreshing effort that won a lot of accolades for Simbhu. His presentation, dialogues and characterization was top class.
For these three reasons, I was very excited about Imsai Arasan 23rd Pulikesi. The following exceedingly enhanced the excitement
(1) Production by Shankar’s S Pictures
(2) Well designed Promotional Efforts
(3) The Animalistic Treatment meted out to the movie by SPCA ( I think of starting SPCH, as people have forgotten that human is an animal in himself. Otherwise I advice them to change SPCA as Society of Promotion of Cruel Animal in You)
However the excitement waned off as I couldn’t get to watch the movie within the first week due to a multitude of reasons. I got to read a half a dozen reviews from various sources which were mostly non conclusive or let downers. I also got to know the major comic sequences which deprived me of the surprise element – the most essential one in humour. Thank God, I entered the cinema theatre with such mixed feelings rather than the Himalayan hype associated with days 0, 1,2 and 3.
You are immediately caught in humour with the disclaimer that reads “None of the characters resemble real life characters in Earth, Saturn, Jupiter and Pluto”. The humorous touch immediately gives way to historic touches and in no time Simbhu establishes the plot background. On his introduction as 23rd Pulikesi, vadivelu takes over and easily carries the film in his shoulders. I doubt Vivek, Kamalahassan or any other actor for that matter would have done better justice to the character. Nasser, Nagesh, Manorama, Illavarasu, Seeman and others are ideally cast. Particularly Illavarasu as Manguni Pandian matches Vadivelu very well in the lighter moments. Leaving the serious part brought in by Ukkiraputhiran (essential for story to progress and always a cartoonists duty to blend humour and seriousness), I enjoyed each and every bit of Pulikesi. The story has to reach its end (as Raghavan correctly spills out on screen) with the union of the twin brothers and triumph of goodwill over evil. But Simbhu’s 10 commandments for ideal governance presented humorously by Pulikesi after the climax holds good for today’s politicians. Hats off Simbhu!
The story is acceptable, enjoyable and well presented. The work of art director P.Krishnamurthy has to be appreciated. In this movie, the most vital component was his work and he delivers with aplomb. He is well supported by the cinematographer Arthur Wilson and they easily establish the late 18th century/ early 19th century which aids the narration. Speaking of aidfing the narration, the editor Sasikumar has done a commendable job too. Except for the “Oh Mahasame” bit and “Aadiva Paadiva”, I thought Sabesh Murali could have done better. Pulamai Pithan does a neat job too with his pen. Overall it’s a great effort and a very satisfying movie watching experience.
I would like to finish the review by citing the top 10 humorous sequences in the movie
The Yaar Ange scene in the Anthapuram 24 Mani Nera Sevai
Imsai Arasan’s style of ascnding down the stairs
Imsai Arasan posing for his portrait and Manguni’s takes on it
Imsai Arasan’s escape in the climax thanks to te Kollan
The recital of the poem “Mana Nee oru Maama Manna”
The entire Vallvarayan battle sequence, the icing of the cake being “Vallavarayanai Puramuthugu Kaato Oda Seithathal Nee Indru Muthal” bit!
His “Mudiyile” reaction to the Ottran
Manguni requesting the Englishman for “Sir Imsai Arasan 23 Pulikesi” (Note Nasser’s reaction)
The Jaati Chandai sequence – Wow!!!
That Pullakutikaran Bit – I still cant stop laughing over it!!!
Even as I countdown the humorous sequences, I cannot count how many times I had laughed. Well done, Simbhu! My only request is that the people concerned publish this as a comic book too!!! If Lagaan could be dopne, this must be done. It is yet another oasis for comic readers in the humorous desert of Tamil comics.
