The story
of how 3 fellows became thick mates, the story of a man who opposed the
education system, a sweet love story, the search for a lost friend and with
many more, the official remake of 3 Idiots in Tamil, Nanban (Friend) is an
immensely gratifying experience.
The story basically revolves around a college, and everything that grows into life
from it; Events stringed over a non-linear screenplay is what it’s all about.
Just like Hirani’s earlier ones, there’s life in most events, events that you
would relate to, events that paint a smile on your face, present in plenty.
Well-sketched characters, and a neat flowing screenplay make this journey
immensely delightful in more than a single way.
The
highpoint of this flick, definitely is Vijay. Surprisingly, turns out with one
of his career-best performances, after a long hiatus of cliche-filled roles.
Aamir’s performance has clearly been taken as gospel, but still Vijay adds to
it, a zing of his own. Jiiva again is a delight to watch, while Srikanth bounds
leaps into commendable territory, from all the silver-screen debacles
of his past. Sathyan is a livewire, whereas Sathyaraj is perfect in place.
Ileana, sadly is the huge disappointment for an otherwise performance package;
Varied scales of performance, with generous usage of her hip ( there’s even a
song praising it! ).
Technically
the film is top-notch. Manoj Paramahamsa’s cinematography makes you totally
fall in love with the lush locales of Ooty as well as Andaman, as well as offer
an undeterred visual experience in the emotional sequences. The CG work, though
in bits, is done neat. Harris’s songs are peppy and hummable, though, the score
falls short of being truly lifting, dramatic considering the movie’s emotional
curve. Songs could have been shot better, though the director’s outrageous take
on his very own ways has to be given a pat on the back. Antony’s edit falls
short of expectations, for the few bad transits and a painfully long second
half.
Finally
Shankar; Probably the best thing he did, once deciding to remake 3Idiots, was
to add nothing. To just replicate it, almost. Wise move, because most directors
try remaking films in their own way and tamper with the original’s impact.
Sadly, it’s not being appreciated much, audience somehow want Shankar to add as
many new scenes he could possibly do. I’d rather commend him for the guts, a
director of his stature could have, to photocopy a film ( officially! ), and to
declare openly that every single appreciation Nanban would fetch, would truly
belong to Hirani and not himself. Kudos! That tight slap struck every single
one out there, shamelessly remaking under the alias of inspiration.
Nanban,
is the perfect cocktail you need this Pongal. Laugh, learn, love and cry
through this bittersweet experience that only leaves you wanting for more in
the end.
Rating :
4/5
P.S: I am not a fan boy of vijay's mass masala flicks, this is completely different for him. He is back with a bang, and yeah
the vijay that we liked in the old ages like ”Thulladha manamum thullum”,“kadhalukku
mariyadhai”..... times are back. And he has performed exceedingly well when
compared to his recent flicks.
