Vel

Language : Tamil
Banner : Sri Rajakaliamman Medias
Director : Hari
Producer : M.Chinthamani
Cinematography : Priyan
Story : Hari
Screenplay : Hari
Dialogue : Hari
Lyrics : Na. Muthukumar
Music : Yuvan Shankar Raja
Release : 2007 November 08
Cast : Surya, Asin, Vadivelu, Aishwarya, Kalabhavan Mani, Nassar, Charan Raj, Lakshmi, Saranya, Raj Kapoor, Charlie.

'Vel' is a commercial potboiler with a mix of sentiment, action, and comedy. Director Hari has done a commendable job in making a movie that moves at a brisk pace to keep everyone interested with very little blood and gore in spite of the violent storyline.

Charanraj and Saranya are the parents of twins, Vel and Vasudevan (both played by Surya). The couple has lost Vel while traveling in a train. Lakshmi from a rich family in a village brings him up with motherly love and affection. Lakshmi's son (Nasser) and wife (Ambika) get killed by a sugar mill owner and Minister (Kalabhavan Mani) for exposing his corrupt practices. The family has since been in perpetual conflict with the Minister. With the rivalry turning bitter, Vel is out to settle scores with the Minister. Scuffles between them become a daily routine. Vasudevan comes to know by accident that Vel is his twin brother and comes to the village and sends him to the city. As Vel is emotionally attached to the Lakshmi family, Vasu wants him to stay with the family and cement the bonding. To help his brother, Vasu enters the fray to eliminate the archrival.

Surya's portrayal of the Vel and Vasu characters is par excellence. He keeps pace with director Hari's speed and verve. Sparks fly in his dialogues and his wielding of the weapons is magical.

The hero's love-interest Asin plays the role of an energetic and fun-loving television journalist named Miranda Meenakshi whose aim is to work for BBC. It is she who helps identify Vel. She looks different with wearing spectacles and in traditional attire.

Kalabhavan Mani is the villain sans the elements associated with celluloid baddies. He can be called a 'comedy villain'. As the mother of Surya Saranya moves the audience to tears with her emotions. Vadivelu enters with a 'Padayappa' song and provides comic relief in tense situations.

Yuvan Shankar Raja's tunes are trendy and exhilarating. His background score has a soothing effect. 'Kobakkara Kiliye' written by Na. Muthukumar and shot in Munnar tops the score. Priyan's photography is impressive. V.T. Vijayan's editing is the strength of the film.

Surya and Asin's sterling performances backed by a strong storyline, supporting screenplay and the Director's smart touches make 'Vel' a pride of the entire unit.

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