Naan Kadavul

Cast: Arya, Pooja, Rajendran, Azhagam Thamizhmani, Krishnamoorthy,
Language: Tamil
Banner: Pyramid Saimira, Vasan Visual Venture
Director: Bala
Producer: Sivasree Sreenivasan
Camera: Arthur Wilson
Screenplay: Jayamohan
Dialogue: Jayamohan
Lyrics: Vaali
Music: Ilayaraja
Year: 2009

Naan Kadavul is not a film about the normal people who enjoy a secured life. The movie is a different take on the lives of those people who always live on the edge of the world. One can realise this by seeing a few frames of this master piece by Bala.

The director who has made you admire the ruffian in Sethu and the buriyal ground caretaker in Pithamagan introduces you to the world of an enigmatic Arya, a helpless Pooja and a whole set of wonderful characters (beggars) which make the film stand out.

The introduction is just perfect considering the title and imagers forth the life of an agory called Rudran (Arya). Rudran's father, who had abandoned him at Kasi many years ago, is back to convince him to lead a normal life. Just when you think that it would be a sole character analysis of Rudran, the film deftly takes you into the lives of beggars who are held hostage. At this point, the story takes a turn as the downtrodden people's prayers are heard and Rudran turns out to be their saviour, leading to a stunning climax with the film ending on a positive note..

And, that's where the film scores to a considerable extent. As if harping on a theme rarely explored was not enough, the introduction of these beggars leaves a lump in your throat that stays on till the end.

Bala has always stood against the establishment. In fact everyone wants to cast away the code of establishment in a way. Bala shows this through the scenes involving the police station and court.

For lead actors Arya and Pooja, it's a role that they won't forget in their life time. While Arya convinces you that he can indeed play a mature role, Pooja amazes you with the variety of expressions in her powerful performance. Particularly, in the climax she moves everyone's soul.

The climax fight between Arya and villain is one of the most fantastic scenes you have seen in the films for a long time. Bala has used Super Subbarayan's talents in the right way and in the right place.

The bunch of beggars handpicked by Bala are amazing be it the eunuch, the midget boy, the guy as Murugan (Krishnamoorthy) and Thandavan (Rajendran). The person who plays the role of Arya's father (noted producer Azhagan Tamilmani) is simply natural and outstanding.

The dialogues by the noted Tamil writer Jayamohan (the story is also based on his critically acclaimed novel Ezham Ulagam) is a major plus point for the movie.

Meastro Ilayaraja's tunes, which blend beautifully with the scenes, are a major highlight of the film. It has given a special power to Bala's thoughts and has helped him deliver his thoughts forcefully.

Arthur Wilson's camera is another key aspect of the film.

There are a few logical mistakes in the film as well, but in comparison with Bala's sincere attempt to give a novel cinema with mass appeal, we should forget all those minuses and join hands with him in his endeavour to give quality cinema in future too.

Naan Kadavul : A new Milestone in the history of Tamil Cinema!

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