Kaaviya Thalaivan Movie Review

Vasantabalan had promised plenty in his earlier films like ‘Veyyil’, ‘Angadi Theru’ and ‘Aravaan’. The movies were strikingly different from each other and kept the audiences glued to their seats. Now Kaaviya Thalaivan is one more in the list. He always strives for good cinema and his hard work would be visible in every frame.

Kaaviya Thalaivan is no different. he speaks about Tamil drama troupe(s) in the pre-independence period. A huge salute to the effort that has gone into its making, but the final product is far from satisfactory.

Siddharth, Prithviraj, Nasser, Vedhika, Ponvannan, Thambi Ramaiah and Singam Puli among others form part of the cast. Three cheers to ‘Mozart of Madras’ A R Rahman, who has managed to infuse life in the period drama.

The flick revolves around Sivadas Swamigal (Nasser), who runs a reputed drama company. Many learn their basics of acting there and shine as actors. Kaliappa Bhagavathar (Siddharth) and Gomathi Nayagam Pillai (Prithviraj) are students of Sivadas Swamigal and are the top stars of Tamil drama world. They literally rule the theatre scene in Tamilnadu in the 1940s. But soon, human emotions turn love into jealousy and friendship into revenge.
A sense of insecurity between top actors, what love can do are the sub-plots.

Vasantabalan has also touched upon nationalism in the script.

Prithviraj and Siddharth have competed with each other to give their best, while Vedhika does a bold role. Nasser walks away with the applause in a pivotal character.

Vasantabalan manages to cross the hurdle with ease thanks to Rahman’s lilting numbers. His background score adds to the mood of the movie.

Jeyamohan’s dialogues are razor-sharp. But all said and done, if the movie’s script had been more intense, the end product would have been classy.

Versict: Bold and beautiful

@@@@@@@