Chekka Chivantha Vaanam Review

Cast: Vijay Sethupathy, Aravind Swami, Arun Vijay, STR, Jothika

Music: A R Rahman

Direction: Mani Ratnam

*Spoiler Alert*

Chekka Chivantha Vaanam(CCV) opens like is trailer, Rasool (Vijay Sethupathy) narrating about Senapathi (Prakash Raj). After the movie, when I think of it, it changes my view perspective of the film. The gagster drama written by Mani Ratnam and Siva Ananth (who also plays a role in this film) is a generic story of greed and revenge. But what made the change is the direction. Mani Ratnam once again proves why he is best in town. I always love the way he plays with emotional drama. I remember him saying in an interview that “Every film is a romance film”. This film is the romance of the three bothers.

Mani Ratnam’s Agni Natchathiram was one of the most commercialized film and that happened to be a movie on brothers. CCV is again playing to the gallery film, but in Mani Ratnam’s way. He beautifully builds the drama. The scene where Lakshmi (Senapathi’s wife) comes out to send her sons off is amazing. I am not explaining, just look out for this scene. The same scene also tells how AR Rahman’s songs and background score pushes drama to new fortes.

The ensemble cast have great characterization. Varathan (Aravind Swami) is arrogant and short tempered, Tyaghu (Arun Vijay) is flamboyant, Ethi (STR) is cool chilled out and serious too, Rasool is carefree and he makes everyone laugh with his attitude. The female characters don’t have amazing characters, maybe except Jothika’s. But they form a pivotal role in the story. Again how Mani Ratnam builds the drama. In fact, the news of Senapathi being attacked is known to the men only through their wife/girlfriend.

Santhosh Sivan’s cinematography is accentuated the drama. The scenes where truths are revealed we see in close-ups. And all actors are at their best on screen. I loved Arun Vijay that I wish he gets many roles. The climax is perfect and the way title is justified is impressing. I have always been a fan of Mani Ratnam’s mirror scenes. Here it’s a beautiful scene where Tyaghu and Lakshmi are facing the mirror and other are at the back. Again there is drama and it’s beautifully executed. Mani Ratnam, the master maker.

Verdict: Master Stroke. Great drama built around gangster theme.

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