Virumandi

Mr.Kumar.Y has mentioned things that are unfair and untrue to 'Virumandi'. Firstly, the 3 POV storytelling familiarized by Kurosowa, had been used in many films around the world and was used long back in Tamil cinema By Director S.Balachander in the Sivaji Ganesan starer 'Andha Naal'(1954). It was just a tool adapted by Kamal Hassan, to convey a story that is rustic & real.

Its untrue to say Kurosawa's Roshomon had the same concept of that of Virumandi. Each had the story that was true and real to their soils and had just obvious similarities that can be between any two films.

"Its a great movie but for the trumped up violence..." ..and this too is unjust. No where is the violence been glorified or pushed in cheaply. Instead if observed in a right sense and taste all the gore is justified and raw truths.

To make it straight, this one of the honest films made ever in Indian Cinema. A superior cinema that was well received with masses too.

Hats off & 8.5/10

Kamalahassan has proved a point with this village based script. Though his acting is not his magnum opus, his direction and screen play skills shines through out the movie.He has done meticulous work in sketching the plot and in small details of the village set. Pasupathy, napolean have done a commendable job. Songs and background score gel well with the story. Slightly inspired by the Hollywood movie "Life of David Gale", the movie stood out as unusual good movie among the clichéd kollywood movies. Abirami has done her role well, adding a pinch of romance to the movie. The gruesome fight scenes though realistic adds a negative attribute to the movie. All in all its an exceptional movie of its time.

I was watching this movie in Bombay on cable nearly 6 yrs after its release. I was blown to smithereens.Its so far ahead of its time. I kinda guessed this must have been directed by some genius( later i found out it was Kamal himself). Now, i'm a guy who watches very few Tamil movies ( cos they are very unrealistic, for my liking( i mean no offence) In my college days I watched Mahanadhi, what a classic that was. I bow to u Kamal sir, if u r reading this. I bow to the editor/ sync-sound /sound designers. Even though the use of violence is wrong , its completely justified in this movie.

Very sleek,stylized.

The story adapts the screenplay from Akira Kurasowa's Rashomon in an entirely different style. Brilliant performances from Kamal Hassan and Pasupathy elevated the movie. Maestro Ilayaraja's music has been used in perfect. The Climax riots scenes were slightly adapted from Stanley Kubrick's Spartacus. Again used in an excellent way. The bull fight is amazing. Art work needs a real appreciation. Both the sets of village and the central prison are a great piece of work. The movie is simply awesome and a must watch entertainer. Those who interested in making good cinema can learn a lot about film making from this movie. Kamal shines as an actor, director, producer, Lyricist, singer and lot of hidden work. Hail Kamal!!!

Virumandi is another masterpiece from genuis kamal.The way in which the story has been told is something amazing and very rarely you can see in Indian Cinema leave alone Tamil Cinema. I was very much depressed when films like Anbe Sivam and Hey Ram failed with people but hats off to kamal for his perseverance and hardwork and never giving up attitude to stage a great comeback in Virumandi and scripted a message in Film Industry that realistic and Quality films can also do well in box office. In my opinion currently Kamal is the best in Indian film Industry when it comes to making high quality films.Look at Virumandi - the way in which story being told with flawless screen play, powerful dialogues and aesthetic direction and utilising the technology to a fullest extent. I think his mentor Balachander should be proud of his student.

As an actor he has already proved that he is No 1 in the country and from film Direction point of view he is the process of taking Tamil/Indian cinema to International arena. Probably in years going forward we can witness a range of International awards being confered on this great artist.