7Am Arivu – A Treat for Tamilians
October 29th, 2011
Opening segment of the movie portraying the life and times of Bodhi Dharma was so brilliantly done, the movie fails to meet the same level of expectation for the rest of the movie. But overall a refreshingly different action masala which is of the sci-fi genre, and a must watch for every tamilian.
Surya has given his heart and soul and the hard work pays off as he impresses one and all in his dual role; the six abs physique that fits in well with the role just goes on to show his commitment to perfection. It is hard task to play such a challenging role and come out unscathed with no major criticism. Remember that in Tamil cinema we are not used to seeing such demanding roles -- ones that sap the energy and require great transformation, taking the acting the next level. This is not your every day super hero role in a commercial flick. Well done Surya.
As the daughter of Kamal, one would expect Shruti to has some of her father’s genes. She doesn’t disappoint, and with age on her side, she should go on to improve her skills and become a leading star. The delivery of Tamil by Shruti in a role that we would expect to hear clear and articulated spoken Tamil, is a let down. It is not often we see an actress making debut in a movie of this size and hype, and to her credit Shruti has done reasonably well. She is yet to stamp her class, and that would not happen unless she polishes up on her acting skills too in future endeavours. No doubt she is talented and has the potential to reach the top. As for this movie, not an extraordinary performance, but good enough to make her father and fans satisfied.
The ‘imported’ villain, is no ordinary star, and fits the bill well. There are far too many scenes where he is seen hypnotizing and wreaking havoc . He is a Vietnamese actor and one who has earned reputation in martial arts, and Murugadoss has made the right choice and used him well. There is not much ‘acting’ to do for him, as he lets his action skills do the talking.
Harris’ songs have shades of his past numbers. Yet, songs are pleasing, the best being ‘Mun Andhi’. It is not his music, but the way songs have been inserted in a fast paced thriller that one may not enjoy the songs as much as when they were released as an audio album.
Murugadoss has produced another blockbuster although opinions may be divided as to whether the movie justifies the hype that surounded it. Movie is predictable at times, and lacks twists that a film such as “Ko” has given. The plot becomes childish at times, but then lets forgive all that because this movie is essentially a sci-fi where fantasy thrives.
An apt Deevali treat, and the movie may prove to be yet another mini milestone for Tamil cinema. We have seen ambitious attempts various directors in creating a magnum opus in Tamil Cinema. We are yet to see the true colossal hit but then no denying that movies such as Dasavatharam, Enthiran, Matharasuppatinam, Aayirathil Oruvan, and now the 7am Arivu are continuing to give us hope and also the much needed momentum to take the Tamil cinema in a new direction; this would one day take Tamil cinema to an envious position. Kamal in Dasavatharam, Rajini in Enthiran, and now Surya in 7am Arivu -- remind us that they are capable of carrying it in their shoulders by sheer hard work, dedication and to portray roles that make up for lapses in these much hyped and high budget movies.
My rating *** (3/5)
Watch the Trailer here
