Avan Ivan (2011)

A tale of two stepbrothers who are into petty thieving, this cocktail from Bala fails to quench your thirst for good cinema

Kumbudren Samy (Arya) and Walter Vanangamudi (Vishal) are stepbrothers who follow the family business, petty thieving. Kumbudren is adept in his trade unlike Walter, whose heart beats for dance and acting. They both look upto the erstwhile zamindar, Highness (G.M Kumar), who basks in the former glory and with his kind nature commands the respect of the people.  Actually there is nothing much to write about in the first half of the film, where you are introduced to the characters and their idiosyncrasies. Enter a villain, RK, in the role of a cattle smuggler and there is bloodshed and revenge, the final concoction for the cocktail. But does it make a better drink?

Plus Points: Just like all Bala films, his characters live on the fringes of society and deviate from the usual. So is the case here with the stepbrothers. Vishal in his role as the squint eyed Walters is remarkable. Kudos to Bala for revealing to us the actor Vishal.  Arya is a perfect foil to Vishal lending support with his easy acting. G.M. Kumar delivers a good performance. And so does RK.

Minus Points: The narrative lacks a thread of continuity. And what was the story about, you can’t help asking yourself as you leave the hall. The women in the film can be ignored. Ambika and Prabha Ramesh as the mothers of the two stepbrothers are too loud and cantankerous. And the love interests of the two brothers played by Janani Iyer and Madhushalini, mere arm candy. Janani however makes an effort. The police force is once again ridiculed for its inefficiency. Have we not had enough of this?

Music: Yuvan’s music does not linger in the mind either.   

Camera work: Breathtaking visuals. 

Verdict: Touted as a comedy, this story seems to be ridiculing the viewer’s intelligence and time instead. Where is the Bala of Sethu, Pithamagan and Naan Kadavul? Evan Ivan? 
This is however a Vishal film all the way. 


The Alamelu