Kaaviya Thalaivan’ brings
in a whiff of fresh air
What was life on stage, in the pre-independent era
in India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, when the big screen was unheard of?
When entertainment meant squatting on the ground and watching characters come alive on a stage in front; where men played female characters; where costumes and make-up was loud and actors raised their decibels so as to reach the man at the rear row; where music was sweet melody, devoid of the trappings of digital age and loud instruments; where re- recording and retakes were never heard of.
Tamil director, Vasantabalan who is remembered for his ‘Veyil,’ (a national award winner that was screened at Cannes Film Festival in 2007) and ‘Angadi Theru,’ (another critically acclaimed film) takes viewers on an enchanting journey with his new film, ‘Kaaviya Thalaivan.’
This period drama is pivoted around a travelling drama group, managed by Sivadas Swamigal (Nasser). And in his group the lead players are Kaliappa Bhagavathar (Siddharth) and Gomathi (Prithviraj), who often perform together on stage as pairs and as the antagonist and protagonist. Kali and Gomathi having grown up under Swamigal’s care since childhood share a close bond, akin to siblings. While Kali is the playful yet earnest actor, Gomathi is a dedicated young man who strictly follows the dos and don’t’s of his guru, striving hard for his guru’s appreciation. But Swamigal seems to have a soft corner for Kali and that gradually makes Gomathi jealous of Kali. Fitting well into Gomathi’s skin is none other but the Malayalam star, Prithviraj known for his versatility. As emotions inside Gomathi shift between pride and jealousy, Prithviraj portrays it with a finesse, speaking a lot mostly through his eyes and before he realizes it, the green eyed monster has consumed him taking him on the road to doom. Playing the perfect tango to Gomathi’s character, Siddharth as Kali, allows himself to be submerged in his character. And what a performance he delivers! While ‘Kaaviya Thalaivan’ rides on the shoulders of Prithviraj and Siddharth, the supporting blocks deserve equal applause. Veteran actor Nasser lives up to his reputation. Thambi Ramiah, Ponvannan and Singam Puli slipped into their characters with ease. Director Vasantabalan’s casting of Vedhika as Vadivambal, the only female actor in Swamigal’s group and Anaika Soti as Princess Rangamma in love with Kali is perfect.
Vadivambal’s character has been inspired by the legendary singer-actor K.B. Sundarambal. And Vedhika, who impressed with her performance in Bala’s ‘Paradesi,’ proves once again that in the hands of a good director, she is putty. Anaika is cute as Rangamma and a talent to watch out for.
Complementing the beautiful story is Rahman’s music. Nirav Shah’s camera work is just awesome.
Vasantabalan’s daring attempt to narrate a period drama is refreshing and a pleasant change from the routine fare doled out in Tamil cinema. Screenplay and dialogues transport you to another era and travelling with the drama group, viewers go through a gamut of emotions.
Indeed a class act.
When entertainment meant squatting on the ground and watching characters come alive on a stage in front; where men played female characters; where costumes and make-up was loud and actors raised their decibels so as to reach the man at the rear row; where music was sweet melody, devoid of the trappings of digital age and loud instruments; where re- recording and retakes were never heard of.
Tamil director, Vasantabalan who is remembered for his ‘Veyil,’ (a national award winner that was screened at Cannes Film Festival in 2007) and ‘Angadi Theru,’ (another critically acclaimed film) takes viewers on an enchanting journey with his new film, ‘Kaaviya Thalaivan.’
This period drama is pivoted around a travelling drama group, managed by Sivadas Swamigal (Nasser). And in his group the lead players are Kaliappa Bhagavathar (Siddharth) and Gomathi (Prithviraj), who often perform together on stage as pairs and as the antagonist and protagonist. Kali and Gomathi having grown up under Swamigal’s care since childhood share a close bond, akin to siblings. While Kali is the playful yet earnest actor, Gomathi is a dedicated young man who strictly follows the dos and don’t’s of his guru, striving hard for his guru’s appreciation. But Swamigal seems to have a soft corner for Kali and that gradually makes Gomathi jealous of Kali. Fitting well into Gomathi’s skin is none other but the Malayalam star, Prithviraj known for his versatility. As emotions inside Gomathi shift between pride and jealousy, Prithviraj portrays it with a finesse, speaking a lot mostly through his eyes and before he realizes it, the green eyed monster has consumed him taking him on the road to doom. Playing the perfect tango to Gomathi’s character, Siddharth as Kali, allows himself to be submerged in his character. And what a performance he delivers! While ‘Kaaviya Thalaivan’ rides on the shoulders of Prithviraj and Siddharth, the supporting blocks deserve equal applause. Veteran actor Nasser lives up to his reputation. Thambi Ramiah, Ponvannan and Singam Puli slipped into their characters with ease. Director Vasantabalan’s casting of Vedhika as Vadivambal, the only female actor in Swamigal’s group and Anaika Soti as Princess Rangamma in love with Kali is perfect.
Vadivambal’s character has been inspired by the legendary singer-actor K.B. Sundarambal. And Vedhika, who impressed with her performance in Bala’s ‘Paradesi,’ proves once again that in the hands of a good director, she is putty. Anaika is cute as Rangamma and a talent to watch out for.
Complementing the beautiful story is Rahman’s music. Nirav Shah’s camera work is just awesome.
Vasantabalan’s daring attempt to narrate a period drama is refreshing and a pleasant change from the routine fare doled out in Tamil cinema. Screenplay and dialogues transport you to another era and travelling with the drama group, viewers go through a gamut of emotions.
Indeed a class act.
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