It Is ‘All Is Well’ Time Again! - Nanban

Much like the original, Nanban also has several fine performances. Vijay has done a good job as Paari. Though in some scenes, he tries to ape Aamir, he does not make a mess of it. It has to be his career best performance. Jeeva and Srikanth both excel in their roles especially Jeeva who continues to show promise with each new film of his. Satyan gives a new dimension to the character of Silencer. Satyaraj has once again done a superb job as Virus. Ileana is good in parts. There are times when she is good and then there are times when she is awful. SJ Suryah does a neat cameo.

It’s Pongal time in Tamil Nadu and the festive season is also a lucrative period for the Kollywood box office. After Pokkiri for Pongal 2007 and Kaavalan for Pongal 2011, ‘Ilayathalapathy’ Vijay is back for Pongal 2012 with Nanban, the official remake of the Bollywood blockbuster '3 Idiots'. As if this wasn’t big enough, the film is being directed by one of India’s top directors, Shankar and music is by Harris Jayaraj. After the long wait, Nanban has finally arrived today and I got a ticket for the evening show.

Shankar has once again proved why he is one of India’s top directors. He has made the near-impossible task of remaking a cult film like 3 Idiots seem easy. He hasn’t altered the screenplay at all except for the addition of an extra song to suit the Tamil audience. Another plus point is the casting of the lead actors. The chemistry between Vijay, Jeeva and Srikanth is absolutely rocking. The cinematography is top notch and so is the editing. Full marks to the technical crew and the graphics department for making the visuals in the song outstanding - a trademark of Shanker’s films. Harris Jayaraj’s music has already become chartbusters. ‘En frienda pola yaaru macha’ , ‘Aska laska’ , ‘Irukaana’ and ‘All is well’ are the rip-rocker songs while ‘Nalla Nanban’ is a soul stirring song.

Overall, Nanban is a very nicely crafted campus family- entertainer and deftly executed remake. Those who haven’t watched '3 Idiots' will have a blast while those who have won’t be disappointed either.

Pongal is well!!!

Verdict- Very Good

Rating- 4.25/5

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