What is it all about?

Finally the Hindi version (the fifth one) is here for our ‘naked eyes’ and the truth is - 'Drishyam' by Nishikant Kamat is a faithful, powerful, pulse rising remake edging between family values, togetherness, morality and upbringing that recollects Ajay Devgn’s intensity that we all have always loved.

The Story

Jeethu Joseph’s rare cinematic Kohinoor diamond that got brilliantly polished by Kamal in ‘Papanasam’ at the beginning of this month, gets respectfully savored in its local Goan Marathi flavor by screen writer Upendra Sidhaye’s adaptation.

Staying loyal to Jeethu Joseph’s story this one too opens with Vijay Salgaonkar (Ajay Devgn) waiting at Pandolem police station in Goa.  Vijay is a fourth grade dropout orphan running a cable center in this remote village in Goa.

For Vijay his wife Nandin (Shriya Saran) and his two daughters (elder played by by Ishita Dutta) are his whole world.

A shocking accident finds Vijay and his family on the other side of the law. IG police Meera Deshmukh (Tabu) smells something fishy and the local cop the corrupt constable played by Kamlesh Sawant sees a golden opportunity to settle his pending rancor’s against Vijay.

What follows is a roller costar pulse raising, heart rendering, uplifting and thrilling ride of a common man Vijay against the powerful lawmakers.

Significant Highlights

Nishikanth Kamat approach over here is a cross between a psychological thriller peeping controlled and realistic massy tones. His successful background in delivering classy and massy cinema with Dombivali Fast and Lai Bhari shines the helmers arc in maintaining a proper balance between populist drama, reality thrills and healthy manipulative emotions.

Similar to original helmer Jeethu Joseph (Malayalam, Tamil) non generic approach, Nishikanth too stays away from giving it a ‘de noirish’ modern turn though he places it in Goa.

While Jeetu Joseph gave it a village feel, Nishikanth’s adaptation gives a small town appeal. The establishment, build up and the tension are delivered as the experts from the original and the doctors of thrillers ordered..

It was a tough challenge for a director like Kamat not to get carried away by Ajay Devgn’s stardom and its popular action packed demand and make full use of the actor’s intensity to portray the protagonist real emotions.

'Drishyam' recollects the intense Ajay we met during ‘Company’, ‘Zakhm’, ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’ ‘Bhagat Singh’ etc. Ajay Devgn is brilliant in conveying his character’s slide from simple innocent family man to a cold headed smart fox up against the powerful law to protect his family. The dilemma of morality crises and the emotional turmoil is brilliantly displayed by Ajay in this act. Superb.

Ishita Dutta as the elder daughter is outstanding, providing the required emotional resonate to this family driven message oriented pulse riser. Fantastic.

Kamlesh Sawant as the corrupt cop is terrific. Prathamesh Parab as Devgn’s assistant is fabulous.

Tabu as IG Meera Deshmukh is a stealer. Fully  registering and portraying the strength of her acting powers in her character as a no nonsense senior police officer ‘clueless’ about her son’s whereabouts. Tabu with her sheer class and acting persona takes her role to a different level. Amazing.

Rajat Kapoor chips in with good support. Vishal Bhardwaj music doesn,t hamper the proceedings. Sameer Phaterpekar’s background music  is a major plus. Aarif Sheikh’s editing gives the require edge.

Avinash Arun’s cinematography is wonderful. Production values are of best standards.

Flaws

Those who have seen the Malayalam and Tamil versions may draw comparisons between Mohanlal, Kamal’s acting skills and brilliance with Ajay.  Shriya Saran is a miscast. Nishikanth Kamat could have added some new twist in the tale.

Conclusion: Seeing is believing.. watch 'Drishyam' to see the actor Ajay Devgn returning to his intensity best in this emotionally packed powerful, faithful, pulse riser, powered by superlative performance that envelopes a relevant message of morality and upbringing.

Rating ****

(An extra for Ajay Devgn’s intensity redefined)