Grand and grandiose

  • IndiaGlitz, [Wednesday,June 15 2005]

The much-awaited Anniyan is all set to rock theatres this Friday. One of the costliest movies to have been ever made in Tamil filmdom, Anniyan brings together director Shankar, known for his grandeur and actor Vikram, winner of the national award for the best actor last year.

With the two coming together expectations are obviously high among the audience. Though the movie was in the making for over a year, no details about the movie was divulged and it was kept as a closely guarded secret raising expectations among film-buffs.

Shankar's films are known for its grandeur. Sure enough, Anniyan too has certain scenes churned out in a grand manner.

A song was pictured at the prestigious annual flower show in Amsterdam, a huge set resembling Thyagaraja Thiruvaiyaru Music fest was erected near Mahabalipuram, a hillrock was painted in all colors for another song, a herd of over 1000 buffaloes was used to shoot a sequence and a stunt was picturized at JJ Stadium with over 30 cameras simultaneously ...the list just gets endless.

The movie brings together music director Harris Jeyaraj and Shankar for the first time and the combo has come out with some amazing numbers. Already the songs like Andankakka and Iyengar Veetu Azhagae have made it to the top of the charts.

The presence of seasoned actors like Prakashraj, Vivek and Nedumudi Venu adds strength to the film.

Vikram has almost given himself to the character he is playing in the film. For one year, he has lived, slept, eaten with his role. This dedication has come in praise from all quarters.

Shankar cannot help talking about his hero. "His involvement was phenomenal," he says in his usual terse manner.

After the cold reception for Boys, Shankar wanted to come up with a clean entertainer on a mega canvas. Anniyan sure is. The film has got a U Certificate. And that is also great news for his fans.

Shankar doesn't like to talk much about his film. He believes in the film talking for itself.

Anniyan already has.