Sibling affection is one of the lesser employed sentiments in Tamil cinema. But director Rajamohan has chosen to weave an entire entertainer around relationship between siblings. After 'Kunguma Poovum Konjum Puravum', it has taken longer than initially anticipated, for 'Vanavarayan Vallavarayan' to hit the screens. It was promoted to be a comic entertainer, and here's how it satisfies the audience:
Plot:
Vanavarayan and Vallavarayan, who are Vanu and Valu for short, played by Kreshna and Ma Ka Pa Anand respectively, are siblings with the former as the elder of the two. Their unity seems to end with the same family that they belong to, and come across as arch rivals who bring the roof down in their fight. But what people generally miss is that they share a unique bond wherein no matter however much they fight, they never let down on the other. After thirty failures straight, Vanu finally lands a beautiful girl, Anjali (Monal) and is very sincerely in love with her. Their secret affair creeps out and when their respective families and villagers come into the picture, it turns into a nasty business. Valu tries to help but only complicates issues further at each step. And in the end, Valu drives Vanu to suicide! What happens to Anjali's love story is the thread of 'Vanavarayan Vallavarayan'.
The Scene:
Most part of the movie flows slowly, except for the initial few minutes wherein the film seems to flow aimlessly. Giving utmost importance to sibling-love, the film does not spend too much time on love and the fight thereof. The incidents seem logically sequential; the most impressive part of the screenplay is that it very clearly sketches perspectives. Usage of camera is also very apt, though there is nothing extraordinary or specific to be mentioned about. Casting has been thoughtfully done - Kovai Sarala and Thambi Ramaiah are a very caring couple, who stand by their sons and also rise up to the occasion when demanded. Jayaprakash is one of the coolest dads, and he's played his role very well. SPB Charan has lost lots of weight and comes around as a prefect caring yet angry big bro for the girl. Santhanam plays a guest role and you are sure to be in splits in the scenes whenever he makes his presence.
What works...:
Unconventional story. Amidst all the mushy love stories, this flick is a healthy relief. There is very little need for censorship and the movie, overall turns out to be a healthy entertainer. There is no petty fight or mutual interests on the same girl - brothers never share that interest. The film is in perfect understanding of sibling mentality and quite literally translates the centuries old confusion over how distant yet closely tied siblings are. Costumes are a great plus to the movie. Colours used are subtle yet captivating and there is no vulgarity in the clothes of the protagonists. Parents' understanding of their children has also been highlighted beautifully, in the movie. In all, 'Vanavarayan Vallavarayan' relates directly to family audience.
What could have worked better...:
One of the most disappointing factors in the movie is its music, which is too mainstream tending sometimes to bore. Though the tunes are a let down, tunes have been strategically placed right. Next in line is the preseo of duets - it has started becoming old fashion. Also, except for the dialogues, almost all of the remaining part of the story is highly predictable, that fails our interest. Monal must improve her Tamil pronunciation, which has gone from incorrect uttering to utter silence in the school of Non-Tamil-actors-in-Kollywood.
There have been brothers who left a kingdom for his sibling, and ones that leave nothing for the other. However, a sibling is a sibling - they form the first experience of sharing and caring. With positives and areas of improvement in almost equal proportion, 'Vanavarayan Vallavarayan' is a different movie experience; it may not entirely explain the VV brothers, but will definitely get you thinking about your lovely rival back at home, and is definitely worth a watch.
Rating: 2.3/5
Verdict: Sibling love as is where is
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