Avan Ivan Review

In all honesty, I dont know where to begin with Bala. The man began his career with Sethu and has risen to heights that I dont think he even thought he would reach. Personally, I have found his films disturbingly dark but extremely sensitive as well, an odd combination but one that was present. His latest one of Avan Ivan was supposed to be done in the shortest amount of time and be a full length light-hearted film but while the time factor was clearly extended more than anyone liked, does he succeed in the different style of film? Not really.

Avan Ivan is about Walter Vanagamudi [Vishal Krishna], the oldest son in family of thieves that aspires to become a big time actor, his step-brother Kumbiduren Saamy [Arya], a much louder mouthed but quick witted theif, and the dethroned Jaminder of there village, Highness [G.M.Kumar]. As the only person that can command some respect from the two, Highness is the only thing between the two step-brothers that can stop them fighting. At the same time, he cares about them dearly and wants them to reform from their criminal ways. As the two find love, Highness is the one that clears the way for them, even if it means he must let go of his own grudges against people who cheated him. But what happens when Highness is in trouble? Will the brother look past their mutual animosity and help him? This forms the crux of the story.

Let me continue from my first para and say that this is definitely a Bala film although slightly different. His style of filmmaking is definitely evident in the picturisation and pace. However, his undying desire to write stories about the forgotten ones of society although merit-worthy, is something he hasn't given up even in his light-hearted filmmaking. Vishal Krishna steps away from the masala of Malakottai and Thamirabharani and transform himself quite literally. As the "onnarai kannan" [squint eyed] Walter, he has put in a lot of effort to be the character instead of the star and it is greatly appreciated. Arya is not new to the slum characterisation and pitches in a decent performance. You could even say that barring a few scenes, he is the central comedy relief for a good portion of the film. A special mention must be made of their bromistry [brotherly chemistry for the uninitiated] which works big time. Constable Baby is a fun character played by Janani Iyer, a cute newbie that does what she can. Hopefully we will see more of her. Madhu Shalini plays a key role but she is just about ok as Thenmozhi. G.M.Kumar is fun, innocent and courageous as Highness and scores on more than one occasion, higher than the lead actors. Ambika and Jayapradha are nowhere near as classy as I have known them to be but both work well as the foul-mouthed mothers. R.K's intro seems too quick for liking and his screen time is quite short but as the catalyst he tries his best. The artists that play the DSP position aspiring Inspector and Arya's sidekick bring the house down repectively. The rest add to the mix.

Music is always a highlight with Bala's film and he returns with Yuvan but this isn't his usual best although completely in sync with Bala's storytelling on the background score. Rasathi does entertain but listen to the soundtrack more than watch the visuals since they aren't up to par. Editing by Suresh Urs is neat and the cinematography by Arthur Wilson is a big plus point for the film. Each scene is shot with amazing grace and depicts the mountain area beautifully with no superficiality. 

The weakest link and certain cause of the setback is the story and the pace, two key items Bala has always had tight reigns on. So the characters are supposed to be of the forgotten sector of society yet you are not supposed to look at them that way. Ok, granted. But in all honesty, do people of any sector of society have such a constant flow crass jokes? Dialogue writer S.Ramakrishnan does have good points since the audience does laugh out loud sometimes but that isn't for very long. Adding to this, there is no logic behind the supposed "romantic" scenes. Neither pair of ladies are shown to give reason behind their affinity to the male leads, if you leave aside the rude behaviour towards that precedes these circumstances. On top of this, you are bombarded with the crass comedy for a good portion of the film before the story progresses. Yes, you will have to swallow Bala's trademark brutal depiction but does that also warrant patience being tested? 

I walked in with no expectations since this was Bala's attempt at being more mainstream and light-hearted but when you refer Pithamagan to have better comedy and Naan Kadavul to have more heart, disappointment is all that you are left with.

Rating: 2/5