IMDb > Aalavandhan (2001)

Aalavandhan (2001) More at IMDbPro »

Photos (see all 3 | slideshow)

Overview

User Rating:
6.8/10   325 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Up 3% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Writer:
Kamal Hassan (novel)
Release Date:
16 November 2001 (India) more
Genre:
User Comments:
Interesting with exemplary technical stuff more (9 total)

Cast

  (Credited cast)
Kamal Hassan ... Abhay Kumar / Major Vijaykumar
Raveena Tandon ... Tejaswini
Manisha Koirala ... Sharmilee
Shri Vallabh Vyas ... Dr. Srinivasa Rao
Milind Gunaji ... Lt. Col. Santosh Kumar
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Kitu Gidwani ... Abhay / Vijay's Step-mother
Anuradha Hasan ... Abhay / Vijay's Mother
Major Ravi ... Menon
Yashpal Sharma ... Terrorist Gul
more
Create a character page for: ?

Additional Details

Also Known As:
Abhay (India: Hindi title) (dubbed version)
more
Runtime:
178 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Sound Mix:
Certification:
Company:

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
This film originally featured a nude scene by Kamal Hassan, but this was not permitted by the Indian censor board (CBFC). So, it was deleted from the final print. more
Movie Connections:
Referenced in Tere Naam (2003) more

FAQ

This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.
2 out of 2 people found the following comment useful.
Interesting with exemplary technical stuff, 19 November 2001
7/10
Author: venkat_rs from Bangalore, India

Warning: I have viewed this movie only in Tamil. Telugu and Hindi movie-goers are expected to add a pinch of salt while reading further.

This is one of the most hyped-up movies ever in Indian movie history. When people begin to wonder if it can live upto the hype, the movie reveals the calculated gradual publicity built up over the months. In case you haven't watched and read enough on television and the Web, do so immediately to comprehend the movie better.

The basic story is nothing new, but the movie delves to a large extent into the dark recesses of the psychopathic mind of Nandu. We get to view the real-plus-imaginary world inhabited by this schizophrenic character "with paranoid delusions", courtesy special effects and animation. All this happens even as an engaging action thriller unfolds on the screen. The delusion and flashback portions seem to slow down the pace. Many scenes involving Nandu send a chill down your spine, though the language and violence, at times, seems unfit for children.

While the commando operation in the beginning and the relationship between the lead pair remind of you Hollywood movies, the designer clothes worn by the antagonist and sponsor promotion towards the end are true Bollywood 'ishtyle'. What you get is a curious mix of cliches and innovations.

Kamal Haasan plays the negative character alternating between style and realism, though things seem to get repetitive. The other character of an NSG major seems much like the real-life Kamal, mouthing anti-religious remarks and sporting a unique lifestyle. Raveena manages to hold her own while Manisha is good despite appearing only in a few scenes. The dubbing for both of them seems odd on a few occasions. Talented actors like Gunaji and Gidwani seem wasted in roles with few scenes and little potential.

No stone has been left unturned when it comes to the technical aspects of the movie like art direction, cinematography, editing, sound effects and visual effects; but the computer graphics is found wanting sometimes. Double role picturisation has possibly never been better, even in Hollywood, though those movies rarely employ an actor portraying two roles. The attention to detail is also stunning.

The songs blend seamlessly with the movie, beyond expectations -- the title track serves as the background for a chase sequence and still manages to come out good! But this certainly isn't another Dil Chahta Hai for Shankar-Ehsaan Loy. The background score might seem mediocre at places when viewed in the surroundings of other superior elements. Vairamuthu's lyrics and poems bring out the various dimensions of the complex character. Symbolism is built into the script (done by Kamal Haasan himself) much like Hey Ram, reducing the work of the director.

To sum it up, this is an interesting masala movie, with exemplary techniques and a lot of sensible elements incorporated into it.

Was the above comment useful to you?
more (9 total)

Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Aalavandhan (2001)

Recommendations

If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
- - - - -
My Head Hurts The Shining Performance Ringu From Hell
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
Show more recommendations

Related Links

Full cast and crew Company credits External reviews
IMDb Thriller section IMDb India section Add this title to MyMovies

You may report errors and omissions on this page to the IMDb database managers. They will be examined and if approved will be included in a future update. Clicking the 'Update' button will take you through a step-by-step process.