Pachaikili Muthucharam (2007)

User Rating:

5.6/10   

Director:

Gautham Menon

Writers:

James Siegel (story) and
Gautham Menon (writer)

Release Date:

February 2007 (India)

Genre:

Action

Plot Keywords:

Tamil

Cast

Andrea
Jyothika
Sarath Kumar
Milind Soman

Country:

India

Language:

Tamil

Color:

Color

Company:

Oscar Films International

Trivia:

Based on the book and movie "Derailed."

PKMC- Where is Mr. Menon heading?

PKMC - Mr. Menon must have been really tired working with Kamal for V V. The consequence are clearly seen in PKMC. Apart from the fact that it is a remake of DERAILED, the film showcases the weakness and lethargic approach in direction which is not seen in 'kahka kahka'. One can hardly see any neutral shots in the film. Hand held shots does give a candid feel but not every time. I have seen Aravind Krishna(D.O.P) doing a role in kandukondein kandukondein in which he operates camera for marriage receptions, i see the same effect here too. It was like watching a wedding video. Well, esthetics and shot-divisions are exclusively director's perception, but one should also admit that a good paper can be converted to a good celluloid only when the right combinations are used. Writer/ Director Gautham menon should however be praised for the dialogues, the only best part in the film. Every piece is memorable but had western color.

Editing is pretty decent but eclipsed due to poor shot selections. Harris Jeyaraj, the current heart-throb should come out of his shell. A director can be identified by his way and style of film-making, because he has the cushion of doing it with different characters and artists every time, but not the music director. He has to be different and innovative every time. Harris's original score not only gives the audience a 'deja vu' feel but also 'Why is that i hear the same in every movie of his'?' thought. His background score is better comparatively. For someone who has a strong memory and were moved by a piece in 'Samurai' (that's Harris's too) they can hear the same here too. Just the same!

The casting is also a weaker section in PKMC. Except Jothika and Milind Soman (Awesome lip sync) nobody is impressive. Andre who is full of colours in the second half, showed a stiff face in the first. She carried a small smile in her face through out the first half which is a trait for any newcomer, Director should have taken extra care. Sarath Kumar, the protagonist's performance is below par. Sarath will be the best when he don roles like Natamai. I cannot take the 'so called' fact that he is underplayed. A scene where kalyani cries out "kaila 600 rooba than iruthathu" i expected some top class reaction from Sarath. Both the Director and the actor let me down. I'm not thrilled or surprised to see Jothika's acting. It's a known fact that she is THE best actor at present.

P.S. It is not a taboo that all films should be criticised to prove a single point that a review writer is intelligent and well-informed about the films than the director. It is the result of the juxtaposition of other films that the director had directed with the present one. We saw a new light in 'Khaka Khaka' which was fading in 'Vaytaiyadu Vilaiyadu' and now it is a complete black out.

BOTTOM LINE: Pachai Kili Muthu Charam - A necklace with counterfeit pearls!!!