Note: the write-up is based on the 2 hours 34 minutes trimmed version that is currently being played in theaters.
The film is trimmed, Well trimmed indeed. Right through the 154 minutes run time, The film is filled with lots of 'Disney' like fun moments that will be enjoyed by the kids and you wont be annoyed accompanying them.
The 'Actor Surya' who has been lately trying hard to become 'Entertainer Suriya' seems to be back in a well executed film. Suriya trying to select different kinds of scripts was clearly evident through his previous films but the script which looked good in paper was never executed well in the screen and this is the only factor why 24 as a film is a well made comeback film. Talking about the execution, Suriya plays three different characters and each character seems to be a break up for three different kinds of audience.
Mani- The jolly go lucky -romantic guy who is enjoyed by the family audience.
Sethuraman- The typical 'for the critic' written guy who runs the plot of the film.
Athreya- The stylish villain who keeps the boys excited throughout the run time.
These break up of characters have done wonders in the film to satisfy whole of the audience and this is the reason why I call this as a 'Pakka Masala' product.
(Taking about me calling this film a 'Pakka Masala product' and if you find this offensive try finding another alternative word for a Sci-Fic film like this containing some totally unwanted romance and misplaced songs, From Thani Oruvan i have been complaining about this and I'm already tired) Right from the film Manam director Vikram Kumar seems to never get the romantic scenes right. It will mostly end up has a half written and half swallowed lines but his brilliance as a writer is rightly shown in the place where he should be appreciated for. His writing and linking of each characters to the story shows his intelligence. Sometimes it makes you complain about the co incidence but believe me it is never easy to link all characters to one plot.
There are different versions of Time travel and as time travel never been proved or experienced you are forced to accept the directors version of time travel. If you have a friend who sees different kinds of films and is comparing each film and finding faults, its high time you ask the nerd to shut up.
According to my knowledge the directors version of time travel is simple, well written and presented. Leaving those love scenes aside the screenplay is well written and even a little bit of annoyance will make you miss some twists. Vikram Kumar seems to be playing a intelligent game with the audience, every time you expect the character to reveal something he fools you and shows you how intelligent his characters are. I bet you can never predict those 'I got it right' moments and it is one of the reasons why the film is never a bore.
Samantha is adorable in each scene and Saranya as usual does the mother role at her best. Talking about the characters in the film, There are around 5 important characters and in which 3 of them are being played by Surya himself :P still you never get bored, Even the style of crying seems to be different for each character.
Another brilliance in the movie is the visual effects. The moments of keys, the inside of the watch and the rain sequence (my favorite ) isn't an immature work. Kudos to the cinematographer and VFX TEAM.
As said before you will never be annoyed watching this film in theater, until your nerd friend starts his theories. :P
