Seven-line Review: Writer/director Rathna Kumar toys with the concept of freedom of expression (for women) in this Amala Paul starrer. It's safe to say that his efforts are fruitful to an extent, especially from a storytelling perspective. While several scenes in the first half merely contribute to establishing one-note side characters and make negligible progress storywise, the second half offers great thrills. Cinematography by Vijay Karthik Kannan is superb. His choice of angles around a nude Kamini (Amala) is never for once too revealing or sexually suggestive. The final twist, or as they say, 'the big reveal' (with a backstory of its own), did not disappoint though not the most logical one. After Meyadha Maan and Aadai, I feel like Rathna Kumar has plenty more interesting stories (and ideas) up his sleeve.
41 Reviews
Must Watch!
choudhurykaushik30 October 2019
nothing more
sparrowlocation25 July 2019
Holds no water
yashseeta26 March 2020
The movie claims to be feminist but it tells women what they should do. The reason is an act of defiance 200 years ago.
The prologue of Nangeli and the breast tax system does not layout the path to the movie. It's thrown at the movie's plot hoping it will stick. But the way the movie unravels it's an edge of the seat thriller(with probable plot holes), which is all very enjoyable! I was almost convinced of a sinister finale. Instead it is very jarring, preachy and cold. A lot of themes are pointed at, hoping something will make sense. Nothing does!
All of the characters' are all maxing out on one of their stats leaving them to be caricatures. I will say that the film beautifully captured the idea of being nude without having to drop jaws from the contemporary modest Indian. It is definitely interesting if one observes the "nudity" that is shown. It does beg the question of what is acceptable or not and why?
All of the characters' are all maxing out on one of their stats leaving them to be caricatures. I will say that the film beautifully captured the idea of being nude without having to drop jaws from the contemporary modest Indian. It is definitely interesting if one observes the "nudity" that is shown. It does beg the question of what is acceptable or not and why?
A mishmash of conflicting ideas
magnamias19 November 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I had high hopes for this film. In a state where many colleges still ban women from wearing leggings, the trailer and word around this movie seemed like a big slap in the face of unquestioned conventions. I was hoping it would explore issues around body autonomy, shame and what dignity really means. However, the movie grossly under utilises these opportunities and seems like the work of a confused teenager who recently crammed too many ideologies into his head.
The film's protagonist, Amala Paul, has some interesting traits. She doesn't give two hoots about how a woman is expected to behave typically, is bold, forthright, daring and independent. However, what the character lacks is responsibility or sensibility; she is rude, doesn't care about consequences, unethical and impulsive. This, unfortunately, creates this messy bundle of traits. We don't quite feel she is a "good person"; BUT the director needs to make her sensible WITHOUT compromising on her core qualities of courage and strength. Here, he fails miserably and how! Add to this the multi-faceted theme of nudity, and everything becomes one big mess.
She gets into a trap and wakes up nude due to her own folly. But the nudity serves no purpose to the story, in my opinion. She might have as well learnt a lesson in some other way. I's almost as if the nudity shocks her into becoming a good person. But why? That sends a wrong message.
Terrible. Disappointing.
The film's protagonist, Amala Paul, has some interesting traits. She doesn't give two hoots about how a woman is expected to behave typically, is bold, forthright, daring and independent. However, what the character lacks is responsibility or sensibility; she is rude, doesn't care about consequences, unethical and impulsive. This, unfortunately, creates this messy bundle of traits. We don't quite feel she is a "good person"; BUT the director needs to make her sensible WITHOUT compromising on her core qualities of courage and strength. Here, he fails miserably and how! Add to this the multi-faceted theme of nudity, and everything becomes one big mess.
She gets into a trap and wakes up nude due to her own folly. But the nudity serves no purpose to the story, in my opinion. She might have as well learnt a lesson in some other way. I's almost as if the nudity shocks her into becoming a good person. But why? That sends a wrong message.
Terrible. Disappointing.
Idiotic Attempt
sabirahmedkiller18 August 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Went with a hope of some Women Empowerment, instead I get to see a women drinking alcohol and abusing her mother, locking up her own co-worker in oder to get her position. Reverse the role all the women loose their mind. And about the movie, I was still hoping something, I don't know what. Disappointed heavily. Amala Paul has Over Acted in few scenes are liverated free spirit.
Wasted my time.
Wasted my time.
Aadai - "Don't misuse your freedom"
karthik-mee827 July 2019
Amala paul , dare to choose this role but she deserves all appreciation., superb performance
Excellent cinematography in 2nd half, which played a major role to show audience no scene is obscene . More applauds
Bold and unique attempt in tamil cinema by director Rathnakumar.
Completely different experience., Try and thrilled it.,
Excellent cinematography in 2nd half, which played a major role to show audience no scene is obscene . More applauds
Bold and unique attempt in tamil cinema by director Rathnakumar.
Completely different experience., Try and thrilled it.,
Feminism redefined
fahimay12 October 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Feminism redefined
Curiousity drove me to watch this mivie. Though I had some apprehensions in mind, I was sure it would not be a revolting concept. What surprised me, is far from that, this movie has a strong message for today's youngsters. It was actually a fresh take on feminism and what freedom to think and act actually means. I don't want to explain much about the performances because it would spoil the thrill if you haven't already watched it. Of course, Amala Paul is definitely extra bold to have pulled this off. Good thing is all that effort is actually meant to reflect on the present-day attitude of this generation. There is no explicit nudity shown on screen. New faces impress you with their acting talents. Screenplay and bgm complement each other. A real daring attempt, but you don't feel bad at the end of the movie.
Curiousity drove me to watch this mivie. Though I had some apprehensions in mind, I was sure it would not be a revolting concept. What surprised me, is far from that, this movie has a strong message for today's youngsters. It was actually a fresh take on feminism and what freedom to think and act actually means. I don't want to explain much about the performances because it would spoil the thrill if you haven't already watched it. Of course, Amala Paul is definitely extra bold to have pulled this off. Good thing is all that effort is actually meant to reflect on the present-day attitude of this generation. There is no explicit nudity shown on screen. New faces impress you with their acting talents. Screenplay and bgm complement each other. A real daring attempt, but you don't feel bad at the end of the movie.
Worst movie i have ever seen!
sowjanyagudi18 August 2019
Warning: Spoilers
When i read the controversy about being naked in the movie i was anticipating something really logical, and artistic about the performances. Am feminist like any other woman but this movie is not at all woman centric. Am still trying to figure out why did they narrate "Nangeli" story in the beginning of the movie?? Dull side characters, i dont like amala paul. It seemed like she had a bad marriage and she wants to do something wild and getaway from her personal disturbance and have done this wanna be movie. Infact it looked like she could be the worst example of a woman. Humiliating her co worker , can do anything to any extreme, abusive towards mom, oppurtunitist and no remorse or emotional. She dint feel sorry even after the girl tells her because if her prank she couldnt write her exam. One of the worst movie. She dint have to be naked just for an illogical movie. All she did in the movie was being naked. No grip in the story, no strong point. Worst movie ever. I would rather watch old illogical small movies than watching this. Wasted my time. I dont know people who gave 10 stars. How on earth did they even feel like this is ana amazing movie.
This film is more than Nudity. Neatly made with someSolid writing
arunadevikural21 January 2020
I always see a film as a film. But this film made a huge impact on me and I couldn't stop myself from writing a review . First of all hatsoff to director who conceived this idea. Nudity is an art. For the first time I am seeing a Indian film which showed women skin in a right way. Tripping scenes, Hilarious love proposal scene, Climax revealing scenes are my favorites. A girl rash driving a bike, smoking, using foul words are a rarity in Tamil films. In this film it is not glorified and done with conviction.
Huge applause to Cinematogapher for pulling off nude scenes with a class. Amala Paul is great in this film. Her eyes, lips, hair, body everything on song. she deserved to get better roles at least from now on. This film is empowering to every individual. I am Sold
Bold attempt by the actress
saru202015 September 2019
A bold attempt by the actress but it'd be surprising if her career moves forward just like it is now for her, let's see.
The Although the movie had gripping scenes keeping the audience engaged, the climax didn't do justice and looked more like having suppressed the whole plot as the backstory wasn't strong enough to hold everything that happened accountably.
bad bad bad movie
praanavrox16 August 2019
A stupid movie. the trailers made it seem like it was going to be some social commentary on the country's long-standing violence against women problem. Instead it was a horrible, incomprehensible mesh of random themes. the main character is extremely annoying, the side characters are 1 dimensional and dull. It was going for such a pandering and wide message that fell flat on its face. the plot-holes are way too much to count and it required way too many coincidences to happen. this movie was frustrating to watch and made me exclaim "WHAT!" every 5 seconds.
Feminism
sourishravi19 August 2019
The Major Advantage of the Movie is Cinematography! The Story line with Social message is Good. It makes you understand Faminism is Stupidism! At Climax There is No need for The revenger to ask sorry to AmalaPaul, They were trying to make the heroin segment strong!
Hates off to the cinematographer!
Good and variety plot
sachulekha19 August 2019
Aadai - Suthanthira Kodi
sangamithra-2131226 July 2019
The film is about a women who dares to take up challenges and bet. Amala Paul in the lead role truly deserves an applause. Vijay Karthik's cinematography was very responsible and perfect in the 40 mins which was the curious plot in the movie. Do watch the movie for the attempt given to a women centric film.
I liked the movie and felt satisfied.
Just a waste of time
arulmrr30 August 2019
Suspenseful
norbert-plan-618-7158132 April 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This Kollywood film (the Indian film industry based in Chennai) is yet another example of the tonal shifts and genre mixes we can encounter in an Indian film. It starts with an extremely bizarre prologue that looks like a Stephen King terror film and an extremely bizarre sequence worthy of David Lynch's Blue Velvet. Then, the film talks about the journalistic world with comedy, then the film switches halfway to a thriller (this part is the least successful even if it is the one that talks best about the condition of women in India), then the drama and finally the film falls back on its feet.
The film follows a team of journalists who specialize in a reality show that consists of playing horrible pranks on random people in the street. The film is sold as a thriller, but only half of it is.
The first part, which is more documentary (on the functioning of the team of journalists) and more romantic (Amala Paul's relationship with her mother or with her colleagues) works well.
The suspenseful part where Amala Paul finds herself alone, abandoned and naked in an empty office building, does not work completely. Since the censors don't allow nudity, the long shots blur her, and close-ups make sure to show nothing of her breasts or her pubic area or her buttocks. This is fine, but the blurring choices (usually by making sure the focus is not on her) detract from the effectiveness of these scenes instead of heightening the suspense (Rathna Kumar surely thought it suggested the point of view of whoever is doing this to her). The suspense is on several levels: who drugged her, stripped her and put her in that building, and why; how she is going to get out of it (she can't go out naked in the street, a man having seen her tries to enter the building).
The film gets back on its feet by talking about the harassment of women, using the technique of the farce at the beginning of the film.
The film follows a team of journalists who specialize in a reality show that consists of playing horrible pranks on random people in the street. The film is sold as a thriller, but only half of it is.
The first part, which is more documentary (on the functioning of the team of journalists) and more romantic (Amala Paul's relationship with her mother or with her colleagues) works well.
The suspenseful part where Amala Paul finds herself alone, abandoned and naked in an empty office building, does not work completely. Since the censors don't allow nudity, the long shots blur her, and close-ups make sure to show nothing of her breasts or her pubic area or her buttocks. This is fine, but the blurring choices (usually by making sure the focus is not on her) detract from the effectiveness of these scenes instead of heightening the suspense (Rathna Kumar surely thought it suggested the point of view of whoever is doing this to her). The suspense is on several levels: who drugged her, stripped her and put her in that building, and why; how she is going to get out of it (she can't go out naked in the street, a man having seen her tries to enter the building).
The film gets back on its feet by talking about the harassment of women, using the technique of the farce at the beginning of the film.
Could have been a better movie.
aravindstvm26 August 2019
Watched the movie to see the hype of amalapaul's brave no string attached acting.Movie started with unwanted scenes which got connected in climax.Movie focuses more on idiotic prank games which are made by TV channels and its negative impacts.Nude scenes were unnecessary and could have been much better if not included in the movie.The climax is worth watching.Just a mix of okay and good.If you feel free you can watch or you can skip choice is yours.
Cinematography is worth praising for.He had done an excellent job.
Survival Drama with a social message
pritambag3 June 2020
Well it was really unexpected from a director to present a Survival cum Psychological Thriller with tinches of Dark Comedy too, which actually gave a social message of how so called simple and silly pranks can take dark and bizzare turn. The story itself keeps changing its genre with its brilliant execution, like in the first half it moreover appeared as a Survival Drama but later on it ended up moreover as a Psychological Thriller with tit-bits of Dark Comedy elements too. The performances were really really awesome, especially Amala Paul with a complete showstelling performance. And the writer too should be appreciated for presenting such a script. I would highly highly recommend this movie. Do give it a watch.
Poor storyline
sdkaisha28 September 2019
Such a dull and poor storyline. Could have done way more better than that. That ending which reveals the reasons behind all those suffering was just so stupid. I got to watch the movie only because of the traile. But what is this!? Amala did no acting but played naked over the full movie. A great disappointmen!
Fell short of expectations
niharika-292481 September 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I really expected a lot from this movie after watching the teaser and trailer. I really thought it would be a very good thriller but the movie has nothing of the sort. Just an ordinary film which the director manages to put up the curiosity of the audience till the end but reveals the plot in an unexpected weak storyline!! I was a lot disappointed!
Blown Away by this tiny little gem
madhushortfilm13 November 2019
I randomly searched for a film last weekend in prime. To be honest started watching this for its nudity. But right from the 1st frame glued to the screen. Infact i totally forgot the nudity in the film half way through. Be it the visuals, performance,music, editing and last but not least writing. Everything is top notch. It spoke about much relevant and need issue towards the climax and Third act packs the punch with a positive end. This film is kickass. Wondering why the rating is low. I think lot of misinterpretation happened with the viewers bcoz of feminist angle. Kamini is a unforgettable character and to me she is not a feminist. Love you .
Rathnakumar fails big time
ananthragi4 September 2019
Good movie
haripriya19 August 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I give 10/10 for the Camera work alone. Technically strong. Amala Paul's bold attempt is appreciable, mean while Ananya Ramaprasad appearance and acting is clean and surprising.
This movie is showing all the wrong sides first and then taking the good messages based on it. The protagonist takes the blame clearly and moves on by understanding what she did wrong, no need cry for what she did, but understanding learning and moving on, is must. Protagonist is clearly a strong woman, but Nangeli is strongest with lite heart.
Very good addition to Female-centric movies in Tamil Cinema.
This movie is showing all the wrong sides first and then taking the good messages based on it. The protagonist takes the blame clearly and moves on by understanding what she did wrong, no need cry for what she did, but understanding learning and moving on, is must. Protagonist is clearly a strong woman, but Nangeli is strongest with lite heart.
Very good addition to Female-centric movies in Tamil Cinema.
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