#Visaaranai விசாரணை

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Before I forget the film-

We have often heard how Anurag Kashyap draws inspiration from his Tamil counterparts, Vetrimaaran especially. With this film I believe the reverse has happened. From the documentary feel to the nihilism to the negativity throughout, this one is straight up Kashyap's alley. Even the brutal violence shown and the wry humor is so typical of Kashyap. The violence owes a little bit to the European holocaust films.

This is probably the first time I am seeing a thamizh film without the profanity muted. Film hasnt been censored yet [thank God for that] so obviously the cusswords are there in all their glory. I mean they kind of add 'weight' to the situations and the lines spoken. Take them out and some of the lines will appear lame. This is certainly a big deal. How I wish our censors would release such films as is with an adult certificate.

Coming to the film itself, it screams 'film festival' in every single frame, including the end-credits. Its pretty evident that he wasnt going for 'depth' when it comes to characterizations. Except Samuthirakkani [his career best?] may be, but even his character was sort of under-developed. Instead of several thirumba thirumba pesura nee type scenes in that Andhra Pradesh lock up he could have concentrated on the later half which was clearly more interesting. I mean I am not against those torture scenes at all, in fact I welcome all the violence. It was more of I get the point, please move on.

Liked the fact that the big web around K.K (played by Kishore) was shown using only him. Chose to not introduce unnecessary characters which could have marred the narration. Kept it tight. However the spoon-feeding towards the end was shabbaa. We know exactly how it is going to end right from the moment they step in Chennai. Kishore spells it out once too. Given all that found the climax a drag and actually poorly staged. Would have said the last shot was brilliant if not for all these. I mean if that was the first time we knew 'that' was going to happen - zoom out and you show the other gun - it would have been extraordinary. You will know once you watch the film.

Anyway I think I am making it sound like I didnt dig the film at all. I did, very much. The drama was fantastic. Staging was brilliant, for the most part. The mood was just about right throughout and the dialogues were extremely good. The milieu and the set up was spot on. Liked most of the acting but the DCP [Vetri's voice] was poor. Especially with his hands. Did not mind Dinesh in this.

And with the multiple languages and the way the cops were shown throughout and without even a hint of positivity [remember Kashyap's Paanch], heck, the end credit stat is extremely offensive - not sure how Vetri & co.will manage to even get the film censored in India.

With Visaaranai I can see that Vetri has moved to the next level as a 'director' but as far as writing is concerened its a step down.

Aadukalam >> Visaaranai > Pollathavan

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