Yuvan Shankar Raja

Banner: Vikatan Talkies

Production: Srinivasan

Direction: Ananda Narayanan



Star-casts: Akhil, Meera Nandan, Shruthi Nair, Gopi and many others.

Music: Maestro Ilayaraja

Cinematography: N. Azhagappan

Editing: V.T. Vijayan

Review

At a time when commercial cliches rule the roost in the southern film industry, debutant director G. Anantha Narayanan has tried his hand at an emotional pot-boiler in "Valmiki" based on an off-beat theme.
Narayanan, a former associate of director Shankar, who is known for mega budget extravaganzas, has ensured that no shades of his mentor's style reflect in his work.

Produced by Vikatan Talkies, "Valmiki" is a tale of a young wayward youth, who gets reformed. The title probably takes its inspiration from saint Valmiki, who wrote the great epic "Ramayana". Valmiki was said to have been a robber earlier in his life but later reformed.

The movie is about Pandi (Akil), born and brought up in a Chennai slum. An orphan, he makes a living robbing others. His jovial ways win him the admiration of many. He comes across a good samaritan for Vandhana (Meera Nandan), who runs a cråée. She is committed to helping others.
One day, Pandi saves Vandhana from a lunatic (Badava Gopi). They begin to meet each other often and soon Vandhana develops a soft corner for Pandi.

Pandi, fearing that he might lose the friendship of Vandana, hides the fact that he is a robber.
Vandhana, however, comes to know about his profession. She vows to reform Pandi, but succeeds in her mission only after a disaster.

Akil, who burst onto the scene with "Kallori", has done a decent job. Meera Nandan reminds one of Nadhiya. Despite the fact that her character is cliched, her spontaneous expressions deserve a mention. Newcomer Devika impresses.

Ilayaraja's music remind of his earlier ones. A couple of songs, however, sound good and fit into the story perfectly. His background score lifts the narrative in many places.
Though "Valmiki" manages to sustain interest in parts, a sense of dej࠶u does prevail all through.

In short, "Valmiki" begins with promise but fizzles out post-interval.

http://www.india-server.com/news/valmik ... -8224.html

Review

Vaalmiki – Did a remarkable service to history of mankind penning a best epic of mythology titled ‘Ramayanam’. And over here, it’s about a protagonist who after much deteriorating many lives transforms into a good human. There’s a saying ‘You’ve to meet the same people when you come down whom you had encountered while getting high’.

The film opens with Pandi; (Akil) a jail supervisor who registers of criminals barged inside jail for stealing and also has to include the properties sold out by him. Merely, as an old man is brought towards Pandi, he hears a voice that the thief holds Vandana’s Chain. It’s a flashback sequence of getting back to many years that depicts Pandi and his gang men involved in fraudulent acts of pickpocket and other conniving works. Over in this course, he meets Vandana (Meera Nandan), a well-being girl who loves to transform him. But, when he is mended on his ways and starts leading a good life, it’s too late for him.

Akil made a good start with ‘Kalloori’ and has naturally improvised a lot on his acting skills. Of course, the directors he has worked with should’ve trained him well. Be it Balaji Sakthivel, Ananda Narayanan and yet to be released film ‘Angaadi Theru’ filmmaker Vasantha Balan; everyone have utilized him perfectly. On the pars, it’s new girl in town Meera Nandan who carries off with her fantabulous show. She looks pretty well on her looks as well does a decent job. Don’t miss another center of attraction Shruthi Nair who does the role of flower vendor with bold characterization.

Debutant Ananda Narayanan has blended the film with some heart touching sequences that will move the emotions. Especially the affected girl wannabe actresses turning into a sex-worker and Vandana’s culmination having a definite reason are mind-boggling.

But the negative attributes comes through songs. Although Maestro’s songs looks good on tunes, they are unnecessarily added to the film. Indeed, it spoils the mood of audiences scattering away their attention.

Cinematography by Azhagappan is catchy while Vijayan’s editing is fine…

On the whole, ‘Vaalmiki’ is an interesting film, but fails to keep the audiences intact with a weak screenplay.

Verdict: Average! No probabilities in box office

http://rammy-time2know.blogspot.com/200 ... eview.html

Hi all. I watched this movie yesterday and I like it. A simple story that carries message to society. There are few cliches/minuses here and there. But, overall, it's one of the better movies released this year. I will try come out with my review when time permits.
I would like to recommend to all of you. Please watch and share your opinions here.

Time kedqaikkumbOthu kandippA pArungga MJ. INtha mAthiri padanggaluku aatharavu kodukanum...
As I said earlier, it does have bad points like amature acting ect etc... But, overall, it's a good product.