BOTTOM LINE
Tests patience – delivers in end.
OUR RATING
2.75/5
CENSOR
163 mins, ‘U/A’ certified.
What is the film about?
Yenthavadu Gaani is basically the story of one character Ajith. His journey, both professionally and personally, is what the film is all about.
How is Ajith’s performance?
Ajith is choosing some great characters for him starting from his 50th film. These characters take the established notions of main hero and turn them upside down. The actor must be appreciated for taking such roles and this film too falls into that category. However this isn’t particularly a strong performance. He is consistently okay with few good moments thrown in. There is no real high that is worth applauding or memorable.
Direction By Gautam Menon?
Director Gautam Menon once again chooses a subject that is very typical of him, another cop film filled with romance and loss. The problem here is that unlike the previous outings this one feels a lot uneven, more so because the character span is big. There are parts that give a very routine been there done that kind of vibe and then there are parts that are electrifying. It is these see saw in making that doesn’t let one truly enjoy the movie or let the movie fully blossom.
Most of the first half feels predictable and boring, it is in second half where the freshness lies and things move on an unpredictable tangent. The climax is neatly done which is the reason one comes out with positivity even after such a disappointing beginning.
Trisha, Anushka and others performance?
The film has very few characters but they are given enough meat despite the overall length like Trisha’s character for example. She is good in the part she is given. The same can’t be said about Anushka’s character though as it feels like a add on in the end to simply extent and fill out the story and give a close. It doesn’t flow organically into the narrative however hard the director tries and the actress performance makes things only worse. Arun Vijay is a major highlight playing the main antagonist in the film. There are times when he even overshadows the real star with his physique and presence.
Music and other departments?
Music for the film is given by Harris Jayaraj. They were once a formidable force but this association after some gap isn’t as fruitful as one would expect. The songs are saved by superb picturization mostly. The background score is better in comparison. Cinematography is very good where as the editing not so. Dialogues don’t really work out that well in the Telugu dubbed version and this becomes another additional problem here.
Highlights?
Climax
Ajith characterization
Couple of songs
Drawbacks?
Slow narration
Uneven tone
Predictable first half
Alternative take:
Since we know that the main character is that of a cop, the flashback portions especially should have been handled in fresh manner. Better handling of this segment would have given the film is a whole new dimension for sure.
Did I enjoy it?
Yes, in parts.
Will you recommend it?
Yes but with reservations.
Yentha Vaadu Gaani Movie Review by Siddhartha
