To be precise, you wouldn’t actually agonize that you have spent 2.5hrs keeping an eye on this film. Hari has penned such a screenplay, which has the right mix of action, fun, frolic, emotions and romance. Surya doesn’t try to touch the lines of typical mass heroes by uttering loud punch dialogues and bashing down hundreds of men at the same time. Of course, there are more action sequences that have logical factors and are sure to win your appreciations.
Set in the backdrop of Nellore, a small town, the film revolves around inspector Durai Singam (Surya), who joined the service incisively because of his father’s wish. He settles every dispute in town patiently with his gentle talks. Then comes Kavya (Anushka), a city girl on vacation who promptly falls in love with him. Everything seems to be marked by good fortune until Mayil Vaaganam (Prakash Raj) comes across Durai Singam. As they lock horns, things take a different turn with second half keeping everyone on the edge-of-seats.
Kudos to director Hari for churning out such a successful commercial entertainer, he has overshadowed all his previous records with this film. Doubtlessly, Singam can be adjudged as a better show than his yesteryear film Saamy for its interesting plot prevailing all throughout the show. Although, it nearly takes an hour to establish the characters and the conflicts, the voltage peak after intermission trivializes such minuses.
On performance levels, Surya is outstanding with his flawless performance. Even during scenes, where he hops up and down doing goofy stunts, things turn out to be incredulously good. That’s all because of his charismatic appeal. His proficiency to emote with the right feel gains him more acceptance as a mass hero.
Well for Anushka, it’s the best film as she gets more footage. Thanks to Hari, for utilizing her potential to a greater magnitude unlike other filmmakers, who just sign her for glamorous attributes. Vivek’s comedy tracks are really enjoyable but can be better if he avoids his double-entendres. It’s obvious that he has been coming up with similar shows from his previous films. Radha Ravi, Nasser and Manorama have played their roles well. Prakash Raj is simply outstanding as he gets a powerful role to perform after his magnum opus Ghilli. For sure, this will be one of the greatest milestones in his career.
Just watch out for his performance during the penultimate sequences and while playing the fool with Surya on the chase, he is just superb. Devi Sri Prasad strikes with pleasing melodies as almost all the songs have been tuned out well. Especially, the numbers ‘Kadhal Vandhale’ and ‘En Idhayam’ wins hands down.
Cinematography and editing have been put to use with the best results as these technical arenas add momentum to the screenplay. Hari deserves a special mention for establishing brilliant characters as even the minor roles have their importance. Hats off to production designers as they have perfectly managed to complete such a brilliant film within such a short span of time, Avoidance of unnecessary expenses makes the film look sleek which is commendable.
Singam is sure to be one of the best top-drawers of 2010 and the producers will surely be elated as it brings them profits to unexpected levels.
Banner: Sun Pictures, Studio Green, Big Pictures
Production: K.E. Gnyanavel Rajan, Kalanidhi Maaran
Direction: Hari
Casts: Surya, Anushka, Prakash Raj, Vivek, Nasser, Manorama, Vijayakumar and others
Music: Devi Sri Prasad
Verdict: Excellent piece of work
Rating: 4/5