A great movie which has a grand "Titanic" type opening. Old lady's reminiscences form the backbone of the storyline. Credit should go to Director Vijay for moving the current happenings and flashback scenes simultaneously without creating any confusion. Heroine recalling the dialogues uttered several years back at the same location for e.g. Airport Arrival shown visually adds to the beauty of the film. Art Director has done wonderful job bringing out the Old Madras as set. It looks very real.
If Titanic is the inspiration for the way of telling the story, Director must have been inspired by the movie Lagaan as he tries to settle down the issue between the Britishers and the villagers by way of a Wrestling Competition between Arya and the Britisher.
Arya should be very lucky to get a powerful role after his phenomenal performance in "Naan Kadavul". He has done full justice to the role by precise acting. Hanifa, Nasser, M.Bhaskar and TV Compere Balaji played their roles to perfection. British actress Amy Jackson has also performed extremely well.
G.V.Prakash Kumar has scored the music in a very apt manner to suit the sentiment of the film. Picturisation of the song "Vaammaa Duraiyammaa" is excellent, bringing out the features of rich Indian culture and the beauty of Madrasappattinam. "Pookkal Pootha Tharunam" is another excellent song. "Suriyan Udhikkumbothu" resembles "Veyilodu Vilayaadi" from the film Veyil.
Climax scenes shot at Chennai Central Station is very interesting. Emotions at the time of attaining Independence have been well picturised.
On the whole, a great movie... Citizens of Chennai can feel proud after watching this movie... I will try to watch this movie as many times as possible and would recommend you to watch at least once.
