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Entertainment
Run
THE PACE sets in straightway in this fast, fun-filled, action-packed, romantic flick from Sri Surya Movies. After a serious family drama — "Anandam" — comes a totally different thought process from N. Lingusamy, writer-director of "Run". Incidentally, very rarely do makers come up with such appropriate titles. But this film could not have had a better name. It is not just the hero, heroine and the villains who are on the run. The story is also an actioner that moves at appreciable speed.
Actually, the tale by itself offers nothing new. The usual love at first sight, the villainous brother with his typical den and henchmen, and the voiceless sister-in-law who helps the pair towards the end — Lingusamy merely toes the line. It is in the treatment that "Run" is different. The tempo can be felt even in the first scene, which begins with the high-throated ``Theradi Veedhiyil'' song. And the verve is sustained till the end.
Madhavan does a turnabout after a sloppy sojourn with ``Parthalae Paravasam'' and a commendable attempt at histrionics in ``Kannathil Muththamittal.'' If you think that the young man could only look vulnerable with his anything but robust physique, he manages to portray action with elan in "Run" and actually looks fit and comfortable in the role. If even with the very first fight sequence the film makes you sit up it is both Madhavan and the stunts choreographer Peter Hayn who deserve appreciation. And again as the cheerful, pining and ardent lover Madhavan makes a mark. All the same, it is difficult to accept him as a college student, even if it is supposed to be the PG level.
How the classy, suave hero could have allowed himself to appear in loud, garish, costumes is a puzzle (the purple and pink attire in particular is an eyesore).
Meera Jasmine is cute but her constant vibratos about her prying brothers get irritating after a point.
Vijayan's character — he plays the elder brother of the heroine — is rather ambiguously etched. Only his sly smile at the end makes things vaguely clear.
Atul Kulkarni is more a case of potential wasted. His powerful eyes make him a fearsome villain all right but when his single-track agenda is stalking young men who set eyes on his sister, the villainy turns rather risible. And it is not as though he is a doting brother — he hardly exchanges a word with the sis. Jeeva's camera works wonders throughout and Vijayan's experienced editing warrants special mention.
It's a victory "Run" for Vidyasagar. The flick gains momentum even with the very first number. For those who do not find the way Udit Narayan bites and chews Tamil in ``Kadhal Pisasae...'' palatable, there is the pleasing melody ``Poi Sollakoodadhu...'' from Hariharan and Sadhana Sargam. The foot-tapping "Minsaram..." adds pep to the musical bonanza.
Finally but surely Vivek's rendezvous with Chennai though slightly overdone at times, vouches for comedy that comes with a worthy lesson or two for the youth of today.
The track Lingusamy has chosen could be an age-old one, but the agility and youthfulness make the run interesting.
MALATHI RANGARAJAN
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