Iruvar (1997) :
Brief Review -
Probably, the most compelling political drama ever made in Tamil Cinema. Although it lacks the nest of intrigue, the power-packed performances of Mohanlal and Prakash Raj rides it on high. A political drama is supposed to have tricks of conspiracies when it comes to the political battle between two giants. I mean it's not compulsory, but a natural assumption from any Political Drama. Iruvar is weak in that zone and couple of other, so better look out for other strong zones. Political Drama is a genre with less classics, even when you consider Hollywood cinema. So, the potential for a Classic film is very less, i mean look at Hollywood's Oscar winner 'All The King's Men'. How much sense that film makes? Hardly some. Anyways, like I said the potential is less in this genre so obviously our expectations should not cross a certain limit. And i think a genius filmmaker like Mani Ratnam had realised it and so he added Cinema world factor to extend that limited potential. Fortunately, it works, and it work very well. If Indian Cinema had to make a Political drama in 90s, then the expected outcome couldn't have been better than Iruvar. Iruvar lacks smart tricks in the writing but still it offers an interesting script. Of course, there are some cliches such as Rivalry after greed and the mental battle between those two and especially their love-life. It sucks. I don't see any logic in those female roles, that extramarital affairs section, it's a complete letdown. Mohanal and Prakash Raj both delivered performances to remember forever which helps you to overlook some weak chapters of writing. Mani Ratnam's direction is very sensible. He understands the needs of the script and provides that much needed momentum to this engrossing drama. Overall, it's a Classic, it's special but just don't hype it as 'Extra Special'.
RATING - 8/10*
By - #samthebestest.
Probably, the most compelling political drama ever made in Tamil Cinema. Although it lacks the nest of intrigue, the power-packed performances of Mohanlal and Prakash Raj rides it on high. A political drama is supposed to have tricks of conspiracies when it comes to the political battle between two giants. I mean it's not compulsory, but a natural assumption from any Political Drama. Iruvar is weak in that zone and couple of other, so better look out for other strong zones. Political Drama is a genre with less classics, even when you consider Hollywood cinema. So, the potential for a Classic film is very less, i mean look at Hollywood's Oscar winner 'All The King's Men'. How much sense that film makes? Hardly some. Anyways, like I said the potential is less in this genre so obviously our expectations should not cross a certain limit. And i think a genius filmmaker like Mani Ratnam had realised it and so he added Cinema world factor to extend that limited potential. Fortunately, it works, and it work very well. If Indian Cinema had to make a Political drama in 90s, then the expected outcome couldn't have been better than Iruvar. Iruvar lacks smart tricks in the writing but still it offers an interesting script. Of course, there are some cliches such as Rivalry after greed and the mental battle between those two and especially their love-life. It sucks. I don't see any logic in those female roles, that extramarital affairs section, it's a complete letdown. Mohanal and Prakash Raj both delivered performances to remember forever which helps you to overlook some weak chapters of writing. Mani Ratnam's direction is very sensible. He understands the needs of the script and provides that much needed momentum to this engrossing drama. Overall, it's a Classic, it's special but just don't hype it as 'Extra Special'.
RATING - 8/10*
By - #samthebestest.