| Director:
Vishnu Vardhan |
 |
|
Cast: Ajith Kumar, Nayanthara, Namita, Prabhu, Rehman, Rose
Dawn, Adithya |
|
Genre: Action Thriller |
 The
1980s Rajnikant-starrer 'Billa' was one of the biggest box
office grossers of its time. With its solid plot, its twists and
surprises, some good songs and humour in the lines, and above
all a charismatic star like Rajnikant to enact the dual roles,
it was an engrossing entertainer. Remaking it is a daunting
task, the odds heavily stacked against the new team which has to
fight comparisons.
Knowing his limitations in remaking the film and understanding
that the Rajnikant-magic or the flavour of the earlier 'Billa'
cannot be recreated; that the suspense and the surprise elements
would hold no 'surprises'; director Vishnu Vardhan, while being
faithful to the main storyline, has shifted focus from the
performances and the detailing of the script and concentrated on
the look and the presentation. Under Vishnu's expert hands, we
get to see a trimmed down 'Billa', contemporary and sleek, and
high on technical values. There may be a few narrative flaws,
but they in no way mar the film's appeal.
The all-familiar story line is
about 'Billa', a dreaded Don being killed by a cop, and his look
alike Velu sent in his place to ferret out the gang's secrets.
Apart from women who want to kill him, there is also a mole in
the police camp. The new 'Billa' is set in Malaysia, the
locations eye-catching.
 There
is not much of performances here to rave about. For, it's the
looks of the actors that the director has exploited here, and
Vishnu has a handsome cast to work on. The lead players are more
like actors arranged in a tableau, with not much emoting to do.
Ajith has never looked so
dashing. Nayanthara never so sensuous in all those slinky black
outfits, including a two piece which shows to advantage her
well-toned body. There's Namita looking gorgeous, the one among
the three women who manages to put in some expressions as
Billa's devoted girl friend. Fitting in admirably is Rose Dawn
(a Mumbai model) and Adithya as the enterprising cop. Looking a
bit out of place in this scenario is Prabhu as the cop who hunts
down Billa.
At times you sense a stillness
in the frames as Neerav's camera, static, captures and freezes
the action as in a tableau, cutting a picturesque sight. Icy
blue, white and black are the colours that set the tone for the
film, the camera creating some stunning visuals. Some crisp
editing (Sreekar Prasad) and well-choreographed stunts (William
Ong) enhance the stylish look. The director has coordinated the
work of his technical crew admirably.
 It's
clearly a film targeted at today's generation. Contemporary,
stylish and sleek, it could compete with the standard of any
international action flick. After the promise he had revealed in
'Arinthum
Ariyamalum' and 'Pattiyal', Vishnu Vardhan proves yet again,
that he is a maker to watch out for.
'Billa' couldn't have been
remade any better today than what Vishnu has done. It's worth a
watch.
Malini Mannath
|
