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Cast:
| Vijaykant |
Simran |
Ashima |
| Yuhi
Sethu |
Mukesh
Rishi |
Vijayan |
| Riaz
Khan |
Director:
A.R. Murugadas |
 A socially relevant issue weaved into a well-crafted script, fast paced narration, slick edition and camera work, Illaiyaraja's throbbing background score, and an excellent performance by Vijaykant makes Ramana a film you wouldn't regret watching. No doubt there are shades of 'Citizen' and 'Samurai' in the story-line, but it's engaging nevertheless the director revealing a firmer grip on the medium than he did in his debut film
'Deena'.
Fifteen Tahsildhars are kidnapped almost simultaneously from their homes in different parts of the state. A few days later, 14 are released, the remaining one found hanging in a public place. He was the 'number-1' , the most corrupt of the lot. The scenario is repeated at other government establishments, revealing a well-planned network and a mastermind guiding it. It is the handiwork of Ramana, a college professor to the outside world and his mysterious ACF (Anti-corruption Force). While the cops are flabbergasted, Constable Saravanan, jibed often by his seniors, comes close to unravelling the
identity of the brain behind the affair. Ramana's family and a hundred others were victims of the corrupt system, and he had made it his life's mission to eliminate corruption in a unique way. And it is the student community he has mobilised to support him.
There are some light touches when the corrupt officers refuse to take bribes fearing the ACF, some even submitting a record of their earlier takings to prove they are the less corrupt ones. Scenes of corruption in a private hospital is a little overdone. Further, it is difficult to believe that after Ramana surrenders, and all the while the case was going on, till he is sentenced, the public has never seen Ramana's face! Ramana, sentenced to the gallows, is brought before the public to appease the mob, in what is said to be 'the first time the public gets to see the man's face'!
Vijaykant's is a role closer to his age and status, which he performs with a passion and involvement. Simran in a cameo as his wife, and debutant Ashima as the girl with a crush on Ramana fit into their roles. Vijayan gets noticed as the unscrupulous businessman. While for Yuhi Sethu, it's a meaty role which he performs creditably. 'Ramana' is a
watch 'able' film despite its flaws.
Malini Mannath
published on 11th Nov 2002
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