Kidaari

[MysteRy]

Kidaari Review

Cast: Sasikumar, Nikhila Vimal, Napolean, Vela Ramamurthy
Music: Darbuka Siva
Lyrics: Mahakavi Bharathiyar, Ekadesi, Mohan Rajan
Direction: Prasath Murugesan

Album Analysis:

Vettaruva Veecharuva
Singers: D.Velmurugan
The song opens with thumping background arrangements and the vocals are picked up later by Velmurugan. The usage of traditional instruments like horns, blows & other ethnic instruments gives a very rooted feeling to this song. When the humming kicks in near the end of the runtime, the song is elevated to a whole different level. 

Vandiyile Nellu Varum
Singers: Anthony Dasan, Sanjana Divaker Kalmanje
A typical folk song that comes with a slightly twisted arrangement! Anthony Dasan’s raw vocals pull off the track while the background beats & instrumentation sound slightly modern, making this a very interesting fusion.

Thalakaalu Puriyalaye
Singers: Anitha K, Velmurugan
Probably the pick of the lot! ‘Thalakaalu Puriyalaye’ is an interesting song with a fusion between two different styles of music & the outcome is endearing. The mood of the song is upbeat & the singers Anitha & Velmurugan do complete justice to the track.

Kaathu Veesudhu
Singers: Darbuka Siva, Gowtham Bharadwaj
‘Kaathu Veesudhu’ is an extension of a particular segment from the ‘Thalakaalu’ track and plays for just about a minute. The addition of nadhaswaram adds more nativity to the track. Perfectly plays out as filler

Nenjukulla Ninnu
Singers: Sanjana Kalmanje
‘Nenjukulla Ninnu’ is an ear pleasing addition to the album. The song sticks to a melodious backdrop and Sanjana delivers yet another commendable rendition. The tune has a certain quality of Ilayaraja-ness associated to it. The flute portions that accompany the pallavi are endearing.

Pagaivanukku Arulvaai
Singer: Haricharan
 ‘Pagaivanukku Arulvaai’ takes its own time to get going but ends up being one of the stronger tracks in the album. There is an element of melancholy in the tune and the song is loaded with heavy arrangements. 

Velivarum Ulmugam
 Instrumental
 ‘Velivarum Ulmugam’ channels and establishes a haunting premise for the visuals. This piece could work wonders if used as the re-recording. A sombre mood is set with this instrumental and is difficult to get your head out of it. 

On the whole, ‘Kidaari’ is an unexpected & completely impressive debut from Darbuka Siva. The usage of extended orchestrations and delivering an earthy album deserves a mention.

[MysteRy]

Kidaari  Review

Director: Prasath Murugesan
Cast: Sasikumar, Vela Ramamoorthy, Nikhila Vimal, Suja Varunee

Sasikumar's Kidaari is steeped in cinematic tradition, yet modern in its treatment. It is impressive not because of the story but the non-linear screenplay, top notch performances, cinematography and outstanding BGM and songs.

The story of this blood-soaked drama is nothing new and seems to be inspired from various movies set in Madurai. However too many sub plots, countless characters and complicated family tree test your patience. The film opens with a gory scene where a blood stained hand slowly moves towards the window and moves it rapidly to make some noise, and we see people rushing upstairs to find that the badly wounded man is Kombaiya Pandian (Vela Ramamoorthy), the powerful gangster is Sathur area.

The movie's central character Kidaari (Sasikumar) is the right-hand man of Kombaiya Pandian, who controls the entire area and is a terror. Now we are introduced to the world of Kombaiya Pandian and Kidaari through Poiyaali (Mu Ramasamy), who tells us about the rise of Kombaiya and his rival gangs! Who had the courage to attack the cold-blooded Kombaiya in his own house? Kidaari should find out why and who attacked the man!

The stories of Kombaiya and Kidaari's enemies has been narrated like episodes, which reminds us of Tarantino's style and after a point of time, all these sub plots water down the core content. Each of these sub-plots are taken brilliantly with style. Especially when we come to know the real culprit behind Kombaiya's attack is in no way related to all these enemies! Debutant director Prasath Murugesan has done his homework well and is a talent to watch out for.

Kidaari has a cast that delivers in spades. Sasikumar as usual shines in the tailor- made Kidaari role with his typical swag and energetic screen presence. The way he gently shifts his expression from fierce gangster to lover boy with heroine Nikhila is enjoyable. Vela Ramamoorthy as the deadly gangster Kombaiya Pandian is terrific, while the rest of the actors including Suja Varunee, Nikila, Mu Ramasamy have given their best.

Technically the film is top-notch, SR Kathir's angles and colour tone perfectly set the mood of the movie. Darbuka Siva's songs are blend into the narrative beautifully. The songs especially the Kidaariye number is top class and the background score elevates the film to a different level. Praveen Antony's editing and slow motion cuts also gives the class feel to this gangster flick.

Overall, Kidaari is a gripping film that seizes your full attention. A watchable gangster flick for its slick presentation.