I have this theory about tamil cinema. Tamil Drama or in a real sense, Dance Drama is the predecessor of Tamil Cinema. It has its roots in Therukkoothu or Bhagavatham. In both these performing arts, it is quite natural (in fact, required!) for the protagonists to launch into song and dance at any point in time in the performance irrespective of plot, story or logic. In fact, the story is no more than the backdrop for these song and dance sequences. It is also customary for the arrival of Hero, Heroine, Villain and Comedian to be announced by a song and dance!
We can see the vestiges or hangover of this tradition in the best made Tamil Movies. Where, the plot and logic are abandoned for a song number. This song would actually go on to become a hit song out of its context and relevance in the movie. It is also common for tamil viewers to use song sequences as breaks for smoking and relieving themselves.
K Balachander (KB) was the first director who lifted Tamil Cinema from this tradition and instead used lyrics as an integral part or component in moving the story. No one could walk out during the song in a KB movie as they may miss an important aspect of the plot! Another Balachander (Sundaram Balachander) had already shown us in 1954 that a plot specific movie with no song and dance diversions can be made in Tamil. That movie was Antha Naal, considered even today as a directorial masterpiece. But it was KB who took Tamil Cinema to its greatest heights.
We can see the vestiges or hangover of this tradition in the best made Tamil Movies. Where, the plot and logic are abandoned for a song number. This song would actually go on to become a hit song out of its context and relevance in the movie. It is also common for tamil viewers to use song sequences as breaks for smoking and relieving themselves.
K Balachander (KB) was the first director who lifted Tamil Cinema from this tradition and instead used lyrics as an integral part or component in moving the story. No one could walk out during the song in a KB movie as they may miss an important aspect of the plot! Another Balachander (Sundaram Balachander) had already shown us in 1954 that a plot specific movie with no song and dance diversions can be made in Tamil. That movie was Antha Naal, considered even today as a directorial masterpiece. But it was KB who took Tamil Cinema to its greatest heights.
It is therefore, always surprising for me to note that films produced by KB (as against those directed by him) are made with the commercial eye! Kuselan, the recently released Super Starrer is no exception.
Predictably, the theme of Kuselan is Friendship, and P Vasu presents it with elan. We must appreciate Rajanikanth for his willingness to accept P Vasu's treatment. So much so that he does not apear on screen for nearly a quarter of the film! Not having the usual entry song is an obvious example. But the "Cinema!Cinema! song would compensate hardcore Rajani fans.
Pasupathy as Balu the barber is the main protagonist of the story. But Rajani permeates every frame in thought, word or reference! He is ever present in the minds and dreams of almost everybody in the little village of Maraiyur. Even the most cynical want to meet him!
Yes, the first half of the movie drags. The comedy track, though good does not gel with the sentimental refrain of the main track. The movie must not have cost much, if we discount the flashy song sequences. The fact that these songs and item numbers are not dovetailed into the screenplay is a major negative in KB movie.
For example, there is a song where the heroine of the "movie" being shot in Maraiyur, is reported as missing . Thereafter, she is shown dancing in the rain in a well choreographed number with a group of children!
- How did she get to the waterfall?
- How did she get back?
- Why did she disappear?
- What is the signifcance of this scene to the story?
To ask these questions is not to understand the basic premise of Tamil Cinema which I explained in the begining of this post! Welcome to Tamil Cinema!
Having said this, we must acknowledge that Rajani's speech to the people of Maraiyur is histrionics at its best. Even hardened cynics would have blinked away a tear or two during this performance!
Yet, Kuselan makes a valid point that friendship is a pure relationship that transcends wealth, position and personalities! It is sharing and a caring!
Let's celebrate Friendship Day (3rd August) with Kuselan!
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