Why you probably want to watch it:
- Kamal and Mohanlal come together for the first time
- Kamal's bold new move close on the heels of two big blockbusters (Vettiayadu Vilaiyadu and Dashavatharam)
- A remake of 'A Wednesday' one of 2008's most outstanding films
The good: Terrific performances by the entire cast (Especially Kamal and Mohanlal), Gripping, Linear script and tight editing (Running time of just 110 minutes), mood setting background music by Shruthi Hassan
The bad: No major cribs
Look out for: Kamal's emotional outburst towards the end of the film; one of his best scenes in a long time
Bottomline: Does Unnaipol Oruvan mark a new boldness in Kamal's long and illustrious career. A boldness that saw him experiment with roles and themes other actors would not touch way back in the 70s and the 80s? His last two films set the B.ox O.ffice on fire (VV in 2006 and Dash in 2008) and now he is back with a remake of what was essentially a multiplex film. UPO works because it is a faithful remake of a good film with minor modifications to capture local sensibilities. Kamal is outstanding as the 'Common Man' who holds Chennai to ransom with a set of bombs planted across the city. He is pitted against the cool, shrewd Police Commissioner Marar, essayed brilliantly by Mohanlal. For all those who keep arguing about who (Between Kamal and Mohanlal) is the better actor, I was reminded about the old Parrys Coffee Bite Ad after watching UPO - "The Arguement Continues'. These two guys elevate the film with their powerhouse performances and are backed by a super script & dialogues, great editing & visuals and mood-setting background music by Shruthi Hassan. UPO is a gripping, tense film and more than worth a watch; it takes Tamil Commercial Cinema into new territory. I only hope the BO vindicates Kamal's bold move.
Running Time: 110 minutes
