From a director who prefers to steer clear of stereotypes and an actor who plumps for roles that keep winning brownie points for him at every turn comes a different attempt. Director Vijay and hero Vikram join hands for the first time to present a drama replete with human emotions that stay with you for long. Vijay provides enough fodder for this veritable storehouse of talent, and the actor gobbles it up with glee! Deiva Thirumagal (U) showcases paternal instinct in all its poignancy.
‘Dr. Chiyaan Vikram' screams the title card! Good job, Vikram!
After sporting a brawny, robust look in Raavanan , ‘Veera' Vikram returns to play the thinned-down, child-like Krishna. An antithesis almost, but temerity or timidity, the actor accomplishes the task assigned, with élan. DT is the recent proof. The problem arises only when you stop looking at Krishna as a character, and begin to see him as Vikram, the hero. That's when you feel a little more of underplay here and there would have worked better.
The base of DT is definitely borrowed. Those who have watched the Sean Penn stunner, I am Sam , and Dustin Hoffman's autistic travel in Rain Man can easily spot the similarities between them and DT . Yet most of Vijay's characters are new and loveable and the yarn he spins around them is fresh. Particular mention has to be made of the individuality even small characters are vested with.
That's why it's surprising that an astute maker of Vijay's calibre, whose originality is in fine fettle, resorts to straight lifts — like the scene at the shoe shop, which is akin to the one you saw in I am Sam .
A blend of beauty and acting skill, it's a joy to watch Anushka as a lawyer, in DT . She lends dignity to the part of Anuradha that she plays. The lady is a sure draw. Special plaudits to Nirav Shah for the visually enchanting ‘Vizhigalil Oru Vaanavil' sequence, and G. V. Prakash Kumar for the melody of the refrain. RR is also a major plus — lilting and in tune with the mood of the scenes, it is aurally elevating.
Comparatively, it is a less significant role for Amala Paul — Miss. Beautiful Eyes acquits herself well. But why has Karthik Kumar been relegated to a ten-minute appearance, especially after a solid part in the same director's Poi Solla Porom ?
Baby Sara is a darling! Wonder how Vijay made her emote so naturally! Santhanam is lucky to get roles that transcend the level of sheer comedy — fun with the right mix of substance.
The reason for the strained relationship between Y. G. Mahendra and his daughter Anushka isn't clear but the veteran's subtlety draws attention.
The ‘Kadhai Solla Poraen' song sequence with its garish graphics seems to have been included more for his fans who would wish to have a glimpse of the matinee idol's heroism. Otherwise like his daughter, you too feel ‘Podhum Pa' (“Enough Dad!”).
Probably because the scene of action is Ooty, the main character is mentally challenged, and the story-telling sequence with Vikram and the kid is familiar, at times DT reminds you of Balu Mahendra's inimitable Moondraam Pirai . And at times Kamal's Guna !
Innocent, heart-warming this Krishna Leela! Deiva Thirumagal
Genre: Drama
Direction: Vijay
Cast: ‘Chiyaan' Vikram, Anushka, Amala Paul, Santhanam
Storyline: The hero, with a mind of a six-year-old, finds it unbearable when his five-year-old daughter is separated from him forcefully.
Bottomline: A sensitive poem on celluloid!
