‘Subramaniapuram’ set the trend. And today the number of films that toe the line of youngsters turning into anti-social elements has begun to dominate the big screen’s small ventures. However, most of these films have a strong story, and a stronger message. The latest is ‘Goripalayam,’ which has been rightly awarded an ‘A’ certification. ‘Goripalayam’ abounds in gore that after a point you lose count of the number of unnatural deaths. Writer-director Rasu Madhuravan’s film is a bloody tale of five friends and their childhood pangs that make criminals of them. Azhagar, A to Z (yes, that’s the name), Azhagappa (Raguvannan) Murugan (Prakash) and Ganesan (Jagannath) are a close-knit group, each with a sordid past. Their plight binds them together and soon their petty crime makes them murderers. They flee the scene, but nemesis isn’t far behind. The idea isn’t new, nevertheless it’s relevant.
Madhuravan’s penchant for making directors act was evident in ‘Maayaandi Kudumbathaar,’ which had 10 of them donning the grease paint. This time too he has roped in more than five filmmakers to play various roles. ‘Goripalayam’ has many characters, yet Madhuravan manages to spin a fairly lucid yarn. It has been possible only because each of the several characters has been invested with individuality.
Harish of ‘Maathi Yosi’ returns in another similar role of violence and mayhem, and reveals his potential once again. But why is he shouting at the top of his voice all the time? The decibel level is an assault. So is the noisy re-recording. All the same, most of Sabesh-Murali’s numbers are enjoyable. Despite its already-heard feel the composer duo’s ‘Azhagu Kaateri’ rings in your ears and melody marks ‘Enna Indha Maatramo.’ Hero Vikranth re-surfaces as a soft and quiet picture of cruelty, and does a neat job.
You had seen him play the protagonist in ‘Kunguma Poovum Konjum Puraavum.’ Now Ramakrishnan is back in a solid role in ‘Goripalayam’ and does justice though at times he goes overboard in his emotions. Veteran Ilavarasu walks away with the acting honours. But why he treats his second son so roughly (the eldest seems to have had a normal childhood) remains an enigma till the end.
Editor Suresh Urs’ able scissoring helps a lot in sustaining the tempo of ‘Goripalayam,’ in spite of two, crude, unwarranted dance numbers disrupting the momentum.
This showcase of ruthlessness in which throats are slit and people maimed without a thought, is definitely not an outing for children. A blood-stained family drama!
