Rangam is sure to give every photo journalist a high. Nearly 40 per cent of the story is shot in the editorial and the hero Asvath (Jiiva) who plays the above role has all the freedom in the world to barge into a conference room and suggest the editor to put the main article aside and take his human interest story as the lead. The photographer also works as a reporter and keys in his story in adventurous, competitive and risky situations and his copy is cleaned by heroine Renu (Karthika) who is a chief reporter and has supposedly written articles on Naxalism; she is dressed in fancy blouses and saris and is enchanted by the daredevil shutterbug. There is a third person in this newsroom (Saro) Pia Bajpai who appears frivolous but provides a major twist in the latter part of the story.
Asvath clicks interesting photos of burglars robbing a bank, dodging bullets and when he is not in the midst of perilous action, he is happy capturing the politicians cleaning their hands with Dettol after the campaign in the slums, dogs peeing on posters of the leaders and images of voters being bribed with booze and money.
While he earns respect and hike in circulation for the publisher, he is sent on an election beat and lays his hands on a prized scoop of an opposition party leader dressed in a saffron sari forcibly marrying a minor child in the outskirts of the city. While that reminds us of a vague incident and raises our eyebrows, it is no match to the heroine's arched eyebrows. It is irritatingly high and takes the focus away from her acting. As the focus shifts to burgeoning rise of a student group led by Vasant (Ajmal) who take away major space in the print and sympathy, attention of the people, the simmering jealousy of the Chief Minister and opposition leader takes a back seat for a while.
For relief we have the press meet where the media displays its tolerance levels and shows off its might and the publicity hungry chief minister asking the reporter if his interview will appear in four columns.
The scribes derive vicarious pleasure in addressing their associate editor in short as ‘ass'. Rangam is a thrilling and a sparkling story of friendship, intrigue and betrayal. Without giving the regular song and dance a miss, the director weaves an action packed suspense that will keep you engaged till the last scene despite a slow screenplay.
The dubbed version is as edgy as the original but a man referring Vasant as the ‘engest' CM (read as youngest) draws a yawn. Endhuko Yemo is hummable. The final scene in the film gets moralising, it ends with the editor lauding the photo journalist for putting aside a big accurate and a comprehensive story and placing high importance and consideration for a vulnerable government and its citizens. Kota rushing into the newsroom with his men, his haughty conversation is worth a watch. The ensemble cast, Jiiva, Karthika, Pia, Ajmal, Prakash Raj shine. The film is worth your money.
