You had to be at the theatre to believe a fly can have such a fan following. The minute the red-headed fly oozing style and attitude appeared on screen in the S.S. Rajamouli-directed Naan E , whistles flew by, thick and fast. As it danced, fought, flew up in élan, did a hi-five, plotted its revenge — the hero is murdered and reborn as a fly — and protected its love, the hooting got louder.
First came the cute love story featuring the playful Nani and micro-artist Samantha, filled with romance by the moonlight, coy looks and the attendant teasing. The real-life couples in the theatre smiled at all the right places, evidently identifying with the happenings on screen.
The film has music by Maragadhamani, known for his melodies, and the audience lapped up the rousing and addictive ‘Ada da da da dadaaa”.
Friends Vineeth, Baskaran and Logesh had come to watch the first day, first show at Kumaran theatre. “It was a rocking first half. We came here after watching the well-made trailer. It’s paisa-vasool,” they said during the interval.
Elsewhere, Sai Jayesh, all of nine, was scouting for popcorn holding the hands of an uncle.
“I love the special effects. I love the fly,” said the shy boy with a dimple. “I loved seeing it dance.”
For Manigandan, who’s waiting to join polytechnic college, the film was a “total entertainer”. “It’s so interesting,” he said of the first half.
Talk around the snack counter was all about the fly. “ Super da machi. Enna ellam pannuthu paaru. Computer graphics great ille?” went the comments.
For an insect people swat without a second thought, this fly had them chuckling in admiration, wiping their tears when he tries to warn his love of danger and rooting for him to triumph over the villain.
Sudeep, the menacing villain with a streak of comedy, lit the screen with his antics, and how the crowd roared in appreciation. Actor Santhanam, without whom every film seems incomplete these days, was given a fitting reception when he appeared as a curly-haired thief who sets himself on the path of reform. His one-liners and holier-than-thou expressions had them in splits.
So did some of Crazy Mohan’s dialogues.
Leaving the theatre, little Sai Jayesh sported a huge smile. “ Enakku romba romba pidichadhu. I will never let anyone hurt a fly again,” he said.
That’s something people will agree with — whoever thought the pesky fly will become the object of one’s affection?
