[33] Thegidi by P.Ramesh | Intriguing

Image

 

Thegidi deals with the events that revolves around Vetri, a private detective in the shades of murder mystery. An absolutely brilliant debut by the director, P.Ramesh (winner of Kalaingar TV’ Naalayar Iyarkunar ) and another feather to Ashok Selvan’s cap.

Ashok Selvan has this curious pair of eyes which subtly makes you believe that he is indeed a detective. Initially, his expressions were slightly inapt. Yet, as the film grows, his minimal expression worked way to good for the crux of the film. From Jebin of Pizza 2 :Villa to Vetri, this is an enormous changeover!

Janani Iyer’s screen presence is refreshing as we are gladly excused from the typical “lead lady being the target-attacked-saved by the hero” sequence even though that was the exact scene that I was expecting when Madhu went back to Aparna’s place from Vetri’s. Madhu is vulnerable just as any lead actress’s character would be but she was far more realistic and played her minimal part fairly well without clichés.

Nambi, Vetri’s best friend is a proof that a friend in need is a friend indeed. His character was strong and consistent throughout the film, making you realize that THIS is the type of hero’s friend character that should exist in films. Nonsensical and comical-ish characters of hero’s friends are getting unbearably irritating these days. Kaali played the character with ease. Perfect role for Jayaprakash, a reliable and balanced cop.

Gripping background score and amazingly sweet songs by Nivas K.Prasanna (a debutant as well). He made his presence through music throughout the film flawlessly. Impressive cinematography, credits to Dinesh Krishnan (who had previously worked in Soodhu Kavvum). The run time of the film is relatively short, which makes the film crispier and likeable. Special credits to CV Kumar for producing such unique films and proofing that good film does not requires big cast or enormous publicity. Small film with big success. Thegidi deserves it all. An effective sequel is very much welcomed.

Big plus : Plot and direction, background score, Ashok Selvan. Not forgetting, the absence of typical Tamizh film scenes (Exp : a corrupted police officer, lead lady as fashion technology student, flying-cars after accident/blast, clingy girlfriend who wants to get married at the most inappropriate part of the plot). Believable fight sequence. Relatable issue being concerned.

Improvable : A complete silence at few portions in order to increase the suspense and thrilling factors. Low number of characters brought the cat of out the bag even before the culprit was revealed. The decision of Vetri to not explain the situation to Madhu was pretty much annoying but it was overlooked as Madhu was not directly harmed all through the film or else I could even hear myself screaming “what is the problem with you Vetri, you could have informed her about the problem!”.

On the other note : At a time whereby the society blames the victim for the injustice/mishaps that falls upon him/her, this film portrays that the possibilities of becoming a victim does not entirely depends on whether he/she has provoked the attacker. It could be anyone. Even you or me, without us being aware about any of this. Even more so, one might be indirectly used as a tool or a weapon to hurt/harm another person without their knowledge. Being vigilant is the key.

 

Love, SJT

[31] Thegidi by Nivas K Prasanna | Shades of Mystery

Image

[1] Yaar Ezhudhiyadho (Vocal : Satya Prakash | Lyric : Kabilan)  

The song starts off brilliantly and Satya Prakash’s rendition brought it to a whole new level all together. This is definitely another feather to his hat, after Avarangathukulla (Annakodi). Both the music and the voice blend so well, that gets you humming to the song after the first two plays. A melody with modernized-classical touch which brings in different shades of colors through the various instruments which are arranged brilliantly by Nivas.  [Listen]

 

[2] Neeyum Dhinam (Vocal : Andrea Jeremiah | Lyric : Kurinchi Prabha)

A tailor-made song for Andrea Jeremiah. Both the music and the vocal sets in the mystical and haunting mood for the film which is said to be a mystery-murder- thriller. This ttrack is enough to give you goose bumps every now and then, due to the eerie-ish high-pitched voice of Andrea. The song could have been slightly shorter to make it crispier. However, I couldn’t help but noticing the influence of Adele’s Skyfall throughout the track. Ashok Selvan is the Bond, perhaps? [Listen]

karaiyil thazhuvum, kadalil karaivom, manalil puthaivom thozha

 

[3] Vinmeen Vithaiyil (Vocal : Abhay Jodhpurkar, Saindhavi Prakash | Lyric : Kabilan )

Being the only duet of this album, Nivas has given the mandatory romantic feel to the track with the sizzling usage of piano and strings. Abhay’s rendition is both bold and beautiful that it dominates the whole track, IMHO. Saindhavi sound more matured in this track, which gave the track a sophisticated feel that I believe suits the genre of the film very aptly. IMHO, a cute-sweet-ish duet might have ruin the overall mood set by the film. [Listen]

Manal meethu thoorum mazhai polave, manathodu neethan nuzhainthaayadi..

 

[4] Kangalai Oru ( Vocal : Ajeesh Ashok | Lyric : Kabilan)

The track begins with the flute sound which mildly indicates the genre of the song. Breezy, and Ajeesh pour in the sufficient emotions into the track. Idhu Varai (Goa), Idhazhin Oram (3), Kadhal Kandeney (The Connect) and now with this gem, I really hope Ajeesh sings more. This song was too good to be too short. [Listen]

 

[5] Needhane Needhane (Vocal : Shankar Mahadevan | Lyric : Kabilan )

This is dynamite. Shankar Mahadevan’s cultured voice sets in the dark and mysterious mood for the track. Just as you begun to feel at ease, you get blasted with the AWESOME performance of Rajesh Vaidya on the veenai. The portion becomes the highlight of the song and as the song progress; the veenai accompanies the vocal and becomes more intense. 7.21 minutes of soulfully haunting and motivating composition. Note : Nivas K Prasanna is a former disciple of Rajesh Vaidya. [Listen]

uumaiyai vazhthaal uyire thoarkum, thamarai poova tharaimeal pookum

vaazhivinai vendraal vaanam ellai, thadaigalai nee thandi selvai selvai..

 

The backing band had made an impressive work for each and every song of the album. You get indulged in the variety of instruments and tunes which are brilliantly arranged while able to clearly apprehend the lyrics. Additionally, each song begins with a unique tune. As I listened to the song repeatedly I begun to imagine colors for each songs : Yaar Ezhudhiyadho is flat white, Vinmeen Vithaiyil is cotton candy, Kangalai Oru is storm blue, Needhane Needhane is black and brown, whereas, Neeyum Dhinam is red and black. It is notable that all the songs are completely written without the usage of English words. Simple play of words which made the lyrics effective, credits to Kabilan Vairamuthu and Kurinchi Prabha. As Eeram is to S Thaman, as Vaagai Sooda Vaa to M Ghibran, Thegidi is Nivas’s fort. A promising debut by Nivas K Prasanna, and he is definitely here to stay.

Watch the teaser of Thegidi here.

Watch the trailer of Thegidi here.

My pick : Yaar Ezhudhiyadho, Vinmeen Vithaiyil and Needhane Needhane.

Love,  SJT