Anniyan (2005) Tamil Movie Review
Anniyan (translated as "The Stranger") is a landmark film in Tamil cinema, directed by Shankar, and starring Vikram in a transformative role. This psychological thriller, which blends elements of action, drama, and social commentary, stands as one of Vikram's most iconic performances.
Overview:
- Director: Shankar
- Producer: A. M. Rathnam
- Music: Harris Jayaraj
- Cinematography: R. Rathnavelu
- Editor: A. Sreekar Prasad
- Production Company: A. M. Rathnam
- Release Date: April 17, 2005
Cast:
- Vikram as Ambi / Anniyan / Remo
- Sada as Nandhini
- Prakash Raj as Dr. Rajasekar
- Nassar as Raghavan
- Vivek as Panchapakesan
- Sayaji Shinde as Subramani
- M. S. Bhaskar as Murthy
- Others: Co-stars like Raghava Lawrence, Delhi Ganesh, and Thalaivasal Vijay.
Plot Summary:
The movie revolves around Ambi (Vikram), a simple, law-abiding citizen who works as a lawyer. Ambi is highly principled and a staunch follower of rules and ethics, but he is constantly troubled by the moral decay in society. His obsession with order and discipline causes him to be socially isolated and ridiculed by those around him.
Ambi’s suppressed anger and frustration, in turn, give birth to a new personality within him — Anniyan, a vigilante who punishes people violating societal norms. Anniyan is inspired by the Hindu god Yama (the god of death), and he metes out extreme justice to corrupt individuals through violent means.
To further complicate Ambi’s internal conflict, he also has a romantic interest in his colleague Nandhini (Sada), but his introverted nature prevents him from expressing his feelings. However, a third identity emerges — Remo, a flamboyant, flirtatious persona who seeks to win Nandhini’s affection.
As the story unfolds, Ambi's multiple personalities begin to spiral out of control, leading to a confrontation between his moral ideals, his vigilante actions, and his personal desires. The movie explores themes like social justice, mental health, and the dangers of suppressing one’s emotions.
Themes and Analysis:
Multiple Personality Disorder (Dissociative Identity Disorder): The crux of the film is Ambi’s psychological disorder, where his repressed emotions manifest as multiple personalities. Anniyan’s vigilante justice stands in stark contrast to Ambi’s law-abiding character. The film critiques the society’s negligence towards social and moral decay, while also portraying Ambi’s internal struggle in a gripping, visual way.
Social Justice: Anniyan’s persona is based on the idea of punishing those who break social norms, inspired by the "Puranic justice" seen in Hindu mythology. The sequences where Anniyan executes punishments are among the most iconic parts of the movie.
The Power of Fear: Anniyan's method of punishment is based on fear, showing how societal rules and regulations often fail to bring about justice. This theme is explored through the extreme measures Anniyan takes to set things right.
Romantic Triangle: The complex romantic subplot adds another layer to the film, as Ambi's unspoken love for Nandhini contrasts sharply with his other personalities, particularly Remo, who represents a more outgoing and charming version of him.
Mental Health and Repression: The film also explores the theme of repression and the mental health issues stemming from societal expectations. Ambi’s breakdown is symbolic of the overwhelming pressure that the modern world places on individuals to conform.
Direction and Cinematography:
Shankar, known for his grand visuals and socially relevant themes, directs the film with his signature style, blending social commentary with mass appeal. The film has a compelling narrative, filled with drama, action, and occasional humor.
The film’s cinematography by R. Rathnavelu captures the stark contrasts between Ambi’s everyday life and the larger-than-life, intense sequences featuring Anniyan. The visual treatment, especially in scenes depicting Anniyan’s punishments, is striking and memorable. Shankar also uses CGI and special effects effectively to depict the transformation of Vikram's character into Anniyan.
Music and Soundtrack:
Harris Jayaraj’s music plays an essential role in elevating the emotional depth of the movie. The soundtrack includes several hit songs, with "Munbe Vaa" and "Nenjai Kaali Kaatchi" being particularly popular for their melodic appeal.
The background score, especially in the more intense sequences involving Anniyan’s vigilante actions, adds tension and excitement to the film.
Vikram’s Performance:
Vikram’s performance is the highlight of the film. He portrays three distinct characters — Ambi, the meek lawyer, Anniyan, the ruthless vigilante, and Remo, the charming flirt — with ease and conviction. Vikram’s ability to seamlessly switch between these personas is truly remarkable and showcases his versatility as an actor.
The physical transformation he underwent for the role of Anniyan, including extensive weight loss and muscle building, is worth noting, as it added to the intensity of his performance.
Supporting Cast:
Prakash Raj as the psychologist Dr. Rajasekar provides a solid performance as the character who tries to unravel the mystery of Ambi's psychological state.
Sada as Nandhini plays the love interest, though her character could have been given more depth. Still, she complements Vikram’s energy in the romantic sequences.
Vivek delivers his usual comic relief, offering a lighter side to an otherwise dark narrative.
Final Verdict:
Anniyan (2005) is an intense, multi-layered film that blends social commentary, thriller, and action genres. Shankar’s direction, combined with Vikram’s outstanding performance, makes it a must-watch for fans of Indian cinema. The film not only entertains but also leaves viewers reflecting on the darker aspects of society and the consequences of unchecked moral decay.
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