Papanasam Movie Review

Written & Direction : Jeethu Joseph
Produced by : Suresh Balaje, George Pius, Rajkumar Sethupathi, Sripriya
Cast : Kamal Haasan, Gautami Tadimalla,  Asha Sarath, Anant Mahadevan, Kalabhavan Mani and Niveda Thomas.
Music : Ghibran
Cinematography : Sujith Vaassudev
Editing : Ayoob Khan
Production company : Wide Angle Creations, Raj Kumar Theatres

Film is an official remake of Malayalam blockbuster Drishyam. Story about a common man how he saves his family from an unpredictable situation. Almost the entire first half shows how close knit they are as a family but an unprecedented happening scatters their peaceful life. How they overcome such a difficult situation is the plot. Nellai Tamil accent is used throughout the film.

Kamal Haasan in Papanasam
Kamal Haasan in Papanasam

Kamal Haasan as Suyambu Lingam, as the name says he is an uneducated intelligent man. None other than Kamal could have done justice to the role. He is so perfect, the Tamil slang he speaks is simply superb. His performance in the climax, a lengthy single shot with outstanding expression and body language will bring claps. It’s so difficult to escape from comparisons, but Kamal stands out.

Gauthami, Nivetha Thomas in Papanasam

Gauthami, Nivetha Thomas in Papanasam

Gautami’s comeback after so many years. Though she stands out as odd, her performance in few emotional scenes are too good. However voice modulation doesn’t suit well. Niveda Thomas and Esther as daughters. Esther has done the similar role in three versions and its a cake walk for her. Nivedha Thomas steals the show by her wonderful performance.

Kalabavan Mani in Papanasam
Kalabavan Mani in Papanasam

Asha Sharath rephrases the same IG role. As IG Geetha Prabhakar, she is a cracker, matured performance. Lot more opportunities are going to knock the door. Anant Mahadevan as her husband did a satisfying role. Kalabhavan Mani’s comeback after so many years, he is brilliant. Other cast like M S Bhaskar, Charlie, Delhi Ganesh have also delivered 100%.

Music is composed by Ghiran. Soulful music with heart wrenching BGM. Each and every scene was boosted by the re-recording. Very good work. Only two songs in the movie and album. Both songs are in the first half. ‘Yeya En Kottikara…’ song stays in mind for ever, picturization makes it a repeat watch, Camera and editing are apt.

Kamal Haasan with Joseph in Papanasam
Kamal Haasan with Joseph in Papanasam

Jeethu Joseph, the man behind this extra ordinary film. He didn’t want anyone else to direct the other versions other than the original version, somehow because of Kamal Haasan’s presence he took this film. Outstanding screenplay, its the success key. He has brilliantly made the changes to suit tamil audience. The native tamil slang, the properties used, locations are perfect.Jeya Mohan’s Dialogues need a special mention.

Highlights of this performance oriented film are, the title card, Kamal Haasan’s performance esp in the goosebumps climax scene, last 20 mins, interval block, music. Only clinge is the length and repetitive scene during the police investigation. Film deserves a repeat watch, if you haven’t watched the original, book your tickets immediately.