Vikram Review

There's a Vikram who's a National Award winner for his breath-taking potrayal of a reticent undertaker in the film 'Pithamaghan' (2004). And here's a Vikram who's an agitated super cop who torches anything that obstructs justice, be it his dissolute superiors in the department or the rugged nincompoops transgressing the norms of the law. Trust me, he's adept at both.

Heroic introductions apart, Vikram was conceived for release in the city probably to further enhance the image of the star (Vikram) after the resounding success of Aparichitudu. It is a dubbed version of the mammoth Tamil hit Dhill (2001).

Vikram, the protagonist, dreams religiously about being a dutiful cop. Never mind the fact that he is just a Sub-Inspector - he assumes himself to be the sole authority governing the law and order scenario in the city.

A stern, diligent cop otherwise, Vikram turns lovey-dovey instantly, with just one glance at the female lead (Laila). Laila is a TV channel host committed to eradicating misdemeanors among government officials and showing the truth. However, the movie's not all that mushy. In fact, the audience are treated to eye-candy only in the songs (a couple of them shot abroad, maybe in Switzerland or France, or maybe in Ooty) and dances.

There are bad guys - actually plenty of them - in the form of the corrupt Superintendent of Police (Ashish Vidyarthi) and several local thugs in nefarious liaisons with him, out to disturb the 'sanctity' of the place. And, of course, you get to watch the victory of righteousness over immorality.

The movie is basically about Vikram's (and sometimes Laila's) fairy-tale adventure, and the cleansing of the system and the society of debauched individuals. Still, the writer-director Dharani does reasonably well in packaging old wine in a new bottle.

The attractive parts of the movie, apart from the peppy, youthful soundtrack by the then-newcomer Vidyasagar, are the screenplay (fast, accurate, and captivating), the dialogues (the original ones in Tamil, at least) - the dialogues of this film, especially the comedy track, were almost forced into the curriculum of school kids (well, with Jayalalithaa ruling Tamilnadu, the language can comfortably assume 'universal' proportions) - and the acting of the star cast.

Vikram, as usual, is at his 'official' best. Laila is okay, although her dance moves seem more animated than her role. However, Ashish Vidyarthi's effort is laudable. Frankly, you would love to hate such a cop. Nasser, this time sadly in the supporting cast, justifies his stature as a veteran actor.

On the whole, a must watch for Vikram's fans if you don't mind the dubbing.