Irandaam Ulagam


The film Irandam Ulagam plot involves two romances — one that is set in our world and the other in a fantastical world. How one of these love stories inspires the other and what true love can do to a person is what the film is all about. The film starts with a quote that tells us that there are many worlds in this universe and people like us could exist in any of these worlds, and people who die do not necessarily depart us.

The Film is a visual treat beyond imagination! To the world that is convinced that only Hollywood can present a visual treat, here’s the fitting answer and more than a repartee from Selvaraghavan. Everything else apart, the most striking feature of this film is the promise that the team has lived up to – sheer visual treat. Special kudos to Ramji for showing the best of our world and creating a beautiful other world, and presenting both with convincing stance. Every detail of the movie is astoundingly perfect and it is unbelievable through the 160 minutes that this is pure Kollywood expertise. In all, ‘Irandam Ulagam’ is a feather on K-town’s cap.

The film begins in an unnamed world, light years away from ours, where the timid Maravan is smitten by the bold but wild Varna. But she values her independence in a decadent land where there is no true love, and women are seen as a commodity by the men. So, despite Maravan saving her from the clutches of the king, who plans to keep her in his harem, with a new-found bravery , she detests the idea of marrying him.

Doctor Ramya falls for professor Madhubalakrishnan while Maruvan is smitten by adamant Varna’s beauty in the other world. Madhu is blind to Ramya’s love as is Varna to Maruvan’s. The tale is quite simple. It’s about how Ramya wins Madhu’s heart and vice versa, and how Maruvan gets Varna to marry him in the kingdom of sadists. He initially declines her as he feels marriage might come in the way of looking after his disabled dad, only to later fall madly for her.. Madhu is convinced that Ramya is the right choice for wife, as she will also aid his paralyzed father, while the fantasy world on the other hand ill treats and abuses women as a rule, despite their almighty being a goddess, fondly called Amma. All goes well but only until Ramya accidentally trips over and bleeds a fateful death and Varna stabs herself at her wedding, refusing to subjugate and be a slave to anyone. How long would you travel for love? That is precisely what ‘Irandam Ulagam’ is about, apart from the loggerheads between good and evil in the fantasy world, which links the story weaving it into a colourful, delightful fabric of entertainment.

It is not entirely unusual that Kollywood films have a dubbing and lip sync mismatch, though most often all actors are made to familiarize the language, if not native speakers. But be ready for a surprise here. Majority of the actors in the fantasy world are alien to Tamil but the dialogues miss sync only at negligible places. And all their dialogues are purely Tamil, without any adulteration, given kid primitive level of their civilization.

Predominantly based on two characters – or a couple – at a time, ‘Irandam Ulagam’ has an interesting twist to your normal rigmarole love stories. Taking love tales to a new height and practically a new
distance, ‘Irandam Ulagam’ calls for choice audience. A simple story by itself, what makes the movie a complete experience is the visuals backed by music. Harris Jeyaraj’s numbers are melodious and befitting to the story; ‘Panankallu’ sung by Dhanush and performed by Maruvan is lauded not only for the aforementioned package, but also the creativity in choreography, depicting how a primitive civilization might behave and what would entertain them. Anirudh’s music on the other hand is truly a class apart, efficiently backing the story, adding volume to every nuance of emotion.

Graphics and visual effects are brilliant, especially the scene where Arya kills a fantasy lion is astounding and true to life. However, there are a few stark pitfalls in the film – to begin with, the very underlying thread of story. It is a love story in very simple terms, which, but for the intrusion of fantasy, would not have kicked off. Though enchanting overall, the screenplay becomes a drag at places, pointlessly extending and scattering to corners. It could have done better with a little bit of grooming and trimming off the shortfalls. In some places, comedy is not as enjoyable as it was intended to be, making the scenes a thread of boredom.

As Madhu, Arya is a simpleton, unassuming man of straightforward values; as Maruvan is a macho built up brute, stoner to simple emotions. Ramya on the other hand is also a straightforward woman of simple values with a plump appearance, while Varna on the other hand is an adamant, ambitious girl with a slim and glamorous looks. The actors are also a treat to watch, beyond the inviting two worlds. Both lead actors having done dual roles, have donned both hats with equal conviction and class, as is demanded by a love saga. Scenes where Madhu realizes his love and feels the pressure to convince Ramya, and when he helps Maruvan and Varna add up as plusses to Arya. While for Anushka her mere presence is enchanting, and the scenes where Varna falls head over heels in love with Maruvan offer as extra positives to her acting’s credit.

‘Irandam Ulagam’ is a complete experience. It doesn’t have the usual high amounts of action, romance, comedy and masala as a normal Kollywood film would have; though it has all of it, everything is in
moderation. A love story beyond one this world, the film is not a thoroughbred strictly Indian flavour, but is meant for the world audience at large. Savouring tastes of global interests, the film is a
fair choice of being a multilingual international movie. In all ‘Irandam Ulagam’ is for the wise audience.
Selva needs to be commended for having chosen such a challenging theme, though he should have taken a little more care to distinguish between the behavioral traits and life styles of the inhabitants of the two worlds.

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