Anekudu, staying true to the title is a generous mix of many motifs in a single film, however meant to be conceived as a classic-like romance across generations. K V Anand gives us glimpses of the latter half of the earlier centuries, 1960's, 80's and springs in surprises every now and then to scale it something above an ordinary reincarnation saga.
Surprisingly, the film, as it should, for a narrative of this nature, gets a universal topping. The detailing is not supposed to be intricate or intimidating, but just enough to maintain a distinction between several eras.The edits are distracting, sometimes craving for too much of everything. But, this Dhanush-starrer is an equal bliss for its flaws, for it keeps you guessing, taps the star in the actor, involves you with a vengeance-bid, tempered with larger-than-life picturisation and yet remains the very reachable film for a normal viewer, not bothered too much with its indulgences.
The corporate setup of a gaming firm, to begin things is very basic, probably as good as what we saw in Selvaraghavan's Aadavari Matalaku..The Telugu-Burmese conflict is on similar lines with more focus on the love that blossoms and lesser significance on providing historical snapshots. Each of the backgrounds has the guy having a barrier to win his girl. In one case, it's a caste, the other it's a nationality and economic disparity. They bond for the very reason of the unexpected guy being the man to rise in the time of need.
Dhanush, in each of his avatars here, comes across as an underdog and we don't mind him being one. He gives such parts that freedom and breathing space like no other actor. He's simply being stereotyped, we know. The maker K V Anand too is no different in that sense. Anekudu begins with that national/international conspiracy, a party number, a death of a principal character early in the first hour, all patterns being traceable in each of his previous works.
In spite of the film being actress Amyra Dastur's first, the director isn't shy to give her a reasonable leverage in terms of screen-space. She's made to bind several loose ends to connect a complex story, more than Dhanush in most cases. With a near angelic face in terms of appearance though,she scores on her on-screen appeal, but we're left with a feeling that she's rather overdoing her bit to look convincing.
The first hour inches ahead with the help of a linear narrative generally, while it's the latter that brings more of the masala moments to play. The loss, the betrayal, the revenge, the fightback and the adrenaline rush is immensely consistent. Dhanush makes good use of this to flash his moustache well and the crowds weren't any less happier. Karthik's screen presence, after a considerable gap brings some wonderful nostalgia too.
But, as we see this unfold and come to a close, we feel the need to credit the maker more. We see a handful of influences in the form of Karz, Teri Meri Kahani and even a slighter hint of Dasavataram to end it. We never are in awe of what he does, but in the hands of a maker who isn't as sure, we know Anekudu could have been a mess.
Three and a half stars Review by Srivathsan NOther Related Posts
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