24 (Tamil Movie)

Cast	:	Suriya Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Nithya Menen Saranya Ponvannan
Director	:	Vikram Kumar
Cinematographer	:	Tirru Kiran Deohans
Editor	:	Prawin Pudi
Music	:	A. R. Rahman
Producer	:	2D Entertainment
Release Date	:	May 06, 2016
Length	:	2 Hours & 44 Minutes
Language	:	Tamil

My Thoughts

24 is a sci-fi film in general and an emotional saga in particular. Dr. Sethuraman (Suriya), a scientist invents a time machine which looks like a wrist watch. His evil twin, Atherya (Suriya), kills him and his wife to get hold of the time machine. Before dying, Dr. Sethuraman hands over the baby to Sathyabama (Saranya) along with a sealed wooden box that contains the time machine and pleads her to take care of the baby. Sathyabhama brings up the baby Manikandan alone and he grows up to be a watch mechanic (Suriya again). Mani accidentally gets hold of the key that opens the box and finds the time machine inside. He predominantly uses it to impress and play tricks on his lady love, Sathyabhama (Samantha). However, when Athreya finds the whereabouts of the time machine and manipulates Manikandan. He tries to use Manikandan to suit his needs. Will Manikandan find the truth about his parents? Would Athreya get hold of the time machine? Does Manikandan win the heart of his girl? These are the questions that get answered during the course of the movie.

As a concept, use of time machine as the central point of story is nothing new to movies. 24 is differs because it is more emotional than scientific. It is a winner if the logical mind is left in the locker. The screenplay is very complex. It shuttles between the past, present and future. The editor has done a commendable job. The cinematographer and the art director has created a 'surreal world in Dr. Sethuraman’s house.  AR Rahman’s music is below average. The choreography of songs also doesn’t look appealing. It only adds to the length of movie which is already long.

Suriya in triple role has given his best. He has worked on the voice modulation which gives a different style to the characters. He doesn’t really shine as the villainous Athreya. But, surely makes a mark as the timid Dr. Sethuraman and carefree Manikandan. Samantha comes across in the traditional heroine avatar which includes adding the oomph factor to the story and looking pretty in songs. Saranya shines as the selfless foster mother of Manikandan. Nithya Menen as Dr. Sethuraman’s wife has very little screen space. But, her character is impactful and she connects with the audience.

24 is a well-executed project. I repeat, as audience we would appreciate it ONLY if the logical cap is left at home. However, towards the climax there are some instances (I don’t want to reveal them here and be a spoil sport) which would make us realize that some degree of logic is required in illogical circumstances also. And that’s when the movie starts disconnecting. The loose climax further worsens the experience and makes you feel confused. May be that’s how all the sci-fi would be!

In short, the movie wins in the technical aspects.

Watch it with family J

Rating

3/5