Period movies in Tamil cinema are few and far between. The ones that did come were not even worth a second glance (bushy mustaches, cardboard crowns, jute togas and earrings) This movie is a refreshing change, attention has been given to detail. Including a nice touch with an antique flight tag on a piece of luggage. The story is set in the backdrop of the independence struggle and independence day. (this part was predicatble) but atleast it didn't overpower the love story which is the actual plot of the movie.
Arya and Amy Jackson did a great job with understated performances that seemed possible. The story of a british girl falling in love with a washerman/ wrestler was handled with a lot of tlc. The background of a freedom struggle didn't overpower the performances, though a few scenes were unnecessary.
The star of the movie was Madras in all its pre independence glory. Everybody played their part well and it was touching to see the dedication to the Late Cochin Hanifa at the beginning of the movie. The only performance that was out of place was the older Amy who seemed too wooden. The villain of the piece (the sadistic british officer of course) also didn't seem too taken by his character, but I don't blame him. The convoluted sadistic death sentences carried out would have been more at home in a Bond movie rather than a period piece. All in All worth a watch.
6/10
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