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Cast : Gautham Karthik, Thulasi Nair, Arvind Swamy, Arjun
Director : Mani Ratnam
Music : A R Rahman
Cinematography : Rajiv Menon
Editing : Sheekar Prasad
SYNOPSIS
The story begins with the introduction of Bergmans (Arjun) and Sam Fernando (Arvind Swamy) during their seminary education and training. Bergmans who came from difficult family is well-known among the students meanwhile good-hearted Sam Fernando who is from a wealthy family joins in in search of peace and humanity. One day, Bergmans were caught red-handed in committing a sin by Sam Fernando. Bergmans bags Sam Fernando's mercy to not to tell anyone on this. Sam Fernando who is known on being faithful to God's path refuses to accept the negotiation with Bergmans. Bergmans tries to chock off Sam Fernando but later on changed his mind and promises that he will seek his revenge when the time comes. As expected, Bergmans later were discarded from the seminary.
Few years later, Father Sam were allocated to a fisherman village to take in charge of the church and brings changes to the villagers. He later on meets Thomas, a young kid who were isolated by the villagers since the death of his mother. Father Sam realizes the tough life that been gone through by the kid and decided to change his life. Soon, Thomas is attached with Father Sam who is very respected by the villagers.
Time flew and the little Thomas grew to be young energetic carefree youth. Thomas (Gautham Karthik) meets Bea (Thulasi Nair) who runs away from a hospital who later on reunited with her convent personals. One day while meditating, Father Sam hears a gunshot. He runs to check on and founds an unconscious man by the sea-side who was shot by a group of men. The shot man was none other than Bergmans who is now a drug lord and a smuggling king. Upon to rescue Bergmans from the group of men, Father Sam brings Bergmans to an abandoned ship. He later on seek a help of a woman from the village to help him to safe Bergmans and removes the bullet from his body. The half conscious Bergmans remembers Father Sam and were grateful to him for his kindness. Upon his time in the abandoned ship, Bergmans request Father Sam for his help to bring a woman of his love where he promises Father Sam that he will leave his wrong doing and follows the path of God. Father Sam later on brings the woman, Celina (Lakshmi Manchu) to unite her with Bergmans upon his request.
As Father Sam was seen around with women in the night occurs a huge suspicious within the villagers. The next day, Father Sam founds out that Bergmans went missing leaving Celina alone. As Father Sam, Celina, and the woman from the village were in the abandoned ship, the villagers came to the ship and accuse them for an uncommitted sins. Three of them were bought to the church and been questioned by a Bishop. As Bishop investigates, Celina claims that she is having an affair with the respectful Father Sam. Father Sam were chased by the villagers who want to get their hands on him for being false to the villagers. As the chase is on, one of the villagers accidently slips and fell down to death. Unfortunately Father Sam were accused for the murder as well which lead him to a prison sentences.
Soon, Bergmans visits Father Sam in the prison and claims that it is all were his plan to get Father Sam to be captured and being accused by the villagers for crime that he would never commit. Meanwhile, Thomas who are angry with the villagers for their unfaithful behavior towards Father Sam hits some of the villagers who are responsible for the capture of Father Sam. Thomas later on been brought to Bergmans and joins him as his belief towards the right part has hollowed. Thomas join hand with Bergmans and commit sins in order to make the villagers to fall under his feet.
As Father Sam released from prison, he found out Thomas has joined Bergmans and request him to come back as it is not late for him to follow the right path. As the love story between Thomas and Bea grows, Thomas realizes the value of love and life. He soon brings Bea to meet Father Sam and seek his blessings. Later, Thomas gets to know that Bea is none other the daughter of Bergmans himself. Thomas gets to know that Bea was left at the convent by Bergmans so that he would not be in touch with him. Thomas brings Bea to meet Bergmans. Situation went unexpected as Bea runs away as she remembers an incident happened when she was a kid.
Bergmans later on captures Bea and Father Sam to finish them once and for all in the middle of the sea. Thomas comes chasing in order to safe Bea and Father Sam from the evil Bergmans. Thomas soon join hand with Father Sam to seek revenge towards Bergmans who claims to have killed Bea.
THE CAST
GAUTHAM KARTHIK - Being a heir to Karthik and the late Muthuraman, acting always been in his blood. Kadal marks his debut. Gautham totally nails his performance both in acting and dance. A definite up-growing star who will make his father proud.
THULASI NAIR - The second daughter to ever-green actress Radha. It is known Radha has introduce her first daughter - Karthika Nair in the blockbuster hit - KO. Now the opportunity has knock the door for her second daughter to shine. It is noticeable that Radha and Gautham's father - Karthik made their debut together in Alaigal Oivathilai. Now it is time for their heir to re-start the path. Thulasi Nair's bubbly and childish character suits her performances. Another bloodline to join her sister to chase their fame. She already booked her place in K Ravichandran's debut direction. Definite another performance to look through as her journey begins here.
ARVIND SWAMY - After a long gap, Arvind Swamy returns to the silver screen and shows what we have been missing all this years. Plays his character brilliantly. Makes his remarkable movie to an undisputed character. A pleasure to the audience to witness his comeback especially in Mani Ratnam's movie.
ARJUN - Totally a different avatar to the man who carries the title of Action King. Plays a brilliant student who later transforms into an evil menace. A magnificent performances! Could be on his way for awards due to his performances.
Cast Rating : 4.5 / 5
THE DIRECTOR
There is no need for any introduction for the great MANI RATNAM. Being one of the best in the industry, he is undoubted for his creation. The director proofs that he is capable to pull on new talent despite using big names to act under his name. Kadal marks his efforts. Portraying Action King Arjun to a new avatar and adding on Arvind Swamy surely deserves him a big applause for his brave creativity. Mani Ratnam once again shows his effort by casting the two kids who plays the young Thomas in different ages. Story were outstanding.Unfortunately, being an experience and talented director, Mani Ratnam misses out some continuity that were clearly seen in the beginning and the ending scene.
Director Rating : 4 / 5
CINEMATOGRAPHY
Mani Ratnam has reunites with one of the best cinematographer - RAJIV MENON. Rajiv Menon works is the highlight of the movie. His camerawork speaks the whole story. Each and every scene were beautifully taken and narrates to the audience. The transformation of Thomas on the edge of boat definitely a sample of the great works. Rajiv Menon definitely brings the audiences to the journey of Kadal.
Cinematography : 5 / 5
MUSIC
No words to describe the 2009 Oscar winner A R RAHMAN's music in Kadal. His movie definitely stunning and trend-setting. A R Rahman pours his best to contribute his part in Mani Ratnam's ideology. Songs such as Nenjukulle, Moongil Thootam, Elay Keechan, Adiyee, and Magudi revives audience's heart. Definitely a composition that one would never simple miss out.
Music Rating : 5 / 5
KADAL - Absolute brilliant and stunning effort. Mani Ratnam's brilliancy proof why he is one of the best in the industry. Gautham Karthik and Thulasi Nair nailed tehir performance in their debut role. Arjun outstanding performances and a remarkable return of Arvind Swamy steals the show. Rajiv Menon and A R Rahman undisputed contribution definitely hikes the movie. Though the movie received mixture reviews, all I can say is the combination of Mani Ratnam, A R Rahman, Rajiv Menon, Arjun, Arvind Swamy, and the debutant of both Gautham Karthik and Thulasi Nair definitely one of the best ever.
Movie Rating : 4 / 5
*NOT A REVIEW, JUST MY THOUGHTS*
