Articles - Reviews

Achamundu Achamundu

Thursday July 16, 2009

Remember a German Film ‘M’ in 1931, one of the best classic thrillers in World Cinema. Although not exactly the same, ‘Achamundu Achamundu’ deals with similar issue of a psychotic paedophile eyeing on a kid from Indian family in New Jersey. Possibly, there were more assumptions of perceiving this film to be a thriller. In fact, the promos and posters were depicted with such a feel.

But unfortunately, we don’t witness any such ‘Thriller’ Factors in this film. Debutant Arun Vaidyanathan should be appreciated for his technical excellence. ‘Red One Camera’ brings you the best picture with sharper details. As well the Sound mixing and background score are commendable piece of works, but merely to certain extent.

Arun Vaidyanathan terribly fails in delivering a sharp screenplay to keep the audiences focused. When it comes to narration, there’s lot of lack in pace. In simple terms, it’s more or less watching a ‘TV Series’.

Senthil (Prasanna) leads a happy life in New Jersey with his wife Malini (Sneha) and lovable daughter Rithika. They’ve no worries in their days amidst of few tiffs between husband and wife. But they invite a trouble into their home with much of innocence. They are desperately in need of a painter to fill their basement zone with best look. Robinson (John Shea), a professional painter is right on their doorsteps and starts working. But they aren’t aware that he’s actually a Paedophile eyeing on their daughter.

Prasanna has been projected as a westernized youngster yet adhered to Tamilian taste (You hear the classical song of MGR played in his car stereo). But, in certain sequences you tend to notice that he’s too caricatured. Of course, he’s just stubborn as his wife faints down. Much equivalently, Sneha deserves some appreciations for doing just justice to her role. But it’s really hard to define her characterization. A woman who strictly hates the American culture (Doesn’t want her daughter to speak in English) is always seen in modernized costumes and speaking with American English. The young girl just does the parts as directed. John Shea’s role should’ve been yet more powerful. Instead of evoking a fearful touch with his role, it turns out to be ludicrous.

Arun Vaidyanathan has strongly focused on projecting importance on properties. For sure, you will whole lot of cups, chairs and plants being displayed everywhere. Well on narration, he doesn’t touch the main storyline until 1 hour. Even when the complete characterizations of the baddie is exposed (By Intermission), there’s not even a single interesting moment in the film. There’s a mini-fight between hero and villain in the climax portion and Sneha’s condition should’ve been exposed further for a fine ending. There are few humorous portions with squabbles between Prasanna and Sneha (Especially the post-birthday party)

Musical score by Karthik Raja is average while cinematography is really enriching. Looks like Arun had planned to scare the audiences with loud background score and Sound Mixing. One best highlighting part of the film is filmmaker revealing us the statistical report of ‘Child Abuse all over the World’ and more crime is reported to have taken place in India.

Or else, there’s nothing best to pick from ‘Achamundu Achamundu’ apart from few technical qualities and the final message.

Verdict: Should’ve been an art film.

Tags: achamundu achamundu | prasanna | sneha | arun vaidyanathan | john shea | paedophile | child abuse | karthik raja | red one