Cast: Prithviraj, Arya, Prabhu Deva, Genelia, Tabu , Nithya Menon
Director: Santhosh Sivan
Producer: Shobha Rani
Music Director: Deepak Dev
Release Date: 19 August 2011
Certification: U
Story:
The film is set in the backdrop of the fierce warrior clans of Northern Kerala in the 16th century and focuses on the cult of Chirakkal Kelu Nayanar. It is all about boy, who wants to avenge the death of his father, who has been killed by Vasco da Gama. Santhosh Sivan's dragging narration in both first and second half tests the patience of the viewers. The climax scenes seem to have taken from another epic film Pazhassi Raja.
The story starts with present generation and soon goes back to history. Chirakkal Kelu Nayanar (Prithviraj) sets on mission to kill Dom Vasco da Gama, the Viceroy of Portuguese Empire in India. But he faces lots of odds on his way to reach his target. He has to encounter many conflicts within the kinsmen, kings, ministers, peasants and Muslim warrior princess Ayesha (Genelia D'Souza) of the famed Arackal Sultanat. He has a forte, a legendary golden Urumi, which is made from the ornaments of women and children, who were burnt alive by Vasco da Gama. Kelu is supported by his childhood friend Vavvali (Prabhu Deva). How he creates his own army and starts movement against the first Colonial advance in India will form the crux of the film.
Performances:
Prithviraj is simply superb as Kelu Nayanar. Prabhudeva too puts in a commendable performance. Genelia leaves an impact with a role which no one would imagine her to be doing. Amol Gupte, who is already proven to be a great performer, makes his mark, Jagathy, Nitya Menon, Vidya Balan, Arya etc do justice to their respective roles. Everyone is good in their respective roles.
Analysis:
Technically, Urumi has the Santosh Sivan stamp all over it; not only angles of shots but even the gait of every actor is peculiarly choreographed so as to give the performer an individual style, sometimes stretched to the extent that we feel that they are striking a pose for a still photograph.
Prithviraj is masculinity personified with an opportunity to show off his bulging biceps throughout. Prabhu Deva's bony physique (who plays his childhood chum Vavvali) acts as contrast, as is Jagathy Sreekumar's effeminate villainous Chenichery kurup.
Genelia D'Souza, as the warrior princess Aysha, impresses. Nithya Menon as flirtatious and childlike. Paired with Prabhu Deva, she has her moments of glory. Only Vidya Balan's presence is not justified by the story.
Finally: Different, excellent, must-watch movie
