| Movies involving double roles rarely stray from the beaten path. The most common plot is
ofcourse the brothers separated at birth who unite to take revenge on the people who
killed their parents and separated them. We also have the comical 'Prince and the Pauper'
version where the lookalikes switch places(intentionally or not), leading to comic
situations. So it is a pleasant surprise to see Johny, which provides a double
role for the hero but does not resort to any of the common plot devices. It offers a
interesting story that makes full use of the dual role. It sets up an interesting situation
based on two men who look alike and then resolves it in a clever and satisfying way.
Johny(Rajnikanth) is a petty thief who steals from the rich to pay off the debt his
father has accumulated. Vidyasagar(Rajnikanth), a barber by profession and a lazy, stingy
man by habit, is his look-alike. Johny falls in love with Chitra(Sridevi), a singer and
pretty soon, Chitra, who is as lonely as he is, falls for him too. Vidyasagar helps out
Bama(Deepa), a poor woman, and soon falls in love with her. But Bama, who always has an
eye on the better things in life, cheats him. The lives of Johny and Vidyasagar then
intersect in unexpected ways.
The most impressive part of the movie is ofcourse the clever way that the two roles
have been made to interact. Director Mahendran keeps us guessing all the way. First,
regarding the way the lives of the two completely unrelated persons will intersect
and then, the way in which the interesting puzzle will be resolved. And neither of
these disappoints. The pieces are set up cleverly and they fall into place one by
one. The way it all ends is low-key but clever and satisfying. The reason for
Vidyasagar's action is believable and touching.
The director succeeds in making both roles interesting to begin with. The scams that
Johny carries out, especially the first one in the jewellery store, are very smart. His
romance with Sridevi seems a little quick though. Vidyasagar makes us smile with his
frugality and sloppiness. We are given ample hint of Deepa's character by her behavior
in the sari shop and this sets up her actions later.
The unnecessary diversion in the form of Johny's meeting with the tribals can be
forgiven for the Aasaiya Kaathula song sequence. There is also a trying
scene where the two Rajnikanths are running in slow motion, that extends for
a lot more time than necessary. The scene concludes in a meeting and a fight between the
two that is not too convincing or well-staged.
Rajnikanth differentiates sufficiently between the two roles. His comic ability is evident
in the barber's role. This was one of the few movies released when he was known as an action
star, that doesn't have any fight sequences for him. Sridevi looks cute and plays a role
sans glamour and fun. Deepa is believable as the greedy woman. Surulirajan raises some
laughs in his own inimitable style as Johny's assistant.
Ilaiyaraja delivers a blockbuster soundtrack that is a mix of different kinds of songs.
En Vaanile and Kaatril Endhan Geetham are very melodious. The latter is
soulfully rendered by S.Janaki and she has said, on record, that this is her favorite
among the songs she has sung. Senorita I Love You is filled with beautiful lyrics
and the exuberance of the song is well brought out by SPB and the song sequence. Aasaiya
Kaathula is very catchy with its tribal beats and music lingering in our ears for a
long time.
|
