Previous ventures helmed by Arjun were always patriotic movies like
Jai Hind, Thaayin Manikkodi, etc. Perhaps buoyed by
appreciation for his sensitive performance in
Rhythm , he has selected a story that
praises the importance of family and relationships for his latest
directorial venture. So Vedham does contain an appreciable
message but the way it has been implemented is not always so appreciable.
Too many fights and unnecessary glamor(in the form of Mumtaj) dilute the
effect of the message.
When Vijay(Arjun) saves Sanjay(Vineeth) from some rowdies, he becomes his immediate
best friend and gets invited to stay at his house. Upon reaching the house, he
sees that Sanjay and his wife Anita(Divya Unni) have filed for a divorce after
just six months of marriage and takes it upon himself to unite them. To this end,
he regales them with tales of his picture perfect romance and marriage with
Seetha(Sakshi).
Arjun, in charge of direction too, employs frequent flashbacks instead of a
linear storyline and that raises some interest in the otherwise flimsy
storyline. But the two flashbacks that explain the romance and subsequent
fallout of Vineeth and Divya Unni are woefully inadequate for us to identify
with their characters. There is only one duet to mark their romance. Their
fight is quite sudden but the escalation from a simple misunderstanding is quite
realistic and both of them have some sharp lines. Arjun does well not pinpointing
the blame on either.
Arjun's own flashbacks are sweet though the romance with Sakshi lacks a strong
foundation. The flashback technique works well in bringing in the right stories
that suit the occasion. Nice ideas like the mutual respect that a husband and
wife must have for each other and the importance of family are well brought out.
But the means employed to convey such thoughts don't always work. For instance,
Visu's false promise on his wife's head seems wrong and his subsequent long-winded
explanation doesn't explain his action either. It is only his dialogs that make
sense. But Arjun seems to go against his own harping on family values with the
introduction of Mumtaj. It is a completely unnecessary role and obviously thrust
in considering her current, unexplainable popularity.
The strain of taking on so many aspects of the film doesn't show on Arjun and
he gives a good performance(though the role is not really demanding).
Vineeth and Divya Unni look sad and pensive at the right places and are suitably
angry during the fight. Sakshi looks very pretty but thats about all she has to do.
Mumtaj, who seems to have evolved into this generation's 'Silk' Smitha with her
minor roles and one-song appearances, looks fat and the fact is painfully obvious
because of her skimpy clothes. The few expressions on her face make it obvious
that acting is not one of her strong points. Koundamani raises his voice a lot
as always but doesnt get as many chances to raise laughs.
In other aspects the movie scores some points with well-choregraphed fights, nice
songs and unobtrusive photography. Vidyasagar, who always churns out his best for
Arjun, stands him in good stead here too. Meenalochani... is the best of
the lot and is catchy. Oh Anbe... has some nice beats that go well with the
song's unique picturisation. Arjun runs(and even gets to fight) throughout the song.
Malai Kaatru... is melodious and soft. Arjun lives upto his 'Action King'
sobriquet with several fights. Though well choreographed, the fights are definitely
too many and most are awkwardly inserted into the story.
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