Suriya steals the show
Brothers/Maattrraan
Telugu, Tamil (U/A)
Director: K V Anand
Cast: Suriya Shivakumar, Kajal Aggarwal, Vivek, Sachin Khedekar, Tara, Ajay Ratnam, Isha Sharvani
Conjoined twins are the flavour at movie marquee lately. If our own Sandalwood offered Charulatha with its saga of sisters, Kollywood comes up with its own bilingual tale of two siblings in Brothers/Maattrraan.
Despite its interesting theme, the film is, however, done in by its rather long running time as also painfully sluggish first half seeking to establish the plot but brimming with comic capers. By the time it picks up pace and gathers steams turning into an action-packed second half, one’s interest is already lost. Still, if audiences are stuck in their seats, its because of twin Suryas in Akhilan and Vimalan, who steal the show, having the loyal fans in their thrall.
Suriya comes up with honours capably emoting the different conjoined twins in mannerisms as also voice modulations. Besides his comic timing, he has the fans in awe in the action and dance sequences as well.
Akhilan is street smart, pert and peppy, and Vimalan sedate, sensible, full of wit and wise. Kajal Aggarwal exuding oodles of oomph provides the glam quotient, while Isha Sharvani in a cameo ‘Theeye Theeye’ number adds to the zing factor. Sachin, Tara and others prop up the proceedings with their best bits.
The film’s wafer-thin familiar story revolves around Ramachandra, genetic scientist, whose experiments, including one on his wife, ends up with them having conjoined twins.
The man comes up with an energy drink for kids — Energion. Its success has many striving to steal its secret formula, including from Russia. It is, however, discovered that the drink is adultered with harmful steroid. In the formula melee that ensues, the Russian is killed and the action shifts to Russia with Anjali (love interest of the brothers) and the duo on their mission to ferret out the truth.
Anand has a novel story to tell, but his screenplay fails to live up to expectations. Soundar Rajan’s cinematography provides a classy feel. Harris Jayaraj’s background score is poor. Yes, Brothers/Maattrraan is an ensemble entertainer but could have been much better.
