Thazhvaram (1990)
Brief Review -
A simple revenge drama in 90s couldn't have got better execution and performances than this. True Red Vibes of Old Hollywood's Westerns. Thazhvaram has a very simple story but the execution it follows on screen is more than its on-paper potential. It happens sometimes that a good story gets spoiled by dull storytelling and sometimes it's other way around. A simple story gets better presentation than what it deserves and that's what has happened with Thazhvaram in my opinion. Balan and Raju's friendly relationship turns into rivalry when Raju murders his wife and robs his hard-earned money. Balan decides to take revenge on Raju. It reminded me of some Western flicks from old Hollywood (before 60s) which had the similar plot and yet those films came out much better with the help of skillful vision. Maybe, Thazhvaram could have been improvised on paper with better screenplay. It starts off on a faltered note. That scene in first 15 minutes when Balan confrons Raju to seek revenge but wastes the opportunity. That wasn't sensible to me but if it hadn't been like that then what follows next couldn't have been possible. Intense acts by Mohanlal and Salim Ghouse have made this film more watchable, rather i would say almost a must see material. Sumlatha and Anju both look very beautiful and both of them plays their parts very fine along with Sankardi. Thazhvaram is more of a director's and actors' film than the writer. One can easily predict what's gonna happen next hence the thrill is missing but you can't just guess how the director is gonna showcase that scene on screen and how beautifully actors take it one step higher. Bharathan has left Thazhvaram with Zero boring moments. The film keeps you engaged despite its predictability and that's the best thing about it. Overall, a Fantastic Gripping Revenge Tale.
RATING - 7/10*
By - #samthebestest.