Virumandi (2004) User Reviews (38)

The Most faulty comment on a Honest film

[abidsuhail · 9/10 · 25 September 2007]

Mr.Kumar.Y has mentioned things that are unfair and untrue to 'Virumandi'. Firstly, the 3 POV storytelling familiarized by Kurosowa, had been used in many films around the world and was used long back in Tamil cinema By Director S.Balachander in the Sivaji Ganesan starer 'Andha Naal'(1954). It was just a tool adapted by Kamal Hassan, to convey a story that is rustic & real.

Its untrue to say Kurosawa's Roshomon had the same concept of that of Virumandi. Each had the story that was true and real to their soils and had just obvious similarities that can be between any two films.

"Its a great movie but for the trumped up violence..." ..and this too is unjust. No where is the violence been glorified or pushed in cheaply. Instead if observed in a right sense and taste all the gore is justified and raw truths.

To make it straight, this one of the honest films made ever in Indian Cinema. A superior cinema that was well received with masses too.

Hats off & 8.5/10

A masterful narration, amazing characterization, mind boggling direction.

[itparanorm · 9/10 · 15 October 2005]

Kamalahassan has proved a point with this village based script. Though his acting is not his magnum opus, his direction and screen play skills shines through out the movie.He has done meticulous work in sketching the plot and in small details of the village set. Pasupathy, napolean have done a commendable job. Songs and background score gel well with the story. Slightly inspired by the Hollywood movie "Life of David Gale", the movie stood out as unusual good movie among the clichéd kollywood movies. Abirami has done her role well, adding a pinch of romance to the movie. The gruesome fight scenes though realistic adds a negative attribute to the movie. All in all its an exceptional movie of its time.

Class Act

[bn0809 · 8/10 · 19 January 2004]

At a time when cliched tamil/indian movies are being made, one could only Kamal Hassan to come up with something innovative and striking!

What is most exciting is the narrative set-up from two angles, two very different versions of the same story, a crime committed, 24 murders in a village in Tamil Nadu (kamal hassan and pasupathy). The underlying tension throughout this morbid tale is effective. In fact very difficult to make out who is good and evil, till the very end. Fantastic Characterization's.

Excellent photography, background score. Direction by Kamal is first rate, with an interesting screen play.

Regarding performances, pasupathy steals the show, along with Rohini. Abhirami as the main female lead is impressive. Kamal, the actor is not at his best, but makes up enough with his direction.

It falls short of a great movie on account of a poor climax and excessive violence. Not a great movie, but definitely a good one.

a masterpiece

[ganesh-2 · 10/10 · 5 February 2004]

Virumandi is another masterpiece from genuis kamal.The way in which the story has been told is something amazing and very rarely you can see in Indian Cinema leave alone Tamil Cinema. I was very much depressed when films like Anbe Sivam and Hey Ram failed with people but hats off to kamal for his perseverance and hardwork and never giving up attitude to stage a great comeback in Virumandi and scripted a message in Film Industry that realistic and Quality films can also do well in box office. In my opinion currently Kamal is the best in Indian film Industry when it comes to making high quality films.Look at Virumandi - the way in which story being told with flawless screen play, powerful dialogues and aesthetic direction and utilising the technology to a fullest extent. I think his mentor Balachander should be proud of his student.

As an actor he has already proved that he is No 1 in the country and from film Direction point of view he is the process of taking Tamil/Indian cinema to International arena. Probably in years going forward we can witness a range of International awards being confered on this great artist.

Indian... Rashomon!!

[lovesrini123 · 10/10 · 15 October 2009]

A typical combination of great story telling, a worthy message, remarkable acting, music, cast.. no wonder he's a legend in world cinema The first time i saw this movie, was a theater with no special sound effects. The entire picture was noisy and the dialogues were not clear. Real sounds were recorded in the shooting spot for this movie, which had made this impact.

But then when i got to watch it for the second time in a good theatre.. i was awe struck by the minute details that were hidden within the scenes.

Kudos to Kamal Haasan!! I'd invariably give a 10/10

Literally brilliant....

[jagdheesh · 10/10 · 27 December 2008]

The movie is too rooted in the culture of south Tamil Nadu for it to receive universal acclaim. Non-Tamil Speakers, Urban Tamil folks might have serious difficulty understanding the language and culture depicted in the film.

The movie is about a brash, honest, foolish bumpkin who is caught up in the politics of two warring villages. The rivalry between castes, which is a highlight of South Indian politics, has been etched out neatly.

The jail riot scenes remind you of Natural Born Killers vaguely but the jail set, actors and dialogues fit to the T. The capital punishment angle seems a tad bit forced into the movie as the movie doesn't really have anything to do with capital punishment apart from the cameo by a former Indian Judge. That apart, Virumaandi is one of the finest movies to have made it to Indian screens.

The Pros: Brilliant acting, Clever dialogues, Interesting narration, Good Music The Cons: Made for a very niche audience

the shot gun scene said it all man...

[arunarav · 7 June 2010]

I was watching this movie in Bombay on cable nearly 6 yrs after its release. I was blown to smithereens.Its so far ahead of its time. I kinda guessed this must have been directed by some genius( later i found out it was Kamal himself). Now, i'm a guy who watches very few Tamil movies ( cos they are very unrealistic, for my liking( i mean no offence) In my college days I watched Mahanadhi, what a classic that was. I bow to u Kamal sir, if u r reading this. I bow to the editor/ sync-sound /sound designers. Even though the use of violence is wrong , its completely justified in this movie.

Very sleek,stylized.

Most Innovative Screenplay and Brilliant Acting

[bharathraja · 10/10 · 24 January 2008]

The story adapts the screenplay from Akira Kurasowa's Rashomon in an entirely different style. Brilliant performances from Kamal Hassan and Pasupathy elevated the movie. Maestro Ilayaraja's music has been used in perfect. The Climax riots scenes were slightly adapted from Stanley Kubrick's Spartacus. Again used in an excellent way. The bull fight is amazing. Art work needs a real appreciation. Both the sets of village and the central prison are a great piece of work. The movie is simply awesome and a must watch entertainer. Those who interested in making good cinema can learn a lot about film making from this movie. Kamal shines as an actor, director, producer, Lyricist, singer and lot of hidden work. Hail Kamal!!!

Time well spent

[umeshh · 10/10 · 29 January 2004]

Great editing, music, photography, and screenplay. The movie and the scenes are very consistent as the movie progresses with multiple versions of the same story. Each one of supporting actors have done a stunning job. The movie has mined some interesting new talent.

Movie of the decade!!!!

[creatartist · 10/10 · 12 January 2021]

The story travels on the own perspective of the each characters. The most intelligent movie in tamil cinema. Kamal given his full potential to make this movie as masterpiece. He created a entire world in believable manner.

Very different narrative style for an Indian Movie, worth a look

[jyothi_jagannathan · 6/10 · 31 March 2005]

Virumandi has a very different story telling/narrative style for an Indian/Tamil Movie. The premise of different versions of reality as narrated in flashback style by the characters involved is well executed here by everyone involved in this movie, the actors, director, editor etc. Kamal as usual gives his dose of a social message, in this case an opposing view on capital punishment.

Also, anyone seriously interested in world cinema and art should definitely checkout Akira Kurosawa's classic movie Rashomon. You will be surprised at some similarities with the premise of this movie and Rashomon especially the multiple story angles of rape and murder. However, Kamal's push to lift the Indian movie making style by borrowing from World Cinema is well taken and he has been trying hard since Nayakan (Godfather). Keep it coming...

A LEGENDARY FILM

[typicalfilmmmaker · 10/10 · 18 July 2019]

A film from the inspiration of "Akira Kurosawa's" ROSHOMAN but it was fantastic than rishoman film looks intense,grippy,violentic,emotional,truth and humanity kamal hassan,s mind blowing performance makes the film more good writing and making was top notch finally a WORLD CLASS Tamil film is here.

Kamal is Outstanding

[rajnnair · 7/10 · 18 June 2022]

The storyline and narrative is different. Kamal sir is superb specially in the emotional scenes in the 2nd half. He is supported well by Abhirami & Pasupathi who stand out from the cast. The cinematography is superb.

On the flip side i found the movie too long and there are parts which slow down the pace.

However i am glad i finally managed to watch it.

The Best!

[gauthamhits08 · 10/10 · 8 February 2011]

This movie is the best one in Tamil.Virumandi shows how much effort had Kamal Haasan put in. Everything was perfect in the movie. Right from the casting to the directing ,everything was mindblowing. Especially the style of the movie was great-Depicted with two narrations this movie will just sweep you off your feet! I would say that Kamal Haasan is a better Director than even Maniratnam. The Bull fight sequence was equal to the making of Hollywood standards!Usually, I used to criticize most of the Tamil movies for it's screenplay,editing and the making but for this movie i just couldn't. Had given a good producer, Kamal would've taken Tamil filmdom to Hollywood! Guys,this movie is worth a million watch!!!

Never miss this movie

[thejosephmiller · 10/10 · 6 November 2018]

Kamal the man who dedicated his whole life for film industry and acting like maniac.

I have noticed, few people said this movie is not bad, but all i can say. If you understand the language of the original "tamil dialogue" you never say it.

If you dont understand TAMIL, watch with subtitles. But, not a single tamil actor can do this role like KAMAL.

You can watch this movie as many time you like, fully packed with ( action, culture, family, love, hate) and everything in it.

a fantastic movie

[pentaganinfotek · 4 November 2011]

fantastic fabulous superb .there is no word to describe it. southern tamilnadu riots murders ,with fantastic narration and performance of wonderful actors

don't miss this movie

kamalhassans screenplay did the magic ilayaraja music lift the movie beyond the limits supporting actor pasupathy done well movie received well in rural Tamilnadu surprisingly

if there is a thing called world class here it is thank u Mr.Kamalhasan

duologue's are sharp.camera angles also telling truth and lie for example a knife{arivaal} thrown by kamal towards pasupathi. camera facing from Pasupathi towards kamal ,telling that kamal doing wrong. but camera from kamal,with some other sceanes revealing the fact pls don't miss this movie

Virumaandified

[scorpiosunil-81912 · 10/10 · 16 August 2021]

Superb movie. Kamalhaasan's another masterpiece movie virumandi. No doubt it is a blockbuster movie.

GEM OF INDIAN CINEMA

[sunilaas · 10/10 · 31 January 2020]

I think this is the one of the best story in rural stories.... acting, music,stunt, cinematography etc... everything is in top notch...and important ly that screenplay ....the story start with three members but the hidden secret is three members told the same story if you have time to watch this movie see that again it's mesmerizing.....

Masterpiece !

[Quirk47 · 9/10 · 20 August 2020]

Kamal hasam is not only an actor..he is best at his directional elements. He picks up a regular revenge theme and deals with non linear Screenplay which is popularly known as Rashomon effect. That's Kamal style of making. Though the initial sequences are bit lag..we come to know that it's not a regular kind of film from Opening scene. So just wait for it. Brilliant performances by All the actors. Realistic action episodes. Songs are good. Must watch

Virumandi

[santhosh-10290 · 10/10 · 15 July 2019]

Superb movie. Everyone acted very well in the movie. Story and screenplay were also awesome. Songs and BGM are also superb. Excellent direction and acting of Kamal Hassan.

Watch this everybody

[zetret · 6/10 · 23 July 2009]

I have watched all great Hollywood films, n this film is as good as , if not , scores of times better than a lot of em.

Awesome direction and fine performances from Kamal, Pasupathy, Nasser, Abirami, Napoleon, great Music, this film captures the essence of South Tamil Nadu's "jallikattu" culture.

The story moves, as narrated by two convicted prisoners, one being Virumandi(Kamal) who is about to be hanged and the other being Pasupathy. After hearing both the versions , a journalist comes to know the truth and the ensuing climax inside the jail, is a treat to watch.

A movie of this calibre in Tamil cinema, is rare and kudos to Kamal.

Virumandi

[murugeshdevan · 10/10 · 1 January 2021]

Super movie I am from pudukkottai district aranthangi

A Must Watch Kamal Haasan phenomena to create Indian 'Roshomon' despite lacking the punctuality in the climax.

[SAMTHEBESTEST · 7/10 · 26 May 2021]

Virumandi (2004) : Brief Review -

A Must Watch Kamal Haasan phenomena to create Indian 'Roshomon' despite lacking the punctuality in the climax. Ok, so the first question is, have you seen Akira Kurosawa's Japanese Cult 'Roshomon' (1950)..? Or do you know what does 'Roshomon Effect' means? Apparently, it doesn't really matter but to understand it technically, you should know the stuff. If have seen Roshomon (1950) then it's easy for you to notice the loopes in the climax portion of Virumandi, and if you haven't then it's not really a big deal. Virumandi is a story of a temperamental farmer who gets embroiled in a bloody clan feud in a southern Tamil Nadu village. The film begins with a monologue of real footage which describe that Death Sentence is nothing but just a 'Judicially approved murder'. This gets you on rolling and then for next hour it's just a time pass film. And then after an hour, the second side of the same story arrives and stuns you. This is the best part of the film when you see the same story, same footages from different point of view and that's my friends is called 'Roshomon Effect'. Even Kurosawa's version has the same storytelling but that film shows you the same story from 3 point of views whereas Virumandi shows you only 2 perspectives. The major loss of film appears in the last 15 minutes when it loses practicality of the story and becomes a regular mass chaos. Roshomon had a terrific climax which fulfills its thoughtfulness while Virumandi drags a little while proving the point. Nevertheless, it is still a brilliant film from all aspects. It's a Kamal Haasan show all over, he's fantastic as an actor and as a director too. Abhirami and Pasupathy also showcases their good acting skills in brilliantly written characters. Overall, it's a great attempt and very much worthy too. It is just that, if you have seen Roshomon you'll find it slightly below the belt.

RATING - 7.5/10*

#samthebestest.

Fantastic Tamil Movie Never Ever Watched in indian cinema

[pr_sekar · 10/10 · 14 February 2021]

Don Miss movie if u love raw and amassing screenplay and fantastic acting with live recording

Best work of the millenium

[kshrkumar · 10/10 · 4 September 2020]

Excellent movie. Flawless experimental work which opens new dimensions everytime you watch this again.