Banner: Company Productions
Director: R Pandiraj
Actors: Kishore, Dharani, Murugesh, Vega and Co
Music: James Vasanthan
Children’s movies always fill you with trepidation – especially when they’re meant for children themselves. Practically every movie that’s meant for “children” has horribly etched characters who are so two-dimensional that you’re bored out of your wits. Its as though children are akin to cats and dogs – they’re incapable of swallowing details, need to be spoon-fed, and have to be stuffed full of morals about honest living, studying well, blah-blah-blah.Then there’s the fact that these movies are a “risky” proposition. Simply put, there’s no money in it. No star value, and certainly no actor with sense will ever act in such a film. Certainly we’d no chance of expecting something along the range of Ice Age here. Forget the technological advancements – where’d you go for a script like that?
But it looks like finally – finally! – that trend’s slowly starting to change.
Subramaniapuram was a trend-setter – no doubts about that. It now looks like Director Sasikumar seems to be one of those rare souls who not only understands the need for intelligent films – but encourages their production as well. Company Productions’ latest, Pasanga (Kids), directed by debutant Pandiraj is one such venture: almost unadulterated delight.
Pasanga wins because it’s not just a fairy-tale – the children in it are really children, with their own jealousies, problems and unique viewpoints. When Anbukkarasu, a newcomer arrives in the corporation school to start the new year, old-hands Jeeva Nithyanandham, Pakkada and Kutti Mani (Kishore, Murugesh and Co) are understandably incensed – especially because Anbukkarasu is unafraid of them. Their intro scenes are superb – and productive of some good laughs. Actually, that thread of mellow comedy runs through the whole movie – mild, producing a small bubble of mirth underneath.
A petty rivalry soon blows up into epic proportions, as Jeeva’s cousin, Keerthana, likes Anbukkarasu a lot. Anbukkarasu is seemingly a model student – but thankfully, he’s refreshingly down-to-earth and normal. The movie comes with a beautiful love story as well: Anbu’s uncle Meenakshi Sundaram and Jeeva’s sister Kopperundevi (Vega) aka Sevappukkanni (Red Eyes – because she’s a nursery school teacher who always falls asleep in class) fall in love, and a delightful tale ensues. Watch out for the cell-phone tamashas the two engage in.
It’s as though you’ve been let into the corporation school of Viraachalai, in the vicinity of Thirumayam, and allowed to peek into the lives, trials and tribulations: Anbu’s family troubles, because his father won’t take the time to improve their standard of living, his mother Pothumponnu (Enough of Daughters! – a name given to stop the birth of female daughters), Jeeva’s parents, especially his father, who is mature enough not to take out his personal rivalry on his student.
You can hardly believe that this is Pandiraj’s debut movie – there are sly digs at all the present heroes, their tactics, influence – and the intricacies of everyday life in a small town are refreshingly detailed. All the children have done an excellent job – and sometimes you have to wonder if they’re real families, so perfect is the set-up. After Saroja, Vega appears in a sweet role, which does her full justice. Who knew so modern a girl would fit in so well in a semi-rural set-up?
The screenplay moves steadily, filled with enough pep and enthusiasm to sustain the viewer. Newcomer Crawford’s artwork, and Yoga Bhaskar’s editing are near-perfect. James Vasanthan’s background scores wins a lot more than the songs themselves in this feel-good movie that touches all the right spots. Get your kids and have a blast at Pasanga. The last half hour might be cinematic – but the rest of it is too good to miss.
For the Rediff review, go here.
