SHANKER DESERVES APPRECIATION
By Satyajit - Eye TV India Bureau
Critic's I-view
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Corruption is a global phenomenon and the corruptor should be punished is common feeling of everyone but nobody dares change it or reform it. Eminent Shanker's tryst with corrupt political system and its reformation continue after the tremendous success of film like 'Indian'. 'Aparichit' comes as the dubbed version of the remarkably successful Tamil film 'Anniyan'. The film did a whooping business and rang cash registers to astronomical heights. It might be recalled that the most successful dubbed version film 'Hindustani' (Kamal Hassan, Manisha Koirala) has come from the stable of Shanker. Like 'Hindustani' (dubbed version of 'Indian') this comes as the most innovative presentation from the South Indian cinema in recent times.
The film raises many thought-provoking questions that are socially relevant and deserve to evoke national debate. The film conveys a message about the eradication of society's irresponsible behavior and compares declining Indian moral values with the growth and development of prosperous neighboring nations like Singapore, Japan and Korea. 'Aparichit's strongest point is its impressive and breathtaking special effects that form the crux of the story. The depiction of "hell" is phenomenon and deserves all the applause. The sequence where Vikram fights with dozens in judo club is breath taking. It has the "Matrix" style of special effects that catch everybody's attention.
Shanker's 'Aparichit' comes with the punch line "He who comes from hell is not afraid of ashes". Like its theme lines the director has plagiarized the caricature of renowned WWF Wrestler "Undertaker" in the character of "Aparichit". Even Vikram's body language has its glimpses and it works brilliantly in the film. In depiction of "messenger of death" he propels through shouts in harsh and husky voices. Besides, the other two characters - Ambi and Remo - are portrayed with full aesthetics. Remo flashes his latest fashion accessories in enticing nubile nymphet Nandini. Ambi's taciturn and stubborn nature irritates some time but it depicts the reasons for his transforming into other personalities. Lead actor Vikram draws appreciation from all sections - action, drama and dance. The way actor transforms from one character to another is brilliant and shows his fine timing.
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Apart from it, the film mixes the transcripts of Hindu mythology with present day hi-fi special effects in the narration of the story. 'Aparichit' works on the verses of sacred Bhagvad Gita that preaches to mankind and says "Abandon all your dharma and surrender unto me, I shall deliver you from all sinful deeds, do not fear". According to the protagonist "Aparichit", every sinner should be punished by the laws of "Garuda Puranam" (Hindu mythological work). Every sin has its own punishment and the sinner has to face its consequences. The concept has been tried in earlier films like 'Hindustani', 'Shehenshah' and 'Mrityudata' but this time the director has mixed mythology with it. If 'Hindustani' was patriotic in approach then 'Aparichit' bounds one to his religious duties and uses modern techniques (website) in nabbing the culprit.
To make it spicier the concept of "Multiple personality disorder" (MPD) has been used to portray gray shades of the protagonist. It may perplex viewers for some time but the director has been clever enough to make it work in the climax of the film.
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'Aparichit' starts with the daily routine of 'Rules', Ramanjum alias 'Ambi' (Vikram, the Advocate) fuming about the irresponsible and unpredictable behavior of society. The misadventure of careless society comprises spitting on the road, violation of traffic rules, poor quality of consumer goods, eve teasing in public transport, high rental charged by greedy house owners, absence of sympathy for an accident victim etc. Ambi's displeasure continues during his railway journey where he witnesses poor food quality, unclean toilet etc. He has soft heart for the downtrodden and fights for justice for them but loses the battle every time.
Ambi's father Parthasarathy (Nedumudi Venu), an eminent lawyer, argues with him that it is difficult for one man to change the system. This undesirable note is constantly placed in his mind. Ambi nurses love for Nandini (Sada), the girl next door. Nandini has no love interest in him and finds him too straightforward and simple. Even his dear friend Chari (Vivek) makes fun of his simpleton behavior. After being rejected by his beloved he suffers from "Multiple personality disorder" and during that phase he comes across the website "aparichit.com". This website is a pain reliever for the innocents where they can file their complaints with the name of the wrongdoer.
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During this mental disorder syndrome Ambi transforms into hi-socialite playboy "Remo" (Vikram in second role). Nandini falls for his princely charms and the love chemistry blossoms between them. Ambi's second parallel personality "Aparichit" (Vikram in third role) comes into action. Aparichit has inbuilt hatred for the corrupt and cunning people and prefers to punish them by the laws and verdict of "Garuda-Puranam". According to "Garuda-Puranam", every sin has its punishment and the sinner should be punished accordingly.
The punishment is gory, dreadful and beyond tolerance and Aparichit delivers them with style. During these phases of crime an intelligent and shrewd police officer (Prakash Raj) investigates all the serial killings. In this game of law and justice even his elder brother is brutally murdered by Aparichit. One fateful day Nandini faces the wrath of Aparichit for undervaluing property to save taxes. It was during this time that she witnesses, "multiple personality disorder" in him. Ambi is treated by the finest of brain surgeon (Prem Nazir) and during his study he witnesses multiple personality disorder in him.
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During his psychological treatment it has been learnt that it was mentally disturbed mind of a kid who gets perturbed after losing his little sister. Disappointed police officer collects all the clues and reports from all the five murders committed by Aparichit. Finally, Ambi is nabbed during religious procession and gets arrested. In the climax the protagonist Aparichit fights with his enemies and Ambi is proved innocent since he suffers from mental disorder.
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Every film has its merits and demerits and 'Aparichit' has them too. Brilliant choreography by Raju Sunderam speaks volume in colorful tracks like "Kumari" (shot in colorful backgrounds of Amsterdam). Even the techno-savvy numbers "Remo" and "Gora Gora" have mind-blowing impact. Peter Haynes' immaculately conceived action stunts are the highlights of the film. The fight sequences make the audiences glued to their seats and shows brighter side of modern cinema. The graphics and SFX effects in showing "hell" and other visuals are outstanding. Harris Jayraj's music may not be of AR Rehman class but works well in all situations. The theme track "Stranger in Black" has daunting impact that glorifies the dark shades of "Aparichit". In bits and parts, the film has some loose ends where the director has taken extra cinematic liberties. Despite these minor irregularities, the film works well on its thought-provoking theme.
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The film has been a groundbreaking success in Tamil ('Anniyan') but the Hindi version has many hurdles to cross. Despite the fact that Vikram and Sada have effective star value in Tamil movies, the Hindi version 'Aparichit' will be counted low on face value. The north-south barrier will be another hurdle where audiences might alienate themselves from the film. If it works wonders in Hindi version then certainly the audiences can expect more entertainers from South Indian cinema. In nutshell, Shanker's tailor-made "Undertaker" 'Aparichit' deserves all the appreciation.
