Film: AYUTHA EZHATHU
Cast: Madhavan, Surya, Siddharth, Meera Jasmine, Trisha, Esha Deol, Bharatiraja and others
Music: A R Rehman
Produced by: Madras Talkies
Story, screenplay and directed by: Manirathnam
Release date: May 21, 2004

Manirathnam. The name spells magic on celluloid screen. His latest offering,AYUTHA EZHATHU, falls short of all magnanimous expectations. It has extraordinary 'taking format' in the first half, which promises you some magical moments, but towards the end of the film, you feel that the director has lost track somewhere. 

The narration and technique of this film is similar to that of acclaimed Mexican film, AMORES PERROS. Mani seems to be heavily inspired by this film, which was termed by the New York Times as "the first classic of the new decade". 

Like the inspired version AYUTHA EZHATHU takes the viewer to the streets of Chennai and presents three sets of characters whose stories collide in a life-changing event on Merina beach road.

First half of the film engrosses the audience with this ROSHOMON (of Akira Kurosowa's classic) type of narration but it gets too contrived in second half of the film. Once audience gets to know the motive of the film, the interest goes off. The central point - students and youth should take more active role in politics for a better India - is not convincing.

Michel (Surya) aims for reforming the Indian society by the active participation of youth. A politician (director Bharathiraja) fears of him and creates obstructions. He uses his criminal aid's brother Inba (Madhavan) to eliminate Michel. Inba on the other hand, an orphan turned criminal, has dreams of becoming rich and getting political power. He shoots Michel from close range on a busy street in Chennai. 

While proposing marriage to his Meera (Trisha), Arjun (Siddarth), a young guy who has dreams of settling in US, happens to be on the scene. He rescues Michel and saves his life. He then along with Michel fields in the by-elections. So good men win over the bad men in the end. 

But this story is told in reverse and flash back method, which definitely gives an excitement. This technique really works (though basically taken it from that Mexican film).

Of the whole cast, it is Surya who steals the show. He is in terrific as an idealistic youth; his strong confidence gait and physic adds even more charisma to his role. Madhavan in the negative character too comes up with good performance but his character is contrived. 

The surprising performance (and most amusing one) comes from director Bharathiraja who debuts in this film in a villainous role. His facial expressions and low bending physique is a treat to watch. Of the female lead cast, Meera Jasmine walks way with the honors. Trisha is very cute in her role. Esha's role is too small.

Had Manirathnam worked on story, the film definitely would have been another gem. A R Rehman's music is okay. Ravi K Chandran's brilliant cinematography and Sreekar Prasad's editing are other laudable aspects of this film. Indeed, technically AYUTHA EZHATHU is brilliant.