It is ‘Bangalore Calling’ for cousins Arjun, Divya & Kutty with which they feel they could realize their collective childhood idea of spending a few merry months in the city. The circumstances that take them to Bangalore form the center of why they can’t do what they intend to do together. As one central knot is untied, the troubles that loomed large begin to give way one by one, leading them to rediscovering their own selves, adding more meaning to their already lively journeys of life.
Language:
Tamil
Running Time:
156 min
Rating:
U
Release date:
05 February 2016
Directed by:
Bommarillu Bhaskar
Produced by:
Prasad V. Potluri
Written by:
Anjali Menon
Based on:
Bangalore Days by
Anjali Menon
Starring:
Arya
Sri Divya
Bobby Simha
Rana Daggubati
Parvathy
Raai Laxmi
Samantha
Prakash Raj
Saranya Ponvannan
M. S. Bhaskar
Rekha
Music by:
Gopi Sunder
Shot by:
K. V. Guhan
Editing by:
Marthand K. Venkatesh
Distributed by:
PVP Cinema

What’s Hot

  • First things first. This is intended to be a review of Bangalore Naatkal with no comparison with the Original (as the original has not been watched by the reviewer). Anjali Menon’s screenplay is exuberant and refreshing as we get to see a group of 20-somethings make meaningful and mature decisions in life.
  • Bommarillu Bhaskar, the film’s director, has pulled off a heavy-weight casting coup successfully with players of all prime roles (there are many, actually!) fitting to their roles pretty well.
  • The cousins camaraderie translates to screen beautifully, thanks to the protagonists. Arya, as Arjun, is in fine form clearly leading the pack with his lively show of emotions and racing stunts. He has Sri Divya & Simhaa as solid companions who make us root for the trio. You can’t take your eyes off Parvathy who gobbles the meaty role quite effortlessly; Rana isn’t far behind presenting the confusion in his character Prasad to perfection
  • The film is technically glossy with KV Guhan’s camera-work and Marthand Venkatesh’s editing providing a fine glimpse of the atmosphere that Bangalore is known for. The stunt team that choreographed the climax motocross racing too deserve commendation for its work.
  • In Gopi Sunder’s music the catchy Maangalyam & the soulful Naan Maati Konden linger in your mind. The brevity and smartness in some of the dialogues is particularly impressive.

What’s Not

  • The portion around Kutty’s parents looks disjoint from the tale and causes distraction. Saranya’s role has her play the monotonous wits she has delivered innumerable times. Also, the sly little message around people moving away from farming doesn’t fit in the film’s narrative
  • The background score seems repetitive and the fact that the oft-repeated track is very heavily influenced by Clint Mansell’s ‘Summer Overture’ doesn’t help!
  • The prominence given to many characters has a downside to it as well. Even with all the freshness and fine casting, the film seems to run a little too long for the content it presents.

Badges

Direction
Screenplay
Acting

Verdict

Verdict Stamp

Bangalore Naatkal turns out to be a refreshing outing not just for its ensemble casting of some promising and prolific faces but also for the way the cousins troika is used to champion the level-headedness & maturity that the '20-somethings' display today.