Born in 1887, Srinivasa Ramanujan is a prodigious talent at mathematics with a natural ability to solve advanced problems when he is just in primary school. The poor economic status of his family does not deter his passion towards mathematics. However, his neglect of other educational subjects prevents him from graduating in the examination based educational system of India. He is driven to desperation as he is unable to even get a job to maintain his family. His life gets a much deserved makeover when his unmatched abilities get recognized by leading mathematicians in London. His extraordinary journey to fame and his personal life is faithfully detailed in the rest of the movie.
Language:
Tamil
Running Time:
170 min
Rating:
U
Release date:
11 July 2014
Directed by:
Gnana Rajasekaran
Produced by:
Srivatsan Nadathur
Sushant Desai
Sharanyan Nadathur
Sindhu Rajasekaran
Written by:
Gnana Rajasekaran
Starring:
Abhinay Vaddi
Suhasini Maniratnam
Abbas
Bhama
Nizhalgal Ravi
Kevin McGowan
Music by:
Ramesh Vinayakam
Shot by:
Sunny Joseph
Editing by:
B. Lenin
Distributed by:
Camphor Cinema
Abirami Mega Mall

What’s Hot

  • Abhinay makes an impressive debut as the genius mathematician Ramanujan. His ability to express the mind of a troubled youth and that of an emotional husband struggling to balance his personal life with his love for mathematics makes him a standout performer. Suhasini, Bhama and ‘Nizhalgal’ Ravi complete Abhinay’s family and put up equally astonishing performances.
  • Ramesh Vinayakam in charge of the background score has added flair to the narrative with his efforts that suit the pre-independence era with noted switches for scenes set in India and London. The opening devotional bhajan is soothing to the ears and remains etched in memory.
  • The attempt to recreate the early 20th century in all its glory has come off wonderfully well, thanks to the painstakingly executed plans from the art director. The milieu is further enhanced by captivating dialogues revolving around the religious beliefs and the justifications for the tolerance towards them exhibited by atheists.

What’s Not

  • The linear narrative of Ramanjujan’s life in chronological order seems to adversely affect the pace of the movie which stays sluggish and gets no help from the editing department where a few too many frames not involving the cast are thrust into the movie.
  • While we can accept the probability of English people living in Madras speaking the Tamil language, the decision to show a major portion of the movie with Englishmen in London conversing in Tamil seems surreal. If a brave decision to present the dialogues in English with Tamil subtitles was taken, it would have definitely enhanced the impact.

Badges

Verdict

Verdict Stamp

A deeply intriguing depiction of the mind and life of a genius that instills inspiration and pride to all Indians alike , which could have evoked a better response with a taut narrative and a few brave decisions with respect to usage of English.