Uttama Villain is a Tamil-language drama film that was released on May 1, 2015. Directed by Ramesh Aravind and starring the legendary actor Kamal Haasan in the lead role, the movie offers a unique blend of emotional depth, comedy, and introspection. The film explores the life of an aging actor who grapples with the impending end of his career and his personal life. Uttama Villain stands out for its rich narrative, memorable performances, and powerful music, making it a must-watch for fans of Tamil cinema and those who appreciate films that delve into the complexities of life and art. This review will explore the key aspects of the movie, from its plot to its performances, and provide insights into what makes it a special cinematic experience.
Plot Summary
Uttama Villain tells the story of Manoranjan (Kamal Haasan), a popular actor in the Tamil film industry, who is at the peak of his career but is unaware that he is suffering from a terminal illness. As he faces the truth of his condition, Manoranjan begins to reflect on his life, his career, and the relationships that have defined him. The film unfolds in two timelines: one set in the present day, where Manoranjan struggles with his health and his professional life, and another that takes us back to the past, where he portrays a character in a historical drama. As Manoranjan prepares for his final performance, the movie delves into his personal conflicts, the burden of fame, and the eternal question of what it means to live a meaningful life. The film’s narrative is poignant and thought-provoking, offering a profound commentary on legacy, mortality, and the pursuit of truth.
What’s Good?
There are several standout elements in Uttama Villain that make it a memorable cinematic experience. First and foremost, Kamal Haasan’s performance as Manoranjan is exceptional. He portrays the complexities of an aging actor with grace and depth, balancing the character’s vulnerability, arrogance, and regret. Haasan’s ability to seamlessly switch between the two timelines—one where he is a successful actor and the other where he is a man confronting his mortality—demonstrates his unmatched acting prowess.
The direction by Ramesh Aravind is another highlight of the film. Aravind effectively blends the two narratives, ensuring that the transitions between the present-day story and the historical drama feel smooth and natural. The film’s pacing is well-maintained, with moments of introspection and humor interspersed throughout. The way the film explores the concept of legacy—both in terms of personal relationships and professional achievements—is beautifully executed.
The music by M. Ghibran is another strength of Uttama Villain. The soundtrack complements the emotional tone of the film, with songs like “Kundakka Mandakka” and “Raajali” leaving a lasting impact on the audience. The background score enhances the emotional depth of the film, especially during the more poignant moments. Ghibran’s music captures the essence of Manoranjan’s journey and adds a layer of emotional resonance to the narrative.
Cinematography by P. C. Sreeram is another standout feature. The visuals are stunning, with the film’s historical segments being particularly beautifully shot. The contrast between the vibrant, larger-than-life world of the film industry and the somber, intimate moments of Manoranjan’s personal life is captured brilliantly. The film’s visual style complements its themes of duality, legacy, and the passage of time.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The primary strength of Uttama Villain lies in its ability to balance both humor and emotional depth. The film is not just a drama about the struggles of an aging actor; it also explores themes of mortality, the pursuit of happiness, and the search for meaning in life. The performances, particularly by Kamal Haasan, are top-notch, with each character adding layers to the narrative.
However, the film does have its weaknesses. The pacing, at times, can feel slow, especially in the second half, where the narrative becomes more introspective. Some viewers might find the film’s dual timelines and the shifts between the historical drama and the present-day story a bit confusing. While the film’s message is powerful, it can also feel heavy-handed at times, with some moments feeling overly sentimental.
Additionally, while the film is deeply engaging for fans of Kamal Haasan and Tamil cinema, it may not appeal to a wider audience who are unfamiliar with the cultural context or the intricacies of the Tamil film industry. The film’s intellectual approach to storytelling might not be for everyone, especially those seeking more commercial entertainment.
Target Audience
Uttama Villain will appeal to a wide range of audiences, particularly those who enjoy films with deep emotional narratives and complex characters. Fans of Kamal Haasan’s work will undoubtedly appreciate his stellar performance. The movie will also resonate with viewers who enjoy films that explore themes of mortality, legacy, and the human condition. While the film may not be ideal for those looking for fast-paced action or light-hearted comedy, it is perfect for audiences who appreciate thought-provoking cinema and are willing to engage with its introspective themes.
Box Office Details
Uttama Villain was made with a budget of approximately INR 35 crores. Upon release, the film garnered significant attention, especially due to Kamal Haasan’s involvement and the unique narrative structure. The film performed reasonably well at the box office, grossing a total of INR 50 crores worldwide.
In India, the film saw a steady rise in earnings over its first five days. On Day 1, it earned INR 4.5 crores, followed by INR 6 crores on Day 2. The earnings increased further on Day 3, reaching INR 7 crores. The film maintained its momentum on Day 4 with INR 6.5 crores, and by Day 5, it had earned INR 6.5 crores again. Overseas, the film performed well in markets like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Malaysia, grossing around INR 10 crores during its opening weekend.
Despite mixed reviews from critics, the film’s strong performances and unique narrative ensured that it found a dedicated audience, contributing to its overall success at the box office. The film’s success was also bolstered by its music, which became quite popular, helping to drive its box office earnings.
Recommendation
In conclusion, Uttama Villain is a beautifully crafted film that combines powerful performances, an engaging storyline, and an emotional exploration of life and legacy. Kamal Haasan’s portrayal of Manoranjan is a career-defining performance, and the direction, music, and cinematography all contribute to making the film an unforgettable experience. While the pacing may not suit everyone, those who enjoy meaningful, introspective cinema will find Uttama Villain to be a rewarding watch. I highly recommend this film to viewers who appreciate thoughtful storytelling and are looking for a film that challenges the norms of commercial cinema.
Table of Contents
Genres:
Romance, Drama, Comedy
Rating:
6.6/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Kamal Haasan | Uttaman/Manoranjan |
| K. Balachander | Margadarsi |
| K. Viswanath | Poornachandra Rao |
| Andrea Jeremiah | Arpana |
| Jayaram | Jacob Zachariah |
| Nassar | Muttharasan |
| Urvashi | Varalakshmi |
| Pooja Kumar | Karpagavalli |
| Parvathy Thiruvothu | Manonmani |
| M. S. Bhaskar | Chokku Chettiar |
| Ashwin Arvind | Manohar |
| Shanmugarajan | Shanmugarajan |
| G. Gnanasambandam | Kaakapusundar |
| Vaiyapuri | Snake Charmer |
| Chitra Lakshmanan | PRO Lakshmanan |
| Ajay Rathnam | King Sadayavarman |
| Dheepa Ramanujam | Queen |
| Parvatii Nair | Indira |
| Ajay Raj | Parthi |
| Bhargavi Narayan | Dhanalakshmi |
| Prakash Belawadi | Senior Doctor (Cameo Appearance) |
| Rajesh M. Selva | Spy |
| Ghibran | Self (Cameo Appearance) |
| Subhu Arumugam | Self (Cameo Appearance) |
| Shamdat Sainudeen | Self (Cameo Appearance) |
| Vijai Sankar | Self (Cameo Appearance) |
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Disclaimer: Some of the information on the article, including box office collection, cast, crew, and movie details, is sourced from IMDb. However, our reviews are based on our team's firsthand viewing experience and reflect our honest opinions about the movie.
