Coming Soon - Aaru

[Pic Courtesy Sify]

For me, the most surprising thing about Aaru is how little buzz seems to be surrounding the film. We have a popular actor who is coming off the biggest hit in his career; a heroine who is the top heroine in the field right now; a director who gave a huge blockbuster hit just 2 years ago and hasn't really given any duds since then; a producer who, as a director, has proved that he knows the pulse of the viewers; and the ever-popular rowdy subject that allows one to squeeze in all the necessary commercial ingredients. Inspite of all these, the movie somehow seems rather low-key even on the eve of its release tomorrow. Not that that is going to affect my decision to see it this weekend :-)

Surya's Ghajini has proved to be a blockbuster in both Tamil and Telugu and the actor is at the peak of his career. He has had a string of roles that have earned him a good name, whatever be the movies' box-office fate, and he hasn't made a wrong move for quite a while now. On the other hand, heroine Trisha has been missing from Kodambakkam for a while now(her last movie was Tiruppaachi). She didn't have much competition but with Asin becoming a contender for the top spot with a single movie, Trisha needs to make sure she isn't forgotten completely. The two are coming together once again after Mounam Pesiyadhe, which was arguably the first movie in Surya's current success streak. Its a good pairing that is easy on the eyes.

But the movie's subject does give rise to some doubts. Surya is apparently playing a Chennai rowdy, Aarumugam, and the last time he did a similar role in Sree, the results weren't pleasant. But then again, Aaru is being helmed by Hari who directed the excellent Thamizh on the same subject. And while Kovil and Ayyaa didn't exactly set the box-office on fire, Saamy's huge success makes sure he can't be written off just yet. So I have my fingers crossed. Another plus point is that Aaru is produced by Saran, who has had many a box-office hit to his name. I'm sure he will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of Shankar, who has tasted success as a producer too.

Aaru's disappointing soundtrack is probably a big reason for the low buzz. Kanda Naal Mudhal's soundtrack proved that a good soundtrack can raise viewers' expectations for a low-profile movie but Devi Sriprasad's numbers here are definitely not hit material. So its upto Hari now to make them popular with good picturization.

The film is slated to have a good opening inspite of the rains and the expected cyclone (Ooru aaraa irukku but Aaru paakka ooru ready :-). Lets hope Aaru hits a sixer at the box-office...