The USP of Shankar films are its dissident voices stuffed in simple popular format that appeal to mass.Whether its Mudhalvan, Boys or Anniyan, he tooks you with the central character who is a common man, a victim/witness of black money,corruption or other social evil that we can easily relate. When it comes to Lingesan/Lee, even though he is a common man, he is presented as a larger than life human that at parts makes him an alien.Again they speak sensible dialogues penned by figures like late Sujata which leaves an impact in your mind even after it changes to the next one, which is lacking in AI.
As usual the content is simple yet fresh, the one who normally dont choose for a business, but you can see a Shankar with clear cut ideas of marketing. Like its female lead, AI is a model for many big brands.The narrative is predictable and much time is spend for the VFX filled shots and songs shot in grandeur. As film progresses number of villains increase and they join at a particular point,topped with another one who stands 'athukkum mele'. According to 'formulas' the power/strength of villain is directly proportional to the success of film, as the villain do more annoying acts our appetite for hero's victory increases and leads to its culmination point and then to happy end card.
Expectation, the one which is hyped by it trailers and teasers( concocted with the best shots) can harm the entertainment of a mediocre film.Yes, AI is a very common film appearing to be large with the names associated with its technicians, (Vikram is excluded from this list, he was really amazing). At parts you feel its a film just meant to showcase the talents of make up artists as it lacks something vital, something that pumps the adrenaline.Even Rahman's background score seems common.
AI is more than three hours, but you wont be bored in the first watch. Its not because you are in a nail biting situation thinking of the plot twists, but the above mentioned larger than life presentation.Its engaging, not thrilling.Even if this is the case for major portion, there are moments which make you laugh or thrill towards the end( some are predictable).
Its not a Shankar film, its a film in the name of Shankar.
I would have loved the film more if he avoided that end with a still showing progress in his beauty. Cant love survive without beauty? oh, i forgot its a mass movie. Let he become what he was.
