Andhagan Review: 'Andhagan', the Tamil remake of the critically acclaimed Hindi film 'Andhadhun' directed by Sriram Raghavan, stars Prashanth in the lead role alongside a stellar cast including Simran, Priya Anand, Samuthirakani, Karthik, Vanitha Vijayakumar, Urvashi, and Yogi Babu. Prashanth’s 50th film attempts to bring the gripping narrative of 'Andhadhun' to Tamil audiences.
Andhagan storyline
The film follows Prashanth, a talented pianist who pretends to be visually impaired as part of an experiment. This charade leads him into a whirlwind of events when Priya Anand, believing him to be blind, hires him to play at her café. Prashanth's life takes a dramatic turn when he is invited to play at the home of a former actor, Karthik, where he witnesses a murder committed by the actor's wife, Simran, and her lover, Samuthirakani. Although Prashanth manages to escape by maintaining his pretense, his secret soon comes under threat, leading the murderous duo to plot against him. The film follows his harrowing escape and the cat-and-mouse game that ensues.
The remake execution
The original Andhadhun's brilliance lies in its tight screenplay, unpredictable twists, and character dynamics. Director Thiagarajan stays true to the original, maintaining the core elements that made the Hindi version a hit. For those who haven't seen 'Andhadhun', 'Andhagan' offers a thrilling experience with its clever plot and engaging narrative.
The casting is solid, with Prashanth delivering a mature performance, marking a commendable comeback. Simran and Priya Anand hold their own in crucial roles, while Urvashi and Yogi Babu add much-needed humour in the second half. However, the pacing of 'Andhagan' feels slightly slower compared to the original, with certain scenes dragging due to unnecessary details. The tension that 'Andhadhun' masterfully maintained seems a bit diluted in this version, which might leave some viewers wanting more of the edge-of-the-seat experience that the original provided.
Performances and direction
Prashanth shines in his role, demonstrating that he hasn't lost his touch despite a long hiatus. Simran and Priya Anand also deliver commendable performances, adding depth to their characters. Samuthirakani fits well into the role of the antagonist, though he struggles with emotional scenes at times. The chemistry between Urvashi and Yogi Babu provides a much-needed lift to the narrative's slower moments.
'Andhagan' effectively recreates the dark tone and suspense of the original, though the screenplay could have been tighter. The film's visual style, with its focus on intricate details, sometimes slows down the pace, but it remains engaging for those unfamiliar with Andhadhun.
Music
The background score complements the film well, though the songs fail to leave a lasting impact.
Despite some pacing issues, 'Andhagan' stands as an elegant thriller, particularly appealing to fans of Prashanth and those who enjoy well-crafted suspense films.