Azhagiya Tamil MaganThe film revolves around Guru (Vijay), a character who is good at heart and is in love with Shriya. The first half of the film is about how they fall in love and how they convince their parents for marriage.
One gets to see lot of Vijay's usual elements here including a well choreographed intro song. Then comes the ESP (Extra Sensory Perception) of Vijay by which he visualizes few things happening in future. It troubles him a lot and before he gets over the shock of it, he visualizes himself killing Shriya. This makes him move away from her to Mumbai. There he meets Prasad (Vijay again) whose passions are money and honey (read girls). Guru now chases Prasad to prevent him from killing Shriya. The rest of the film takes us through a roller-coaster ride of thrills and twists that leaves you entertained till the end.
Finishing Part
Ilayathalapathy Vijay in double role,with a performance like never before, he takes up the burden of the entire film on his shoulders and delivers it impressively. He pleases you as Guru in the first half and stuns you as Prasad in the second half. As Guru, his comedy timing, dance and action are very good as usual. He is the mass hero that we are used to seeing in his previous films. The intro logo of Vijay has changes in this film and its nice to see "INIYA THALAPATHY-IDHAYA THALAPATHY-ILAYA THALAPATHY".
But it's the villain Prasad character in which Vijay stands out in a never seen before performance. With a rocking intro and a clear difference against Guru in body language and voice modulation, Vijay slowly builds up this character taking it to greater heights with a towering performance at the climax. The previous role of Vijay in grey shades was in Priyamudan, but it was just few years after his entry into cinema when he had neither experience nor expertise to perform a negative role like this. Now he has well seasoned as an artist and it clearly shows up in ATM. His dialogue delivery is impressive in places like "Evlavo pannraom idha panna maatoma" "Naanum pokkiri thaan da" etc.
Shriya has more-than-enough of a role in a hero oriented film and has footage throughout the film. She looks gorgeous, emotes adequately and dances gracefully. She has performed really well in dance sequences. The Vijay-Shriya pair has a natural chemistry to it and the duo look really cute on screen. Namitha as such had nothing to do except for dancing in skimpy clothes in a glamorous song. The film could really have done without her character. Santhanam has evoked a few laughters in a decent and clean comedy track. All other supporting cast has done adequately, though few good actors are wasted in insignificant roles. Special mentions to Shayaji Shinde and Geetha, who got a good scope to perform in their scenes.
Ilayathalapathy Vijay in double role.The major advantage of the film is the brilliant music of A.R. Rahman which has been transformed visually into well choreographed songs. All songs are a visual treat and Vijay is brilliant as always in all the songs. Lawrence's work in the "Ella pugazhum" song is brilliant and Vijay takes the song to greater heights with his dance. "Kelaamal Kaiyile" is a visual treat. "Madhuraiku pogadhadi" and "Valayapatti" are rich and colorful. "Nee Marilyn Monroe" is cool and sexy.
The outstanding one is however "Ponmagal Vandhal" remix which has been very well shot and edited, and comes at the right situation in the film. Another plus is the camera work of Balasubramaniyem, which has given the film the right look and feel. The visual effects are mostly well done, special mention to the double act scenes and the climax fight. Editing by Antony is crisp and brilliant, not to forget his work in Ponmagal song. The rerecording by ARR is also good.
Santhanam as the hero's side kick is a surprise package. He has excelled in his part. Vijay as Guru and Prasad has yet again proved his penchant for comedy. But it is the negative role that surpasses. May be Vijay should try his had at a complete black character. Rahman's musical score combined with amazing picturisation makes the songs a treat. Sadly, Nee Marliyn Monroe… an item number picturised on Vijay and Namitha in Phuket islands has faced the censor scissors! Camera work by Balasubramanian is stunning. But holds the film back a bit is it running time of nearly three hours. A little more time spet on the editing table will make the film faster paced and fun. Also passing off Hyderabad as Chennai is kind of a dampener! Having said that, ATM is a complete mass entertainer and Vijay is truly the Azhagiya Tamil Magan .
Source:
Azhagiya Tamil Magan - Review
