Chekka Chivantha Vaanam

Chekka Chivantha Vaanam (Crimson Red Sky)

After a Strew of Hotchpotch Romantic Dramas, Mani Ratnam returns with Chekka Chivantha Vaanam (CCV), a Gangster Crime Thriller. His Screenplay is Flowy and Accommodates all 4 Male leads with Equal Screen Space.

Arvind Swami is a Powerhouse of Emotions. His Facial Intensity during his final conversation with Jyothika, his wife and the Pre-Climax “Cipher Philosophy” hits Bullseye. Amongst the many deaths that take place in the movie, Jyothika’s death was personally the most Emotionally Taxing.

Arun Vijay is Stylish and Flamboyant. His Character is the Classiest among the three brothers. Silambarasan aka STR is Fierce as an Angry, Young man. The Portions of Aditi Rao Hydari and Mansoor Ali Khan are Irritating. The Inclusion of Aditi Rao is Questionable.

Vijay Sethupathi’s Trademark Dialogue Delivery and Quirky Body Language are present throughout the film. His Climax 2-Minute Story is Preachy and is a Befitting End to this gangster drama. “I’m still an Inspector. Inspector Rasool Ibrahim” is his Standout Scene.

A.R.Rahman’s songs are Excellent, Special Mention to Mazhai Kuruvi, Hayati and Kalla Kalavaani but his Background Music is Jarring. Bhoomi Bhoomi and Sevanthu Pochu Nenju ring at various places in the movie. The Happy Beginning of “Mazhai Kuruvi” song plays during Simbu-Dayana’s wedding and the Sad Part starting with “Vaanaveli Mannil Nazhuvi Vizhundhadhenna, Thisayellam Mazhayil Karainthu Tholaindhadhenna” at 3:00 starts to play during her Burial. This is Masterclass from the Magical ManiRatnam - A.R.Rahman - Vairamuthu Combo to Convey Two Contrasting Emotions in a Wedding and a Burial with the Same Masterpiece Song.

Mani Ratnam, who is known for Lavish Visuals in his Movie Songs does away with ‘Whole Song Picturisation’ and Captures only Segments of his Songs. The Aerial Shots introducing STR in Serbia with “Nee Vandhu Sendranai” and the Climax Cliff scene in Cuddapah are well Captured by Cinematographer Santosh Sivan.

The Character Development and Backstory are Mediocre. The Characterisation looks Far-Fetched and lacks Emotional Connect with the Audience, thus not allowing for much Empathy for their Physical and Mental Struggles. The Story is Ordinary and with CCV, Mani Ratnam brings Nothing New and Fresh to Cinema’s Table.