Woman power
STORY:
Anu (Anu Haasan) is a commando and the team led by her (guided by Nasser) catches a bunch of terrorists. Investigations reveal that the ultras are planning to plant bombs in various parts of the country.
As it is found that the mastermind is international arms dealer David (David Yuvarajan) who is in London, Anu is sent to the United Kingdom on a secret mission to nab him.
There, even as Anu, the spy who is sent by the Indian army, takes efforts to decimate him, David’s henchmen wrongly understands that Anu’s husband as spy and kills him.
Also, they shoot at Anu and kidnap her only daughter Anjali (Akarshana). Now, it is the responsibility of Anu to get three things done- to take revenge for her husband’s death, to save her daughter and to safeguard her country.
Is he able to achieve her tasks? And what are the challenges the woman officer undergoes in her mission? You can find answers for these questions in Valladesam, a 2 hours 14 minutes film directed by NT Nantha.
ANALYSIS
Valladesam is no doubt a different attempt and one of the very films made in Tamil that speak about the valour and guts of women. Anu Haasan, who was hitherto seen in soft roles and as a television anchor, delivers a contrasting performance as a tough woman.
The efforts by Anu Haasan are solid and she proves acting runs in her veins (for the uninitiated, her uncle is Kamal Haasan and sister is Suhasini Mani Ratnam).
Nasser as army officer is tailor-made for the role and Akarshana is good. Music composer LV Muthukumaraswamy has done a neat job, while cinematography (by director Nantha himself), has captured the visuals of London well.
On the flipside, the narration is a major letdown as the noble intentions of the director, to serve a gripping tale, get spoiled because of weak characterisations and uninspiring story-telling.
However, despite the pitfalls, Valladesam deserves a watch for the honesty and determination. And if you are the one who appreciate brave women on screen, this film can be a worth a watch.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Pro: Nikhil Murugan
