Asal - Well-tailored for Ajith fans

Banner: Sivaji Productions
Production: Prabhu
Direction: Saran
Star-casts: Ajith Kumar, Sameera Reddy, Bhavana, Prabhu, Yughi Sethu, Suresh, Sampath, Rajiv Krishna, Kelly Dorjee and others
Music: Bharadwaj

Next time Ajith Kumar steps on for a project, he has to make sure that the script is powerful and challenging as well. Just as we stepped out of theatres, we could hear a person whispering – let's at least hope Gowtham Menon does his best for Ajith Kumar. Just imagine this context – Gowtham hasn't even completed his script works and our film buffs have started mounting their hopes now itself.

Well, it doesn't mean that 'ASAL' is a disappointment, but could've been a better film with so much big sum being spent on it.

Firstly, ASAL lacks a fine story that carries the same old story of betrayals amongst relationships. The screenplay is completely sluggish as it doesn’t posses even single thrill moment.

Set in France, the film revolves around an aged father Jeevanandham (Ajith Kumar) and his sons – Sam (Sampath), Vicky (Rajeev Krishna) and Shiva (played by Ajith himself again). In course of narration, it's revealed that Shiva is a step-brother to Sam and Vicky. Jeevanandham always has special concern for Shiva and affirms his every decision. Jeevanandham has been an ace dealer in manufacturing of weapons and has been a habitué supplier to United States for defense purpose. Apparently, when Vicky and Sam induced by their evil uncle (Pradeep Rawat) plan to strike deal with a group that plies weapons to terrorists, Jeevanandham completely disagrees.

Later as Jeevanandham passes away due to cardiac arrest, Shiva witnesses a shocking moment when his younger brother Vicky is snatched by opponent party (lead by Kelly Dorjee) that intended to sign a deal…. It's about Shiva rescuing Vicky from the speculative situation only to get bumped off by him and Sam.

What unfolds next is a series of unexpected truths being unraveled.

Ajith Kumar outperforms in both the roles of father and son. But it turns to be a disappointment for everyone as Ajith in father's role doesn't get more footage… Ajith stuns us with his stylish looks and mind-boggling gestures, but looks to be quite unimpressive in few stunt sequences… On pars, he has to focus a lot when it comes to dancing.

These are the certain things that stop him from striking gold. Sameera Reddy as a member of French Embassy does justice to her role and Saran should have offered some more prominence to her. Bhavana hasn't got anything special to do with her characterization apart from shaking legs with Ajith kumar for 'Tottodaing' and 'Yeh Dushyantha'. It’s really puzzling why every song is trimmed to just couple of minutes.

Sampath and Rajiv Krishna have come up with decent efforts while Kelly Dorjee is completely marvelous. He keeps us engrossed with his complete portion. Especially, his portions with Ajith during pre-intermission sequences are mind-boggling. Suresh as a Tamil speaking cop in Paris looks stylish, but his delineation is so absurd. Yughi Sethu tickles your funny bones with his comedy tracks while Prabhu doesn’t appear in more than 4 scenes.

In spite of Ajith, Saran and Yughi Sethu working on story, screenplay and dialogues, the three aspects doesn't get better in any terms. For every 20 lines, you'll have to keep heeding to the word 'Thala'. The screenplay is slightly tedious during the first hour while second half is moderately paced. The climax portion could've been still better.

Musical score by Bharadwaj dashes down our hopes and background score isn't appreciable. Anthony's editing and debutant Prashanth’s cinematography are stunningly grandiloquent and art direction is a special attribute to be mentioned.

On the whole, 'ASAL' would have been a great film if Saran had penned a good screenplay and made it yet more attractive. As of now, the film proves to be a passable show that can be watched once without any expectations.

Verdict: Could've been better…
Richard Mahesh