KO – Tamil Movie Review

K.V. Anand is illustrious for his style of presenting movies in a different way. Though, the plots of this film look slightly clichéd, he tends to deliver them with rich visuals, good music and some interesting twists. He intensively tries adding more romance into every film, which proves to be an interesting element. Be it ‘Kana Kanden’ or ‘Ayan’, they quickly attracted the audiences.

Initially, K.V. Anand was reported of narrating the script of ‘Ko’ to many actors including Karthi and Silambarasan, Kajal Agarwal, Thamannah with Narain and Prasanna considered for the other actresses. Finally, he found best actors like Jeeva, Ajmal, Karthika and Pia. The songs and trailer were more than enough to keep everyone brimmed with more expectations.

Produced by RS Infotainments, the film is marketed and released by Udhayanidhi Stalin all over world with more prints today.

The film revolves around a photojournalist Ashwin (Jeeva), who works for a leading newspaper often breaking the news against the leading politicians (Prakash Raj and Kota Srinivasa Rao). Vasanth (Ajmal), an aspiring politician works ardently along with his political party ‘Siragugal’. Assigned with the coverage of political parties involved in election campaigns, Ashwin gets into the task of revealing the dark side of these politicians that pulls them down with status. On hosting a grand youth rally, Vasanth and his team of youngsters are involved in delivering speeches that is shattered with a bomb blast resulting in the gruesome death of innocent souls that includes Ashwin’s colleague Saro (Pia). What happens now is whether Vasanth pulling himself away from the political dreams. But, Ashwin supports him to accomplish with his dreams. What unfolds next is a series of twists and turns with an unexpected shock awaiting everyone in climax.

Hollywood’s most famous ‘State of Play’ has been considered as the best political thriller and that seems to have become K.V. Anand’s main source of inspiration. The context of plot remains the same as it revolves around a leading journalist and politician, who have been close friends for several years. Once, as the politician’s secretary is mysteriously murdered and his political life is put at stake, Russell Crowe starts helping his friend by investigating with his team of journalists unaware of Ben’s true colors.

Let’s keep the point of analysis short and crisp. Starting off with positive front of the film, K.V. Anand and his technical crew have done a fabulous job. Be it action choreography, songs or the cinematography by Richard M Nathan, everything looks perfect. When it comes down to the storyline, we have seen many flicks of the same sort that centers on ‘Friendship’ and ‘Betrayal’. Jeeva as a cool chap steals the show with his charming looks. He sticks close to the heart and soul of his characterization Ashwin. Watch out for his action sequences in the climax, he excels with the breathtaking stunts. Newcomer Karthika has tried making a good start. Though, the character of Renuka is something far above her age, she carries forth with good performance. Maybe, it would be good if she pays more attention into costumes (specifically the glamorous look in songs doesn’t suit her). Pia Bajpayee makes an impressive show and K.V. Anand has made a right choice by bringing her in for such a tomboyish character. Watch out for her performance in the scene where she manages to control her emotions in restaurant with Jeeva and Karthika, it’s pretty good. Ajmal turns to be the showstopper for his dialogue deliveries, performance and body language.

On the flip side, K.V. Anand has tried adding too many commercial ingredients into the film that makes the film sluggish at many places. The first half of the film doesn’t have any big conflicts till the intermission while the second half has unwanted songs.

The logical quotients are completely missing at many points. Specifically, the last 25minutes of the film has so many twists and on pars are illogical factors. We find all culprits walking into the CM’s office. During the bomb blast sequence, we don’t find anyone other the main subjective characters behind the stage of grand youth rally.

The background score by Harris Jayaraj becomes a major disappointment for the film as Harris tries imitating A.R. Rahman by bringing more fusions. But, it’s not his style and he should have done with his limits. The scenes and music doesn’t match at many points.

While the main politicians are sidelined (Prakash and Kota Srinivasa Rao), we can really sense the suspense much before it is unraveled. But, everything gets trivialized with the climax that gives a powerful message for youth in politics. Maybe this should have been the reason behind release of the film much prior to State Government Elections.

On the whole, ‘Ko’ offers a good entertainment for the audiences. But, if K.V. Anand would have trimmed the duration of  unwanted elements; it would have been an engrossing drama.

Cast & Crew:

Production: RS Infotainment, Red Giant Movies

Direction: K.V. Anand

Star-casts: Jeeva, Ajmal, Karthika, Pia, Prakash Raj, Kota Srinivasa Rao and others

Music: Harris Jayaraj

Cinematography: Richard M Nathan

Editing: Anthony

Dialogues: Subha

Verdict: Above Average