M Bharat Kumar

When Ajith brings in his style to a story of some substance the outcome is Aasal. The dismal outing in Aegan probably weighed on the actor’s mind and as if to compensate for the disappointment Ajith treats his fans to a double delight (dual role) in the movie .

As in Billa, the actor has a suave and sophisticated role in Aasal too. The story has sibling rivalry at its base. The Ajith- director Charan has been a successful combination so far.

After their Kadhal Mannan, Amarkalam and Attagasam together, there was an air of anticipation around Aasal. The movie seems to rise to the expectations with an energetic Ajith and efficient Charan at the helm. Their good vibes are evident on the screen.

Mishale’s cinematography, a pacy screenplay and the tremendous screen presence of Ajith have all worked in favour of Aasal.Ajith has had a say in the story, screenplay and direction of Aasal. This fact and those ‘Thala’ references will not be lost on his fans. Though it is not the most original of stories from Yuhi Sethu, the technical gloss and sheen make Aasal a good watch.

The film unfolds in Paris. Jeevanandham (Ajith) sells arms and ammunitions to the French government. Known for his honesty, Jeevanandham has trouble brewing in his backyard.

The animosity that his sons Sam (Sampath) and Vicky (Rajeev Krishna) have for Shiva (Ajith), born out of his affair set the tone of the movie. The latter quite predictably is the worthy son of the father and harbours no ill-will for his step- brothers. Sara (Sameera Reddy), an employee with French embassy is in love with Shiva.

The embers of the rivalry flare up when Jeevanandham dies. Sam and Vicky, much against their father’s last wish, decide to sell arms to terrorists. They have the blessings of their uncle Kalivardhan (Pradeep Rawat) for this. The brothers end up incurring the wrath of Mumbai-based don Brijesh Shetty (Kelly Dorji), who kidnaps Vicky.

It’s now up to Shiva to go to Mumbai along with Sara to track Vicky down. He meets Mirasi (Prabhu), his dad’s friend, a buffoon in Don Samosa (Yuhi Sethu) and Sulabha (Bhavana) in the course of his mission.

But more troubles await him after he rescues his brother. The rest is about how Shiva fights the odds and comes up trumps. Need we tell you that he also gets one of the two girls in the end.

The film is tailor made for Ajith’s persona. He has worked at making the double roles look different and appealing and the result is for all to see. As Jeevanandham, he is suave and elegant. As young Shiva, he is earnest and energetic.

Of the two ‘Ajiths’ the younger is more impressive. If Billa showcased a stylish Ajith, Aasal has substance thrown in for good measure. Bhavana and Sameera are typical heroines - who fall for the hero.

Sameera Reddy is chirpy and vivacious. Bhavana was desperately in need of a hit and Aasal might just do the trick for her. Both have been given equal footage and a couple of romantic duets with Ajith.

Sampath Raj, Rajeev Krishna and Pradeep Rawat are adequate. Yuhi Sethu impresses in a comical role. Yesteryear hero Suresh plays a comical French cop with ulterior motives. Prabhu leaves his mark in a cameo.

Debutant Mishale has had a great time filming Paris at its breathtaking best while Anthony’s editing is spot on. Bharadwaj’s tunes are hummable even though the background score jars at a few places.

Aasal has a few failings especially in the second half when the story proceeds on predictable lines. However there is that touch of sophistication in every frame which sort of charms you into ignoring its shortcomings .

Source: Newstoday (Dated: 8-2-2010)