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Meandering storyline
HALFWAY THROUGH lunch, a threesome group of friends heard the melodious strain of the evergreen song ``Nadhi Enge Poghiradhu'' on TV. Girija Subash, managing director of the G.S. Senior Citizens Home in T.Nagar commented:
Girija: What a lovely song! Are you aware there is a serial by the same name on STAR Vijay, Monday through Friday at 8.30 pm?
Her advocate friend Leena Subramaniam replied: It is the in-thing for producers to name serials and movies with the opening lines of popular songs of yesteryear. Do you watch the serial?
To this the third friend, the writer in question replied: There was so much hype built about it that I could not but help viewing it. The producers, 7th Channel Communications, seem to have left no coin unspent for acquiring publicity.
Girija: At every important turn in the city, there are huge billboards with a pretty face of actress Roja smiling down at us.
Leena: In an interview, Roja claimed that the story line was so similar to her real life that she promptly agreed to act in the serial.
Writer: The introduction was novel. The first episode had actress Sukanya introducing the characters. Playback singer-cum-actor S.P. Balasubramaniam let us into the well-guarded secret that a twist in the tale and characterisation at the end prodded him to accept the role.
Girija: Though it meant an extra strain on the coffers, yet the whole idea was appreciated for being different. Further, the producers have not disappointed us. The verdant green of Yercaud is captured so realistically.
Writer: But it is difficult to comprehend why Roja keeps watering the potted plants every now and then with a garden hose in wet Yercaud. Writer: Time was when actors had to be singers to render the songs themselves but now one wonders why singers have to be actors, such as SPB and Malaysia Vasudevan. The latter appears fatigued and hence, his portrayal is not very convincing. Pleasant faced SPB with an infectious jollity about him goes down well as the estate owner. At one point in the story when the heroine receives a letter from her supposedly dead father, the director fares badly because Roja registers no shock on her face. Her little brother emotes better with panic in his voice.
Girija: Smoking in public is banned but SPB is seen puffing in public. What is more detestable is to find Malaysia Vasudevan steeped in alcohol. It was a welcome relief when the character decided to jump off the cliff. Nevertheless he lends the serial the distinction of being a spirited production indeed.
Leena: It is appalling to see the stepmother, played by Sadhana, shift camps to the villain's side the moment her husband is reported dead. All the same, the general characterisation needs special mention. The heroine is strong and courageous, battling against all odds. She dares oppose not only the police official single-handedly in the forest in the dead of night but is unafraid of the scheming villain. This positive ring is commendable. The character of the police official appears grey and ill defined. The mannerisms and voice modulation of the villain are effective. It is unnatural to see the stepmother leave her son with her step-daughter and shirk all responsibility.
Writer: The title song is good.
Girija: The story fails to generate interest. As A. Nageswara Rao once stated, ``It is the story that is the hero of any movie or serial". So a little more attention might steer the `nadhi' from remaining stagnant.
Leena: To continue with the imagery of the river, the latter can be prevented from meandering only by the clear stream of reasoning of the scriptwriter and the imagination of the director.
THARA MOHAN RAO
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