A Review by Radhakrishnan Subramanian
Indian audiences have rejected many classics in the past due to some inexplicable
reasons. KAAGAZ KE PHOOL and MERA NAAM JOKER remain prime examples of the same.
The latest in the line is GUNAA a tamil film which was released in 1991 and remains
one of the greatest films ever made in India in the commercial format.The film can
be considered as poetry on celluloid.This film directed by SANTHANAM BHARATHI and
acted by KAMAL HAASAN can boast of excellence in all departments in film making.
The film revolves around a mad yet brilliant man obsessed with the concept of
SHAKTI(KAMAL HAASAN giving a mind blowing performance here) which ultimately leads
him to kidnap ROSHINI(making her debut)to a dilipidated church in the kodaikanal hills
amidst a sensational attempt to rob the vaults of a temple.What ensues is a fascinating
look at the changing nature of the girl's attitude towards the man from utter contempt
initially to love at the end.To reveal the end to this beauty and beast saga would be
the stupidest thing a film critic could ever do as this would rob the reader of the
real thrill when he watches the movie.
The other assets of the film apart from Kamal's bravura performance are VENU'S cinematography.
This cinematographer (of AMARAM and PONTHAN MADA fame)subtly captures the stark interiors of
the red light areas to the greenery of the kodaikanal hills with utmost smoothness.
ILLAYARAJA's music score is brilliant combining the verses of the ABHIRAMI ANDADHI
sloks to songs .The art direction is also of international callibre.All in all a film which
you can miss only at your own risk.
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