The Dhruv Vikram starrer Adithya Varma, directed by Gireesaaya is the official Tamil remake of the cult Telugu film Arjun Reddy. The film is produced by Mukesh Mehta under the banner E4 Entertainment. Banita Sandhu plays the female lead while Priya Anand, Leela Samson, Anbu Thasan, Danush Bhaskar and others play crucial supporting roles.
Adithya Varma (Dhruv Vikram) plays the role of a doctor who resorts to alcohol and drugs due to love failure. The film is a case study on the titular character and how toxic he is as a person. If you've had already watched Arjun Reddy, the film might not melt you, but for the ones who haven't watched the original, Dhruv's swagger-reeking performance will definitely impact you. The entire film banks on his presence.
The film doesn't differ much from the original and traces the same path. This also includes the problematic sequences that might make the women feel uncomfortable. There is a good dosage of casteism as well in quite a few scenes. The toxicity of Adhithya comes across as unapologetic, and that's exactly where the problems start. A flip in the climax could have shot the film to a different league altogether.
The other boost for the film comes from cinematographer Ravi K Chandran, whose work is impeccable. His choice of colour stands out, especially towards the fag end of the film.Radhan's music, compliments the youthfulness well. He scores really well in the mass moments, but the romantic portions look a little melodramatic. 'Yean Ennai Pirindhaai', 'Amuthangalal' tracks work nicely with the visuals.
The performances of the supporting cast aided the film well and Anbu Thasan's acting is exceptional. Banita Sandhu's performance looked very matured. It's hard to believe that this is her Tamil debut. However, in a few scenes, the reaction of background actors didn't match the sequences in the foreground which looked odd. More attention to detail could have worked wonders.
On the whole, the film could have been far better if it had made a few changes to the climax and were given more meticulous detail. But Dhruv Vikram showcases a monstrous performance, which is one reason that you need to watch this flick.
1. Song: Edharkadi
Singer: Dhruv Vikram
Lyrics: Vivek & Dhruv Vikram
Edharkadi is a percussion-based song sung by the lead of the movie Dhruv Vikram. The lyrics penned by Vivek and Dhruv bring out the melancholy which glides beautifully with the music of the track. The tone of Edharkadi is based on recurring rhythmic beats and is quite catchy as Dhruv Vikram’s voice captures the feelings of a heartbroken lover who questions his girl, which is what Edharkadi is all about. The electronic guitar tone adds more soulful grace to the song’s wistful tune. The Keyboards, Synth and Rhythm programming are carried out by Radhan and Guitar music was provided by Santhosh Raj K.
2. Song: Yean Ennai Pirindhaai
Singer: Sid Sriram
Lyrics: Radhan
If Edharkadi made you feel sad, Yean Ennai Pirindhaai will move you to tears. Edharkadi was similar to Yean Ennai Pirindhaai in concept, but Yean Ennai Pirindhai in Sid Sriram’s voice pulls you closer, makes you feel the pain and the struggle the lead character undergoes when the love of his life is away from him. Radhan, who has also written the lyrics for this song, has accurately described the sorrow and despair that fills the hero’s heart when the heroine disappears from his life and the way his music intensifies the hopelessness makes the listener reciprocate the same feelings.
3. Song: Dhooram
Singer(s): Dhvani Bhanushali
Lyrics: Viveka
Dhooram is a romantic song sung by Dhvani Bhanushali. The acoustics of the song is based on the merry guitar tunes which are synced with the bright and animate voice of Dhvani. Dhooram is a song that is in the context of a lady who yearns for being with her lover. Though there is discomfort in the separation, the song does not pull you to a sad tone. Instead, it sets on a positive note such that though this is a track set on dreams, Dhooram conveys a hopeful and optimistic mood. The lyrics for Dhooram is written by Viveka.
4. Song: Yaarumillaa
Singer(s): Sid Sriram
Lyrics: Vivek
Yaarumillaa, sung by Sid Sriram, is another passionate song in Adithya Varma, in which music is composed by Radhan. The song’s lyrics are penned by Vivek and is set in a flow that the lead requests his love to stay in his life where the rest of the world has out. Drenching the tune in beautiful music, classical notes have also been interlaced with the track. The focus of percussions in the chorus part, during which the pace of the song is slightly pulled down, gives an amazing touch to the track. Yaarumillaa clearly lets the listeners know that there is indeed no one for the protagonist by its powerful lines and emotional singing.
5. Song: Kanaa
Singer(s): Krithika Nelson
Lyrics: Thamarai
Kanaa is a soothing rhythmic soundtrack sung by Krithika Nelson. The lyrics of the song are written by Thamarai, which has amazing shades of classical and contemporary music with the piano and guitar tunes in a perfect fusion. The song is a slow-paced one, and the romantic feel of the song is unmissable. Kanaa's tune flows smoothly with no ups and downs and hence adds a magical touch to Adithya Varma's album.
6. Song: Amudhangalaal
Singer(s): Priyanka
Lyrics: Thamarai
Amudhangal is an outright classical soundtrack with excellent lyrics by Thamarai. Just like the meaning, the words lent to the track are gems, shining illustriously in the voice of Priyanka. The song has a strong percussion base which enhances the tune of Amudhangalaal. Also, the chorus which accompanies the instrumental interludes are some of the best highlights of this song.
7. Song: Idhu Enna Maayamo
Singer(s): Ranjith Govind
Lyrics: Sivakarthikeyan
Idhu Enna Maayamo is a conventional rock music infused song sung by Ranjith Govind. Maintaining a generally cheerful tone, the pitch of Idhu Enna Maayamo is maintained at a slow pace. The song is built upon electrifying percussions and guitar tunes. The lyrics penned by Sivakarthikeyan adds grace to this lovable track.