DIYA MOVIE REVIEW



Release Date : Apr 27,2018 Apr 27, 2018 Movie Run Time : 1 hour 39 minutes
Censor Rating : U/A
CLICK TO RATE THE MOVIE

For all those, who have been waiting to witness Sai Pallavi in Tamil cinema, the D-day has come, as her debut Tamil film, Diya releases today.
 

Thulasi (Sai Pallavi) and Krishna (Naga Shaurya) are in love for more than five years, and they get married with the consent of their parents. As they move to a new house, after the marriage, serious issues start popping up, because of a five-year-old girl. The couple's life gets miserable and turns upside down. Who is that little girl, and how is she associated with Thulasi and Krishna? These questions are answered in a sensible and neatly presented manner in the movie.


The film runs for just 99 minutes, and it is a big bonus. A section of the audience might feel that the film's pace is an issue, but given the mood and the theme of the film, it seems justifiable. The pre-interval and pre-climax scenes, being the main highpoints, captivate the audience's’ attention. The emotional scenes between Sai Pallavi and the kid might go well with the general audience. Their chemistry is soulful.


Interesting usage of natural elements like water and air, in accidents, are noteworthy. The film deals with the horror genre, and that becomes one of the major plus points of the film. Diya is a no-nonsense horror film and has a sensible and subtle approach to it. There is no confusion in conveying the message to the audience through the film, and the team is totally focussed on their content. Kudos to director Vijay and team for that.


On the downside, the film falls predictable after the initial few minutes, and you can almost figure out the next scene, until the climax. There are quite a few accident scenes in the movie, which lack the intensity. Had those scenes been shot more interestingly, the impact would have been more, adding essence to the screenplay. The CG/VFX work lack detailing.

During the initial scenes, RJ Balaji’s characterisation and comedies might look totally out of place, as the film deals with a very serious topic. However, the character's variation towards the end helps to a minimal extent.


Diya is the debut Tamil film for all the three protagonists, Sai Pallavi, Naga Shaurya and Baby Veronica. Out of the three, Sai Pallavi shines the best, and the talented actress delivers a genuine show. Though she doesn't have any dialogue to speak, Baby Veronica is impressive too, thereby making a promising debut. If everything goes well, she could become the next big find for Kollywood, produced by Vijay, on the lines of Baby Sarah. Naga Shaurya is a good selection, however, there is a tinge of artificiality in his performance.


The film is technically rich, and a big thanks to ace cinematographer Nirav Shah for the same. His experience comes in handy, as his visuals are classy and pleasant throughout the film. Sam.C.S’ background music adds pulse to the film, especially, the child's theme score stays with you for a long time. Anthony's edit helps in the smooth movement of the screenplay, sans any complexities.


Director Vijay’s touches are very much seen throughout the film, with a slice of positivity and emotions, thrown upon here and there. With a less predictable and gripping screenplay, Vijay’s Diya could have impacted even more.

DIYA VIDEO REVIEW

Verdict: Diya's plot is sensible to the horror genre. If the predictability factor is pushed aside, the film might engage you emotionally!

BEHINDWOODS REVIEW BOARD RATING

2.75
( 2.75 / 5.0 )
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REVIEW RATING EXPLANATION

RELATED CAST PHOTOS

SONGS REVIEW

Review by : Behindwoods Review Board
Album Release Date : Feb 27,2018

Aalaliloo 
Vocals: Swagatha S Krishnan
Lyrics: Madhan Karky


Aalaliloo is a musically enriching lullaby-ballad. Sam CS makes a mark on this album with this track, as he makes fine use of various instruments that add beauty to the song. The song features a host of wind instruments and strings. An alluring amalgamation of these instruments with percussion ensures that this track will stay in the minds of listeners for a long time. Swagatha's mellifluous voice adds immense value to the song.

Konjali
Vocals: Sathyaprakash, Neha Venugopal, JKA Shalini
Lyrics: Madhan Karky


This is yet another track whose wealth is aggrandized by the efficient use of a powerful orchestra. The Nadhaswaram and Flute additions, when combined with the strength of the violins, make sure that this marriage song is an instant hit! It is needless to say that Sathyaprakash's vocals increase the utility of the track.

Karuve
Vocals: KS Chithra
Lyrics: Madhan Karky


The evergreen voice of KS Chithra is back! She renders this song with so much grace and dynamics and keeps proving that her voice will never disappoint. With an eerie tune and convincing orchestration, this is a decent track that might work well with the visuals.

Voice of Karu
Performed by "Chennai Orchestra"


This track is the instrumental version of the song 'Karuve'. The track gives us a preternatural feeling. It is very well orchestrated and performed. It is sure to add to the worth of the spine-chilling horror sequences in the film. A big shout out to the musicians who worked on performing and arranging this track.

Sound of Revenge
Performed by "Chennai Orchestra"


Just as the title suggests, this tune and progression of this song give us the feeling of revenge. Once again, the Chennai Orchestra strikes the right chord and performs wonderfully. Justice is made to the track by composing a blood-curdling score.

Verdict: A well orchestrated and musically enriching album from Sam CS
( 2.75 / 5.0 )

CLICK FOR DIYA CAST & CREW

Production: Lyca Productions
Cast: Baby Veronica, Naga Shaurya, Nizhalgal Ravi, Rekha, RJ Balaji, Sai Pallavi
Direction: Vijay
Screenplay: Vijay
Story: Vijay
Music: Sam CS
Background score: Sam CS
Cinematography: Nirav Shah
Dialogues: Vijay
Editing: Anthony
Art direction: Jayashree
Stunt choreography: Silva
PRO: Suresh Chandra

Diya (aka) Lycavin Karu

Diya (aka) Lycavin Karu is a Tamil movie. Baby Veronica, Naga Shaurya, Nizhalgal Ravi, Rekha, RJ Balaji, Sai Pallavi are part of the cast of Diya (aka) Lycavin Karu. The movie is directed by Vijay. Music is by Sam CS. Production by Lyca Productions, cinematography by Nirav Shah, editing by Anthony and art direction by Jayashree.