IMAIKKAA NODIGAL MOVIE REVIEW



Release Date : Aug 30,2018 Aug 29, 2018 Movie Run Time : 2 hour 50 minutes
Censor Rating : U/A
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After debuting with a successful horror outing Demonte Colony, director Ajay Gnanamuthu returns with a psycho-thriller Imaikka Nodigal, produced by Cameo Films. This film has Nayanthara, Atharvaa and Anurag Kashyap in the lead roles with Vijay Sethupathi in a supporting cameo.

 

Imaikka Nodigal, in short, is a game of ego. It is all about the cat and mouse game between Anjali (Nayanthara), her brother Arjun (Atharvaa) and a psychotic villain played by Anurag Kashyap. Though, the basic plot doesn't end there. Watch the film to find out more!

 

To discuss the technical aspects first, RD Rajasekar, the cinematographer has done a good job with the visuals as the lighting and frames are interesting and they don't seem tacky at any point. For a film that runs for 2 hours and 50 minutes, we expect the film to not allow us to blink (Imaikka Nodigal, isn't it?). But, the romance portions in the first half involving Atharvaa and Raashi Khanna seems to be purely a commercial fit in a plot that genuinely has a lot to offer. However, except for the crispiness that isn't projected, Bhuvan's edit pattern is neat. Some action sequences don't seem to fit into the logic box, but since they have been shot in a compelling manner, it passes off.

 

Hiphop Tamizha is one of the positive additions to this film as his songs have already worked wonders (though they are unfortunate misfits in the screenplay). His background score is worth a mention as it adds a lot of value to the thrill in the screenplay. However, a few moments could have worked well if silence was used effectively.

 

Ajay Gnanamuthu has instilled various sub-plots into Imaikka Nodigal. The screenplay, however, could have been tighter and uncompromising in terms of commercial aspects. Way too many flashbacks with some predictable hints spoil the fun at parts. His attempt to portray Anurag Kashyap as a menacing villain works! But somewhere, we might feel like we've gotten used to such a characterization earlier. The dialogues are advantageous to this film and they work well.

 

Coming to the performances, Raashi Khanna looks pretty and puts up a decent show. Atharvaa showcases a lot of maturity in his portrayal of the character. Nayanthara doesn't miss out on utilising every little opportunity to prove why she is the ultimate lady superstar. She has different shades to her character and aces every one of them. Vijay Sethupathi appears for a very short while as Nayanthara's husband, but he never ceases to bring that little element of joy and emotion to the story.

 

Expectedly, the show stealer happens to be Anurag Kashyap. Without divulging too much into his character, all we can say is that he is an interesting addition to our recently built list of psychotic villains. He speaks with his eyes and convinces us that he could be deadly. His performance is only 50% of the job, but director Magizh Thirumeni who has dubbed for Anurag can gladly take the remaining 50% of the credit. His robust voice coupled with Hiphop Tamizha's intimidating background score, adds significant value to the villain's characterization.

 

Overall, ignoring intricate logical details and some functional romantic scenes and predictability, Imaikka Nodigal could work for the impressive performances and well-made sequences.

Verdict: Imaikka Nodigal is technically sound with interesting sequences and good performances, but could have been even crispier to suit the title

BEHINDWOODS REVIEW BOARD RATING

2.75
( 2.75 / 5.0 )
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REVIEW RATING EXPLANATION

IMAIKKAA NODIGAL PHOTOS

RELATED CAST PHOTOS

IMAIKKAA NODIGAL TRAILER 1

SONGS REVIEW

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

Kadhalikathey
Singers: Hiphop Tamizha, Kaushik Krish
Lyrics: Hiphop Tamizha


Kadhalikathey to start with was the first single that was released months ago. It is a typical electronic based number that is high on EDM. There are some attractive beats throughout and the lyrics are funky and would appeal to the masses. This could be the next hit number among the single boys, thanks to the lyrics and the high tempo along with beats. The loop is interesting and the use of Nadhaswarams in between the electronic music could be the major plus of this number.

Vilambara Idaiveli 
Singers: Christopher Stanley, Sudharshan Ashok, Srinisha Jayaseelan, Hiphop Tamizha
Lyrics: Kabilan Vairamuthu


Vilambara Idaiveli is the ‘Oxygen’ style number of this album. Sung by Christopher, Sudharshan, Srinisha, and Hiphop himself, it has a blend of Carnatic tunes and western beats. Drums and guitars take the centre stage and the song has an attractive title tune. A good melody based fun and peppy track woven by Hiphop Tamizha that has a good tempo as well. Ghatams have also been used here and there and these add a different dimension to the latter half of the track. Hiphop Tamizha’s voice tops this song and it ends well wanting you to listen to it again.

Neeyum Naanum Anbe
Singers: Raghu Dixit, Sathyaprakash D, Jithin Raj
Lyrics: Kabilan


Another melodious track in the form of Neeyum Naanum Anbe. This time a little more soulful to start with and there is always the western-based electronic beats along with the guitars to take it forward. There is a good use of violins and a persisting flute as well. On the whole a slightly different attempt from the composer for Imaikkaa Nodigal.

Kadhal Oru Aagayam
Singers: Teejay, Al Rufian
Lyrics: Mohanrajan


An out and out melody that has minimal use of both electronic music and instruments. Basic instruments like guitars and a slow drum beat along with a short portion of violins are all that this track has. Sung pretty decent by the singer, Kadhal Oru Aagayam is a decent listen for melody lovers.

Lions vs Hyenas
Voiceover: Magizh Thirumeni
Dialogues: R Ajay Gnanamuthu

 

Lions vs Hyenas could not be termed as a number or a background score. The crux of the entire film from the antagonist’s point of view has been narrated in this voice over and director Magizh Thirumeni has nailed it with his bold voice. There are some rock-based guitars beats to complement this voiceover and it could be an important part of the film. It is an attempt like the voiceover in Theemai Dhan Vellum from Thani Oruvan with lesser music and more words.

Rudra’s Symphony

 

An out and out instrumental piece that could speak of the glory of the antagonist. There is a small pathos portion. Easily the stand out of the album in terms of intensity and it carries the mood of the film throughout. An outstanding composition with a touch of violin. The Tamil Killmonger theme of 2018 without a doubt.

Verdict: An album with some good variety and catchy tunes from composer Hiphop Tamizha!
( 3.0 / 5.0 )

CLICK FOR IMAIKKAA NODIGAL CAST & CREW

Production: Cameo Films
Cast: Anurag Kashyap, Atharvaa, Nayanthara, Raashi Khanna, Ramesh Thilak
Direction: Ajay Gnanamuthu
Screenplay: Ajay Gnanamuthu
Story: Ajay Gnanamuthu
Music: Hiphop Tamizha
Background score: Hiphop Tamizha
Cinematography: RD Rajasekar
Dialogues: Pattukottai Prabhakar
Editing: Bhuvan Srinivasan
Art direction: V Selvakumar
PRO: Suresh Chandra

Imaikkaa Nodigal (aka) Imaikka Nodigal

Imaikkaa Nodigal (aka) Imaikka Nodigal is a Tamil movie. Anurag Kashyap, Atharvaa, Nayanthara, Raashi Khanna, Ramesh Thilak are part of the cast of Imaikkaa Nodigal (aka) Imaikka Nodigal. The movie is directed by Ajay Gnanamuthu. Music is by Hiphop Tamizha. Production by Cameo Films, cinematography by RD Rajasekar, editing by Bhuvan Srinivasan and art direction by V Selvakumar.