Monster is Nelson Venkatesan’s second film starring SJ Suryah, Priya Bhavani Shankar, Karunakaran and an intelligent monster, a rat. With a very new and comical approach, read to know how Monster has succeeded in its attempt to entertain the audiences.
SJ Suryah as Anjanam Azhagiya Pillai portrays the life of a middle class youngster who works for the government, is well settled and lives a very simple yet happy life. Mekala, played by Priya Bhavani Shankar, is another young woman from a normal background who is a very thoughtful, realistic person.
Karunakaran is the funny colleague in his office who adds his share of humour to the storyline, especially in the latter half of the film. All these characters are surpassed by the real villain/hero of the film: the Monster.
The scenes that include the entry of the monster, that highlights the intelligence of the Monster, the comedy plot that is laid and the amazing escape scenes in the end, all befit the ‘Monster’ perfectly and bring out its monstrous nature quite nicely.
Special mention to the aesthetical quality the film had with respect to its attempt to portray the beauty in a normal man’s household and life. It has managed to bring out the dreams, desires and normalcy that shapes the life of the common man.
The cinematography has elevated the comical experience that brings out the struggles of a man with a rat, the monster, which takes over his house. The VFX, though much lesser, is great.
The music strongly supports the film. Justin Prabhakaran has elevated the emotions, thrill and comedy in every way throughout the film. The dialogues are certainly the film’s strong foundation. Above all this, the rat(apparently a tamed pet) stands tall and stays as another lead of the film.
Anjanam’s characterisation, his principles, his beliefs and his devotion to Ramalinga Adigalar aka Vallalar in the film has come off with suave and perfection that draws some respect to the characters and adds genuinity to the film.
The only drawback is the screenplay which seems lengthier. The first half becomes quite draggy as it struggles in balancing the episodes of Anjanam with Mekala and that of Anjanam with Monster. The second half is a bit faster but still not in an appreciable pace.
Monster is a good attempt in novel storytelling that has strong performances and technical standards that make the film stand out from the usual ones. The performances, the music, the camera and the RAT become a treat to watch in this ‘bit-lengthy’ drama. Kids will have a nice time in theatres enjoying the ongoing drama.