The makers have garnered the attention of the audience with their film's title - Gemini Ganeshanum Suruli Rajanum (GGSR). Yes, we are talking about the rom-com starring Atharvaa, Soori, Regina Cassandra, Aishwarya Rajesh, Pranitha, Aaditi Pohankar and others.
GGSR is all about Gemini Ganeshan (Atharvaa) and his four girlfriends. He's the coolest playboy in the town, and you know what's going to happen when there are four heroines. Of course, it's love, love, and only love! Gemini Ganeshan's love moments with the four different girls is what the film’s base is constructed of, and which of these love stories succeed him to marriage is what the whole premise of the film about.
Atharvaa is at his charming best, and he performs at ease naturally. When it comes to the leading ladies, Aishwarya Rajesh, Regina and Pranitha score with what is expected out of them. Aishwarya continues to take it on a subtle note in her signature way, while Regina goes on a bit glam mode. There isn't anything much for debutant Aaditi to perform and looks like we'd have to wait for Selvaraghavan's Mannavan Vanthaanadi to know more about her performance.
Soori’s one-liners go well along with the movie, especially in the second half, as only towards the last 30-45 minutes, the chemistry works well between Soori and Atharvaa. Though Producer T.Siva, who plays Atharvaa's father does not talk to him in the movie, the emotions are conveyed well. There are quite a few hilarious comedy scenes that work great. Dialogues are a major boost to the film, and the one-liners click well, especially the Sasikumar - Samuthirakani connect, one-minute suspense factor, and the bus stand scene towards the end. Why is Atharvaa named Gemini Ganesan and the impact that name has in his life, is explained as the film progress.
D. Imman's Ammukuttiye song is a neat composition, while the 'Yamma Yamma’ theme background score is good. However, no other theme or background music makes an impact. Sree Saravanan’s visuals capture the beauty of Ooty, Madurai, and also the characters, in a scenic manner.
On the flip side, the film has nothing new to offer for experimental film buffs. It's a straight time-pass entertainer that has comedies, love, and songs, and follows the commercial entertainer pattern. The characterisation of the leads has not been strong and impactful. If you are someone who would look out for logic, then GGSR is not for you.The makers have tried humour throughout the film, however, but the comedies and one-liners in the second half work better, and few others look force fitted.
Editing could have been widely used as there are a few unnecessary scenes (like the hotel scene in the first half, the market stunt sequence and Tasmac song in the latter half), which makes the pace of the film go down little.It is also tiring to see some blockbuster songs being used for comedy purposes. We have seen that already in many films before, and they don't evoke laughter in any way.
Director Odam Ilavarasu has decided to give us an outright fun entertainer, and he has written the scenes only towards that goal. But one might feel that the scenes could have been written in a refreshingly new style, instead of opting for the same old style. Had he not compromised on the glamour quotient and songs, we’d have got a crispier and an enjoyable product. But, when we see GGSR as a final product, we can say Odam Ilavarasu has packed the film with all elements, like comedy, sentiment, emotions and drama. It's a run-of-the-mill comedy drama, but, it can entertain you at a good level.
Ammukuttiye
Singer - Pradeep Kumar
Lyrics - Yugabharathi
Ammukuttiye, the first song in GGSR by Imman is a melodious number that has the theme of pampering. The Electric Mandolin by Prakash are a stand out. There is a nice use of electric and acoustic guitars as well. Pradeep Kumar has been a sensation with his voice serving as a big positive to most of the songs he has rendered in the recent albums. Yugabharathi’s lyrics also add to the beauty of this melody which is the pick of the album.
Vennila Thangachi
Singers - Nakash Aziz & Ramya NSK
Lyrics – Yugabharathi
Vennila Thangachi has the rock style folk beats throughout. Imman’s usual rhythm is very evident right from the start. Nakash is quite apt for this expressive song which might have some attractive dance moves. In the instruments department, its the guitars that take the front seat along with a surprise Nadhaswaram. Ramya ‘s attractive voice has the depth required for this style of a song.
Thambi Cuttingu
Singers - Anthony Daasan & Vijay Yesudas
Lyrics - Yugabharathi
A proper folk based song flows in next in the vocals of the unique Anthony Daasan and Vijay Yesudas. Violin by Raghavasimhan are special and stand out in this usual folk number. The song caters to Kuthu song lovers and does not have any experimentation as such. It has been targeted for folk song lovers and serves apt for it. It has the theme of a conversation between two friends.
Kanmani
Singer - Abhay Jodhpurkar
Lyrics - Yugabharathi
Abhay Jodhpurkar’s vocals in Imman’s melody is very interesting to hear. He has a very emotive voice which carries forward the feel of this melody. Kanmani has some good use of strings and woodwinds in the instruments department. There is a good soulful feeling from this song by the composer.
Aahaa Aahaa
Singers Haricharan & Shreya Ghoshal
Lyrics - Yugabharathi
Aahaa Aahaa is a seductive song with some really good lyrics by Yugabharathi. Though it has the superior vocals of singers like Haricharan and Shreya Ghoshal, the tune is not too catchy and does not become immediately hummable. However, it has been well sung and has a nice string usage. There could have been a slight innovation with this genre by composer Imman. Nevertheless a fairly good listen.