Maayavan is a science fiction crime thriller written and directed by CV Kumar with Soodhu Kavvum fame Nalan Kumarasamy supporting him in the screenplay department.
The film talks about an honest police officer who finds himself in the middle of a challenging criminal case. Sundeep Kishan gets to play a physically challenging role, and fits the bill quite convincingly.
Doubling up as the producer as well, CV Kumar has marshalled his resources well whilst handling the budget. The core story line is intriguing, and that serves as its USP. Maayavan could have been a solid investigative thriller had it been a little more focused. It has too much to tell, but the way it is put forth, reduces the overall intensity.
The emotions lack depth, and though the director’s intentions look commendable, a few investigation scenes look artificial. One feels an exhilarating script such as this deserves better execution. Maayavan shows some promise initially but lacks fizz as the story unfolds.
A little more detailing in a few aspects could have totally changed the perspective of the film. It hardly has any high points and the overall screenplay looks a tad flat. Though the audience is left guessing about the mystery for a large part of the film, the pace of the proceedings is still an issue.
Jackie Shroff’s introduction sequence is well shot and creates some excitement, and the scene where Bagavathi Perumal cries are well enacted. Lavanya Tripati is back to Kollywood after Bramman - she plays a psychiatrist. The protagonist goes through personal trauma, and that is when he meets the heroine. Be it the lead’s medical condition or the love story, they look hurried and not so compelling.
Having said that, we must appreciate CV Kumar for accentuating the story with acceptable twists. Ghibran’s music works at parts, especially during the latter part of the second half. The cinematography is functional, while the art direction department adds richness to the script. CGI, though not thoroughly convincing, still deserves a mention. Maayavan has an interesting story line, but the overall execution and the slow pace play spoilsport.
Mella Mella
Singers: Shwetha Subram, Abshek
Lyrics: Soundara Rajan
Mella Mella is a melody to start with Ghibran where he tickles the notes that are usually untouched for a melody genre song.The difference he sets while composing is evident. Piano portions are the backbone when it comes to instrumentation and a violin that teases the listener with just a glimpse. Sung by Shwetha and Abshek, it is a pleasant listen. The chorus lingers in the background.
Maya Masthava
Singer: Marana Gaana Viji
Lyrics: Sikkander
A techno based folk number for the masses from Ghibran. Electronic beats take the mainstage. It has some Telugu and Tamil lyrics by Sikkander and has been sung by the energetic Marana Gaana Viji. The vocals are digitalised and autotune lovers would enjoy this number. Maya Masthava is a fast paced energetic number that could also have some lively dance steps.
Bodhai Poo
Singers: Ghibran, Sharanya Gopinath
Lyrics: Vivek
Bodhai Poo as the name suggests has been made to intoxicate the listener. Sharanya sings well in this number which has a lot of drum beats and a slightly haunting effect with the variations used by composer Ghibran. The tune that flows in in the beginning sounds familiar and works well for the number. Lyrics by Vivek are sort of repetitive and follows a loop after a while.
Original Sound Track (OST): The OST of Mayavan includes 14 different tracks that do not have vocals or lyrics, but that convey the intensity of this crime thriller Mayavan. The use of unique sounds and surprise beats with tunes give Mayavan's OST the boost to potentially hold the audience's attention during the scenes of the film. (The music review does not include ratings for the original sound track)