Friends
- Actor - Vijay, Surya,
Charlie, Vadivelu, Ramesh Kanna, Radharavi
- Actress - Devayani,
Vijaya Lakshmi, Saritha,
- Story, Screenplay and
Direction - Siddique
- Producer - Appachan
- Production - Swarga
Chithra
- Music - Ilayaraja
- Lyrics - Palani
Barathi
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Youths have thronged the theatre in batches, as the movie had many
attractions to capture their hearts and minds like the presence of
Vijay who has given two hits in succession, Surya, an endearing
title and so on and so forth.
Thank you, God! Director Siddique has refused to fail the movie
buffs who reposed their faith on the film with great expectations.
Instead he has given a veritable feast to their appreciative eyes.
It is definitely a break through for him. Hereafter, he need not
turn back; he can pitch his tent firmly in Tamil filmdom.
Of Course, the climax has proved to be an acid test to Siddique
also as it has been previously even in the case of many great
directors. Yet, before falling into the trap of climax, he has
handled the screenplay exercising enough caution. And the
screenplay, efficient and effective as it is, has upheld the
banner of the film.
It is a long-winding, protracted, circuitous story. Let us put it
in a nutshell. Vijay is very fond of Surya as a friend and because
of a wrong done by him. Due to the conspiracy, Vijay falls for
Devayani. Surya stops the marriage of Devayani, which was about to
be conducted with another person, for the sake of Vijay. Growing
angry against Surya, Devayani weds Vijay especially to wreak her
vengeance on the man who stopped her wedding before. But she
undergoes a change of heart afterwards, as she learns about the
evil machinations .
But Surya's doubt about Devayani continues to grow further.
Inevitably, the friendship gets cracked. Eventually… No. Why
tell all those good old things again and again? See you yourself
on the silver screen!
Are Vijay and Surya students? Or do they go to work? God only
knows. We don't know the professions of the actors in this
picture, with the exception of Vadivelu alone. The director has
not bothered to be clear in this context. Of course, the story
does not demand the job particulars of it's characters. But the 'Characterisation'
as it is, suffers to a considerable extent. This director is
capable of making a full-length comic picture itself. He has made
full use of Vadivelu in the first half of the film and worked
wonders with him. No one can find fault with the part played by
Ramesh Kanna.
Vijay plays a character that is akin to that of his real self. He
acts exceptionally well when he confronts Surya with his
characteristic patience. Experience stands him in good stead. He
glitters as a jolly young man before marriage and as a responsible
husband thereafter. One wonders whether it is actually Surya. The
director has honed the rough edges of this diamond called Surya.
He has given a superb performance in the scene in which he argues
with Devayani in support of Vijay and in the presence of many
people. 'Friends' is another feather in Surya's Cap.
Devayani displays her acting skills when she suffers at the hands
of Surya. New face Vijaya Lakshmi is highly mischievous. She might
have ruled the roost in Tamil film world, had she come over here
sometime ago. Let us wait and see what the future holds for her.
Donning the role of a painter, Vadivelu has acted admirably well.
As he cracks his jokes, the theatre reverberates with peels of
laughter. It is long since Vadivelu has given such a feast of
histrionic powers. He has made all the viewers laught to their
heart's content.
The songs and the background music have not let the film down. But
Ilayaraja might have given more happiness to the music-lovers.
Cinematography, a little fight scenes, edit, dialogues and
screenplay are the best bits of the film. But who has cast his
evil eyes on the climax? The director has spoiled the broth in the
climax, which has the impact of 'Sethu'.
When all is said and done, Friends = Youthful exuberance +
Sweetness.
| Waauv..... |
Buss..... |
- Surya's
stunning success in the display of histrionic talents.
- The
hilarious comedy dished out by Vadivelu.
- The
scene in which Surya vies with Devayani for the sake
of his friend.
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- Climax
is the lone mishap.
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