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| Por Thozhil |
Directed by Vignesh Raja and written by Alfred Prakash and Vignesh Raja, "Por Thozhil" defies the conventions of a typical serial-killer thriller, thanks to the director's masterful control over the craft. While it may seem like just another crime investigation story, Raja transforms mundane police work into a thrilling mega event that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
One particular scene exemplifies Raja's storytelling prowess. It takes place at a railway crossing, where a regular police constable interrogates a suspect about his alibi. Despite the seemingly ordinary nature of the questioning, an undercurrent of tension permeates the scene. Every character involved knows what's happening, yet words cannot be taken at face value.
The success of this scene is not solely attributed to Jakes Bejoy's outstanding score, but also to the meticulous editing that builds anticipation as the train approaches. The red light from the railway signal adds an intensity, symbolized by the color red, and when the scene concludes, the signal turns green, deflating the tension. This attention to detail captivates the audience, leaving a lasting impression long after the film progresses. Reflecting on it later, one realizes that the scene may not hold significant importance in the larger scheme of the narrative, but the thrilling ride it offers turns viewers into advocates for the film.
"Por Thozhil" thrives on its ability to immerse the audience in its world, leaving little room for contemplation of the few loose ends it leaves untied. It operates with the spirit of a triumphant sports drama, strengthened by the mentor-mentee relationship between the two leads, Prakash (Ashok Selvan) and his senior, Loganathan (Sarath Kumar). Loganathan is a tough, unsentimental veteran worn down by years of service, while Prakash is the antithesis—a young, geeky individual more suited for a modern tech startup than the archetypal Tamil movie cop.
The contrasting qualities of Prakash and Loganathan create a dynamic blend of street smartness and book smartness when they collaborate. In a comical scene where officers search for an undercover agent who doesn't resemble a typical cop, the camera amusingly focuses on the clean-shaven Prakash. Initially, Loganathan may seem underwritten and one-dimensional, his expressions remaining unchanged and his history largely unknown. However, as the story unfolds, we gradually understand the reasons behind Loganathan's demeanor without the need for an elaborate backstory, conveyed effectively through a single shot.
While the filmmaking in "Por Thozhil" remains consistent and captivating, the writing can be both fascinating and frustrating. The screenplay constantly keeps viewers guessing, always a few steps ahead of their expectations. Just when you think you've considered every possibility, the story takes a detour that is both plausible and entertaining. The film cleverly subverts narrative tools like red herrings, dividing a series of crimes into different time periods and subtly planting clues that viewers may have overlooked.
In conclusion, "Por Thozhil" showcases Vignesh Raja's directorial prowess and the strength of its ensemble cast. The film successfully transforms a familiar genre into a thrilling experience, with meticulously crafted scenes and unexpected narrative turns. While the writing may have its occasional flaws, it remains a fascinating and engaging watch that keeps audiences invested until the very end.
