Film Review: Friends

PROVIDING EQUAL scope for two heroes in a film, both in action and histrionics, is no mean task. Director Siddique has done the balancing act beautifully in Swargachitra's ``Friends'' (that comes through the Kerala route). And for their part both Vijay and Surya have acquitted themselves creditably.It is a tale of a threesome - Aravind, Chandru and Murthy (Vijay, Surya, Ramesh Kanna) whose bond of friendship is too strong to be broken by anyone. The trials that their friendship faces and the manner in which they surmount the odds, form the rest of the story tellingly told by Siddique who is in charge of the story and screenplay too. Each of them is different in nature and temperament but they are inseparable.

Initially as a carefree prankster and later as a mellowed down, hurt young man who will brook no word against his friend, Vijay paints a poignant picture. Dance is his forte and he does it with elan once again in ``Friends''.

Apt underplay in the emotional scenes, which even with slight mismanagement could turn melodramatic, makes Vijay's portrayal an appreciable one.

Though opportunities seem few and far between, a much-thinned down Surya seems to be making impressive strides as a performer. This second hero of the ``Naerukku Naer'' duo, sparkles as a serious antithesis of the bubbly Vijay in the early parts and as an agonised brother towards the end.

When Devyani's threats to ruin Chandru (Surya) prove a damp squib, the screenplay sags. But when Sreeman enters the scene and uses her as cover for his nefarious acts, the momentum picks up. But why is it that when he (Sreeman) is beaten up black and blue by Vijay, in the climax, his henchman in red-shirt seems to be hovering in the background for some time before he makes up his mind to come to his boss's rescue?

Ramesh Kanna's voice modulation is an essentially commendable factor which enhances his performance. A good break for the comedian. Charlie, who does justice to every role, big or small, shines in ``Friends'' too.

The new heroine, Vijayalakshmi who reminds one of actress Geetha (last seen in ``Kalki'') from certain angles, has limited scope which she makes proper use of.

Devyani too has little to do, barring the empty challenges she makes.

Vadivelu's comedy track is laughable all right, but after a point it becomes too protracted for enjoyment. Proper pruning of these scenes could have helped to make the screenplay taut. Another negative point is that there are too many incidents packed without respite, in the two-hour story. These, apart from the contrived, cinematic climax.

Ramesh Kanna, we are told, is jobless. But what was Surya doing, at least till the end when you see him sporting army uniform?

Music that includes the

re-recording is a high point of ``Friends''. Melody, rhythm, emotion, action, Ilaiyaraja's music provides them all. Vijay Yesudas is a welcome new voice. If ``Vaanam Perisudhaan'' is a foot- tapping number, ``Manjal Poosum'' and ``Thendral Varum'' are enjoyable exercises in melody.

With friendship as the theme, Siddique presents a decent entertainer, which of course could have been crisper.

MALATHI RANGARAJAN

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Section  : Entertainment
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