HARIDAS (“SURPRISE SURPRISE”)

Cast: Kishore, Sneha, Prithvi Rajkumar.

Director: G N R Kumaravelan.

After giving us duds like Ninaithale Inikkum and Yuvan Yuvathi who would have thought that GNR Kumaravelan can come up with something like Haridas.

Shivadas(Kishore) is an encounter specialist who is trying to wipe off a gang completely. Once Shivadas’ mother dies his autistic motherless child Haridas(Prithvi Rajkumar) who was under her care is brought to stay with Shivadas. Shivadas decides to bring Haridas back to normal life with the help of Amuthavalli teacher (Sneha).

Haridas with a realistic script, a rarity in Tamil cinema, is carried on their shoulders all the way by the leads. Though there is the occasional humor which lightens the mood, the tempo is maintained really well.Kishore except for one scene, where his crying looks a bit forced, has a done a very good job. Prithvi Rajkumar is fabulous and Sneha gives one of the best performances of her career. The cinematography by Randy is an add on.

One dampener about the film is that it’s a bit long drawn out. The cop angle to the film could have been done away with providing for a tighter script on one hand and a better feel on the other. The first song in the film is unnecessary and the BGM is stupid at times, but it is unlikely that a parent would notice it considering the sincerity with which the film has been made.

Iam giving a 3 for Haridas and a 0.25 for the sincere efforts by the cast and crew making it a 3 to 3.25/5. It is a film you should watch for the realistic script, sincere efforts, and the wonderful performances by the leads.

Rating Scale (Out of 5)

Less than 2                   -           Unwatchable.

2 to 2.25                      -           Below average.

2.5 to 2.75                   -           Average.

3 to 3.25                      -           Good.

3.5 to 3.75                   -           Great.

4 to 4.25                      -           Exceptional.

4.5 and above               -           Extraordinary.