The Tamil film industry has often looked towards successful films in other languages for inspiration, and one such attempt is the remake of the critically acclaimed Hindi film Andhadhun. Prashanth’s Andhagan—directed by Thiagarajan, who also produced the film—aims to replicate the charm and suspense of the original. However, despite its best efforts, the movie falls short in capturing the essence and excitement of its predecessor. This review delves into the various aspects of Andhagan, analyzing its successes and shortcomings.
Faithful Remake with a Disappointing Execution
A Script That Stays True But Lacks Impact
Andhagan is a faithful adaptation of the 2018 Bollywood hit Andhadhun. The Hindi version, directed by Sriram Raghavan, was celebrated for its clever screenplay and stellar performances by Ayushmann Khurrana, Tabu, and Radhika Apte. In Andhagan, Thiagarajan adheres closely to the original script but fails to translate the same level of intrigue and excitement onto the Tamil screen. The film’s attempts to recreate the gripping narrative of the original fall flat due to various execution issues.
Prashanth’s Comeback: A Mixed Bag
An Uninspired Performance
Prashanth, who has been absent from Tamil cinema for six years, returns with Andhagan. In this comeback vehicle, he portrays Krish, a blind piano player who unwittingly witnesses a murder. While the character demands a blend of charm and depth, Prashanth’s portrayal feels lackluster. At 51, he struggles to convincingly embody the youthful and charismatic persona required for the role. His performance lacks the freshness and vibrancy needed to make the character compelling.
Supporting Cast and Their Mixed Performances
The supporting cast of Andhagan includes some notable names, including Simran, Priya Anand, and Karthick. Simran steps into the role of Simi, originally played by Tabu. She manages to bring a degree of authenticity to her character, making her a standout in the film. Priya Anand’s portrayal of Julie is decent but fails to leave a lasting impression. Karthick, cast as Simi’s husband, appears miscast. His dubbing is out of sync with his on-screen dialogue, making his performance distracting.
Musical Missteps: Santhosh Narayanan’s Disappointing Score
A Letdown from a Talented Music Director
Santhosh Narayanan, known for his impressive compositions and background scores, delivers a disappointing musical score for Andhagan. The songs, which should have been a highlight given the protagonist’s role as a pianist, fall flat and lack the charm expected from Narayanan. The music fails to enhance the narrative or elevate the emotional impact of the film, contrasting sharply with the vibrant and memorable score of the original.
Directorial Challenges: Thiagarajan’s Missed Opportunities
A Direction That Lacks Engagement
Thiagarajan’s directorial efforts in Andhagan struggle to captivate the audience. Having taken on the role of director after two others exited the project, Thiagarajan had a clear template to follow. However, the execution lacks the thrill and suspense that characterized Andhadhun. The Tamil adaptation fails to infuse the narrative with excitement or emotional depth, rendering the twists and turns of the plot rather mundane.
Flat Narrative and Unemotional Dialogues
The dialogue by Pattukotai Prabhakar fails to evoke the intended emotional response. The screenplay, while true to the original, does not engage the audience in the same way. The emotional journey of Krish from happiness to shock and fear feels flat and uninspiring, missing the nuances that could have made the film more gripping.
Comparisons with the Original: A High Bar to Reach
Andhadhun’s Superior Craftsmanship
Andhadhun was celebrated for its smartly crafted narrative, blending black comedy with thriller elements seamlessly. The film kept audiences guessing with its clever twists and sharp storytelling. Andhagan attempts to replicate this success but struggles to match the original’s level of craftsmanship and entertainment. The film’s shortcomings in performance, music, and direction become evident when compared to the well-executed Andhadhun.
The Challenge of Remaking a Classic
Remaking a successful film is always a challenging task, and Andhagan illustrates the difficulties inherent in this process. While it tries to stay true to the source material, the lack of innovation and engagement in the Tamil version highlights the challenge of replicating a classic film’s success.
An Ambitious Effort That Falls Short
Andhagan represents an ambitious attempt to remake a critically acclaimed film but ultimately falls short in delivering the same level of excitement and engagement. While the film stays true to the original’s script, its execution in terms of performance, music, and direction does not do justice to the source material. Fans of the original Andhadhun may find Andhagan a disappointing watch, as it struggles to capture the essence of the original while failing to offer a fresh perspective.
