Raju Sundaram can better opt assisting his brother Prabhu Deva for couple of flicks before wielding megaphones. Yup! His directorial debut ‘Aegan’ showcases his innovative style of come within reach of many aspects, but amateurish prospects prolongs all throughout especially in screenplay. ‘Main Hoon Naa’ was an absolute blockbuster that had hit the screens nearly before 5 years. Even today, you’ll feel sticking to the film whenever screened in satellite television channels. Finest rigid reasons could be the brilliant directorial by Farah Khan and her knacks of blending commercial elements together.
Prior to couple of days before ‘Aegan’ release, Raju Sundaram came up with a story it’s not a remake of Hindi film, but a Hollywood flick ‘Back to School’. Obviously, looks like Director wouldn’t have even had a look at DVD cover of it. The film is an exact replica of Hindi movie in terms of exact replica on terms of script. Slight modifications in characterizations and deviating screenplay are the panoramas where both the versions differ.
A serious-tough cop Shiva (Ajith Kumar) believes in no one other than his gun (the intro by Nasser reveals of it). Bumping off the top-most notorious gang of International Criminals and one among them is Iqbal. He is one among the gang lead by John Chinnappa (Suman). As one of his assistant Ram Prasad (Devendran) gets way and turns into approver, John Chinnappa kills Ram’s wife. Immediately, Ram Prasad hides himself in Ooty where his daughter Pooja (Piyaa) alienated from him undergoes studies in St. John’s College.
Shiva is assigned by Commissioner as well his father Karthik (Nasser) to disguise himself as student and enter the college. This is all for getting on friendly with Pooja and know whereabouts of her father.
As Shiva steps into College, he encounters various characters: Crazy principal Albert (Jayaram), College Peon (Satyan), gang of college students inclusive of Pooja and her boyfriend Kishore (Navdeep), who happens to be step-brother…
Malikka (Nayanthara), college professor attracts Shiva and it’s love at first sight…. Caught up in a dilemma of romance and emotions he also strides accomplishing his mission.
Wow! What an extraordinary performance by Ajith Kumar? “Student! Oh Me! I have a fat belly, no six packs, and thick beards and how would they believe I am a student” This seems to be the real confessions of an actor who agrees about his identity. Ajith astounds perfect on his dance and credits goes to choreographer brothers Raju Sundaram-Prabhu Deva. They have churned the best out of Ajith’s abilities and his potentials.
On the quotients of comedy, the actor scores 8/10… What about 2 points missing? It’s due to blatant flaw of Raju Sundaram who continually keeps spelling comedies even in grievous situations. The very best sequence is the film is where Ajith sings ‘Unnai Partha Pinbu Naan’ (song from his yesteryear flick ‘Kadhal Mannan) when he first meets Nayanthara. A great delightedness indeed for all the audiences, but the credit goes to Farah Khan and not Raju Sundaram (Shah Rukh Khan sings ‘Ek Ladki Ko Deka Tho’ from 1942 LOVE STORY on his first meet with Sushmitha Sen).
Raju Sundaram commits the greatest flaw with his characterization of Suman as John Chinnappa, a comedy oriented villain. It’s ok, if there are humorous parts for few scenes. But it’s so disastrous to see the entire gang of baddies is performing comedies all throughout their sequences.
Nasser, Navdeep and Piyaa take on with good efforts. Piyaa looks cool, but Navdeep is odd on the screen and preferably Raju Sundaram could have opted a good looking young lad. Jayaram and Haneefa spellbound adding more to the humor part and they offer complete strength to richness of film.
None of the musical scores other than ‘Hey Saala’ are really impressive in terms of music. Picturization of ‘Hey Baby’ is pleasant with Ajith imitating Sivaji Ganeshan. But, except this one, all the songs look odd for the placement is proper. Don’t know the reason why even the happiest song have actors looking angrily singing in it on the screens (watch Ajith and Navdeep in Hey Saala).
Screenplay is excellent in the first half and in contrast goes the latter part. Dialogues offer liveliness to the script, but it’s Crazy Mohan overbeating Ramakrishna with his humorous dialogues.
Cinematography by Arjun Jana is moderate and he hasn’t proved of his privilege of being protégé to Nirav Shah (Cameraman of Pattiyal, Dhoom, Dhoom-2, Pokkiri, Billa). Raju Sundaram has merely adapted the location of Hill station from Main Hoon Naa. Well, Farah Khan had well-depicted the scenic beauties of Darjeeling, but nothing such uniqueness is visible here. Except Hong Kong sequences, not many scenes have been shot extensively beauteous.
On the whole, ‘Aegan’ showcases the uttermost potentials of Ajith Kumar. He has rendered his best efforts in comedy, dance, and action and emotes well to romance and sentiments. Raju Sundaram should have well worked precisely for a gripping screenplay in second half avoiding the blatant flaws mentioned above.
Aegan is merely for two categories of audiences: Fans of Ajith Kumar and for those who haven’t watched ‘Main Hoon Naa’.Its little disappointment.
Fate of Aegan in UK:
‘Aegan’ has brought in lesser amount at the UK box office than expected.
Among the Deepavali releases, Ajith’s ‘Aegan’ was one film that people did not expect would do wrong. It has big names like Raju Sundaram as director, Yuvan Shankar Raja as music composer and Suman as villain.
Nayantara’s glamour was also much spoken about. Despite having so many things going for it, the film did not do as well as expected because the director did not pay enough attention to the screenplay.
In the first week of its release, ‘Aegan’ made 91 lakhs but the returns are dropping as days go by. The film also does not have the expected welcome overseas. In the UK , it has made only 33.24 lakhs till now. It was in 25th place in the first week and has slipped to 34th place this week.
Aegan – A commercial entertainer:
Banner: Ayngaran International
Story, Screenplay, Dialogues and Direction: Raju Sundaram
Star-casts: Ajith Kumar, Nayanthara, Navdeep, Piyaa, Nasser, Suman, Suhasini, Jayaram and many others.
Music: Yuvan Shankar Raja
Ajith Kumar had raised all our expectations with his previous flick ‘Billa’ for his sole stylish looks and performance.
However, it was a great delightedness for ‘A’ Centres and ‘Aegan’ is a commercial entertainer for ‘B’ and ‘C’ Centres.
Certain parts may not be liked by elite group of audiences. Ajith Kumar offers his best talents to the uttermost level in
dance and action sequences. Raju Sudaram hasn’t just remade the film but adapted it according to the tastes of Tamil
audiences.
The film opens with Siva (Ajith Kumar), a CB CID official bumping off international criminals headed by John Chinnappa
(Suman). None are able to trap John Chinnappa and problems begin when one of his group members Ram Prasad gets away from him
for turning into an approver. Unfortunately, Ram Prasad’s wife is bumped off and his daughter Pooja (Piyaa) gets away from
him.
Karthikeyan (Nasser), step-father of Siva as well as City Commissioner appoints him to go ahead as a student in Saint John’s
College. It is where Pooja studies and this mission is to trap Ram Prasad who is missing (John Chinnappa can be trapped only
on Ram Prasad’s statement).
Getting into college doesn’t make things easier for him as none of the college students mingle with him. College Principal
Albert (Jayaram) admits him into his college offering him all the facilities and he is a man with five-sense (6th sense is
missing – that’s what narrator says in the intro part). Pooja has no likeliness for her father and she finds only
delightedness in Kishore (Navdeep).
As Pooja is kidnapped once by the John Chinnappa, Siva rescues them and the entire college reciprocates offering good
friendship. Here, begins the jolly ride of fun and frolic with college mania and Siva falling in love with his professor
Malikka (Nayanthara) is cool delightedness.
Now Siva gets immersed in college life, with his entire rough and tough characterization being vanished. On the same time, he
has to accomplish his mission of trapping the baddies… Well, as the title suggests, he accomplishes the task, but there is
something surprising he gets about a new relationship.
Taking on terms of performance, it’s just Ajith Kumar who rules the show. Be it dance or action or comedy sequences, he does
it outstandingly. Nayanthara is not appealing in her looks, though she seems to be working out for that factor with glamorous
costumes. Nevertheless, she gets you annoyed with her performance. Navdeep and Piyaa stride with moderate efforts. If the
entire film looks humorous it’s because of Jayaram and Haneefa. Suman presented in different dimension of comedy oriented is
something new and Sriman accompanying him is a good show. Nasser and Suhasini do justice to their roles.
Raju Sundaram has precisely got the best out of Ajith Kumar. Thala fascinates with his enthusiastic approach in all parts.
The same script of Main Hoon Naa has been taken, but the director has tried something different in screenplay making some
changes. Raju has failed in brining the excellent looks of college and almost all the scenes look artificial.
Musical score by Yuvan Shankar Raja is not so impressive and only ‘Hey Saala’ offers grandness and don’t miss Ajith’s dance
over there. The first half is good and perfect while the latter half is bit dampening. Whatever may be? If you love Thala,
then you will not notice any of the flaws.
On the whole, ‘Aegan’ is a commercial entertainer for all the masses. Walk into theatres without any expectations of Billa
and you will enjoy it.
Aegan gets U Certificate:
Aegan, the remake of hindi movie Main Hoon Na, marks the debut of ace dance choreographer-actor Raju Sundaram as director.
His brother Prabhu Deva has already been making waves in Tollywood and Kollywood with his directorial skills. Both brothers
have an incredible sense of humour and a unique way of looking at things, which definitely gives them an edge.
Aegan’s music is already a hit, with ‘Hey Baby’ and ‘Hey Sala’ becoming everyone’s favourites.
Apart from Ajith and Nayantara, the next main attraction would be the new “Anjali Pappa” of Kollywood – Pia of Poi Solla
Porom fame. Navdeep plays Ajith’s brother and personifies “all that is youth”; his style and “antics” in the film will quite
amuse college-going youngsters.
Jayaram, who is an excellent actor with a great sense of humour, has done his part beautifully and adds to the overall humour
quotient of this film. Suman, who re-emerged in Kollywood through Sivaji, plays the villain in this splendid entertainer.
Aegan': Ajith has a sure winner
Film: 'Aegan'; Direction: Raju Sundaram; Cast: Ajith, Nayanthara, Jayaram, Suman, Navdeep, Piyaa; Choreography: Prabhu Deva and Raju Sundaram; Music: Yuvan Shankar Raja Rating: **
Tamil film 'Aegan' is supposed to be a remake of the Hindi blockbuster 'Main Hoon Naa'. But, many changes have been made to suit Tamil tastes and the image of the matinee idol Ajith.
Ajith plays a cop who, disguised as a student, is sent to guard a superior officer's daughter from an underworld don. How he succeeds in his mission is the long and short of 'Aegan' - translated into English by the star's fans as 'one-man-army'.
While Shah Rukh Khan played an army officer in the Hindi original, Ajith plays a police officer as it obviously suits the present trend in Tamil films.
Shiva (Ajith) a CID (criminal investigation department of the police), is on a mission to safeguard a college student (Piyaa) whose father (portrayed by Devan) is a key link to a business tycoon with underworld links (Suman).
In the college, Shiva falls for a beautiful lecturer played by Nayanathara.
The snide remarks by younger characters playing students making fun of an 'elderly' Ajith as 'uncle' is a bit offbeat because the movie star's fans are accustomed to seeing him in more youthful roles.
Ajith pokes fun at himself as well, pointing to the slight bulge in his midriff.
The family drama linking Piyaa with a guy of the same college (played by Navdeep) forms the emotional anchor to the story that follows the predictable climax in which the villain is finally laid low.
The India-Pakistan link, shown so successfully in the Hindi original, has been completely avoided in 'Aegan'. Ajith is agile but no patch on Shah Rukh Khan.
Choreography by Raju Sundaram and sibling Prabhu Deva is excellent.
While Piyaa and Navdeep are passable, the show-stealers are Nayanathara (thanks to her curves) and Jayaram (playing the bumbling college principal provoking quite a few laughs).
Yuvan Shankar Raja strikes the right chords with his music. The cinematography (credits shared by quite a few) is breathtaking.
Overall 'Aegan' is an adequate remake of a hit. Ajith is certainly on to a winner since he hardly has any competition during this Diwali.
Aegan adventure Raju Sundram And Ajith & Nayan News
Dancer-actor Raju Sundaram’s directorial debut is a heady showcase of Chinese-choreographed moves, stunning music videos on
the Swiss Alps and, of course, Ajith Kumar.
MENTION Raju Sundaram and Tamil film viewers will remember his choreography prowess on movies like Sivaji the Boss,
Desamuduru and Lakshyam. If this doesn’t ring a bell, you might recall him in Jeans (1998) as Madhesh, Madhumitha’s
(Aishwarya Rai) energetic brother who has a tendency to ruin the situation and crack jokes.
If that’s not enough, here’s another clue: he is the elder brother of popular South Indian dance director-actor Prabu Deva
and son of dance master-choreographer M.N. Sundaram. Now, does that sound familiar?
After 15 years living in the shadow of his illustrious father and brother, Raju, 37, has finally stepped out of his dancing
shoes to be in the limelight with his directorial debut in the much-anticipated action flick Aegan, the Deepavali offering
that started screening in Malaysia on Friday.
The Tamil film features A-list actor Ajith Kumar and Nayantara in lead roles with a supporting cast comprising Navdeep, Piaa
Bajpai and Jayaram. This is the second time that Ajith and Nayantara have teamed up for a film; they first starred together
in last year’s Billa, Vishnuvardhan’s hit mafia movie.
Aegan, a remake of Farah Khan’s 2004 Hindi blockbuster Main Hoon Na starring Shah Rukh Khan and Sushmita Sen, is about
special task force commando Aegan (Ajith) whose job involves protecting senior officers during special operations.
Complications arise where he has to return home to his family members.
Overcome by emotions and love for his blood brother, he decides to stay with his family without revealing his true
profession. There, he falls for the woman of his dreams. Caught in a dilemma of romance and personal emotions, will patriotic
Aegan protect his country from the intruders?
To serve up a veritable feast to fans, Raju took extra measures to spice up the movie. For starters, he had the movie filmed
in various locations including Hong Kong and spots in South India like Yercaud, Theni and Ooty.
For someone who cut his teeth assisting his father since his teenage days, it is not surprising that Raju has opted to work
with top-notch stars of Kollywood (Tamil cinema) for the movie, which started shooting in January and wrapped last month.
“I am extremely happy to have worked with Ajith in my first movie (as director). We had a great time shooting in Yercaud and
Hong Kong with a crew who were completely obliging,” Raju says in producer Ayngaran International’s official website.
egan boasts several stunt scenes shot in Hong Kong, arguably the capital of Asian action films.
“The stunt scenes with Ajith in Hong Kong were set against the skyscrapers and the Hong Kong International Airport with the
help of Chinese action choreographers. The film will be a real treat for Ajith fans,” Raju notes in a press release provided
by local film distributor Lotus Five Star.
The director, with his well-established dance background, also spared no effort in ensuring spectacular song-and-dance
routines for Aegan shot in international locations. The music videos were filmed in New Zealand, Australia, Switzerland and
Britain €“ destinations that offer great sights and vistas for dance scenes.
According to Ayngaran International’s website, Aegan’s film crew flew to Switzerland and spent hours hiking up Swiss
mountains to film crucial songs in freezing cold climate.
Music from the film is composed by India’s leading maestro Yuvan Shankar Raja.
Previously referred to as Akbar, Ramakrishnan and Anthony Gonsalves, the movie is eventually named Aegan, a Sanskrit word
meaning “unique” in honour of Lord Shiva, the Hindu god.
“Ajith’s role in the film is such a powerful one,” Raju enthuses. “He fights for justice and establishes his supremacy.
Hence, the title.”
Hopefully, Raju’s directorial debut will receive as many accolades as for his talent as a choreographer.
Production: Ayngaran International We don’t really know if Raju Sundaram intended his directorial debut to be funny, but it seriously is. I mean if you can’t
laugh at a villain with a funny-as-hell-wig uttering claptraps with the seriousness of a chemistry professor to firangs and
the chemistry professor who dresses with the élan of a stripper and sheds her clothes at the drop of a hat, you probably are
born without any sense of humor. And it’s not all that. Despite the self-realization of his flourishing paunch, Ajith quashes
the beefy looking bad-men and handles mean machines single handedly, matrix style - all to earn the repute of a tough-police
officer who is notorious for his bad-temper. Aegan is inspired from Main Hoon Na and the Malayalam flick Olympian Antony Aadam and doesn’t definitely derive anything from
the Hollywood flick Back to School, as claimed. Ajith is Raju Sundaram’s version of an encounter specialist, whose prowess is demonstrated with a
shoot-and-deliver-a-punch-before-you-kill scene in Hong Kong. He’s called back by his superior, who is also his father, to
trace a criminal’s aide (Devan) who turned into a police approver and later went into hiding fearing for his life after
experiencing the cops’ inability to protect him. Now when the police intelligence discovers that Devan’s daughter studies in
a college in Ooty, they come up with a clever idea of sending Ajith to the college as a student to find the whereabouts of
Devan from his daughter. Clever, indeed!
With that saggy little plot and actors who try to flaunt their acting skills with whatever little they can, Aegan proves to
be a mind-numbing fare with the only sigh of relief coming between the intervals – the songs, of course.
Nayanthara pouts sexily throughout, is exposed liberally albeit wrapped in a sari and an excuse for a blouse, and wears
dangerously revealing tank tops and tiger print minis during songs. Well, after all, she is (over)paid for it but she seems
to be in need of some serious career advice if she chooses to survive here.
What makes an actor like Jeyaram to take up a disgraceful role, as that of a college principal, who plots with his attendant
to abet Ajith in his noble mission and thinks the explosive chemistry teacher is born to please the protagonist, is a
mystery. Same applies to Nasser and Suhasini. Piya shows some potential, but then what is the point?
Yuvan’s background score ebbs and flows, but the songs are largely passé. Ajith has indeed tried the best of his dancing
skills in the Freedom song. His charm is also irresistible, but sadly lost in the dud effort.
If the movie made you feel like you were watching Raju Sundaram’s goofed-up performance in the movie Jeans, it’s not entirely
your fault. He is after all the director and has influenced the entire cast’s dialogue delivery and body language reducing
them to laughing-stocks.
And if that’s not enough, the end credit states ‘Aegan’s mission continues’. Now, we only wish Raju is not planning for a
sequel or some such thing.
You must thank the cinematographer Arjun jena and the costume designer for maintaining the subtle tone of the movie without
which you would come out of the movie hall with a splitting headache.
Aegan Ajith Nayanthara Stylish Saree Photos: Nayanthara looking stunning, beautiful as one can imagine gorgeous in red, blue, white, Cream stylish Saree in the
Nayanthara never looked so stylish in saree, which is a treat to the eyes.
Aegan Release Date Confirmed Officially on October 24!
As the audio of “Aegan” audio already hits the stores it’s confirm that the movie would hit theatres this Diwali but there were some confusion that the movie will release bit earlier than Diwali for weekend collection. According to a source that the movie is now confirmed a release date on October 24 2008 Friday.
Yuvan music in the movie being excellent as his combination with Ultimate Star Ajith once again works. Hope Ajith fans will be in festival mood from October 24th and they will be enjoying this Diwali with Thala Ajith.
Posts
Starring: Ajith, Nayantara, Navadeep, Suhasini Mani ratnam, Jayaram, Suman, Nasser, M.S.Bhaskar, Sriman
Ajith is Raju Sundaram’s version of an encounter specialist, whose prowess is demonstrated with a
Nayanthara never looked so stylish in saree, which is a treat to the eyes.
