It was the much-expected movie, much talked about and waited with anticipation by Ajith-fans. A remake of Hindi hit Main Hoon Na, Aegan eventually proved to be a movie which is packed with punch but lacked crunch.
Doing a remake is no easy task. Choreographer-director Raju Sundaram should have understood it by now. He has tried to retain the flavour of the original, but could sustain it only in parts.
The USP of ‘Main Hoon Na’ was Farah Khan’s intelligent characterisation of Shahrukh. He was humourous and was bubbling with enthusiasm all through the film – be it romance or the stunts.
In contrast, Ajith looks a bit stiff in Aegan and gives a look that he is kind of keeping things to himself. His reminds one of the ruthless don, that he played in his last ‘Billa’. But due credit should be given to the actor for he shoulders the entire movie and comes out unscathed at many sequences.
Ajith is in full flow taking on the baddies. The role of an undercover, which is loaded with action is new for Ajith and it should be enjoyable for his fans.
The first half is entertaining loaded with humour with Jayaram hogging the limelight. In the company of Sathyan, he comes up with one-liners that is sure to tickle the funny bone. However, a tall actor like Jayaram, seems to have no significant say in the story.
Sathyan and Haneefa fit the bill well. Their situational comedy evokes boundless laughter. Nayanthara, who spelt a magic on screen opposite in Billa, seems to have missed the magic wand this time. She manages to entice the audience in skimpy costumes and sings romantic duets at Alps mountains of Switzerland. Her character reminds one that Jyothika had enacted with charm and dignity in Khaakha Khaakha.
Coming to the clichés, there can be none but the baddie played by Suman. He reminds one of typical villains in several cinemas right from MGR days. With a funny wig, he delivers what is expected of him.
Shiva (Ajith) is a gutsy policeman, who bumps off a don in Hong Kong. A dare-devil young angry cop, he comes to Indian with a mission. He has been entrusted with the job of puytting an end to a notorious gangster John Chinappa (Suman), searched by Interpol.
John Chinnappa is behind his ex-associate Ram Prasad (Devan), who becomes an approver with police.
Fearing Chinappa, Ram goes on hiding. Shiva comes to a school in Udhagamandalam (Ooty) where Ram’s daughter Priya (Piaa) studies. Shiva disguises his identity only join the college and protect Priya. The college has Jayaram as college principal and his aide Sathyan evoking laughter. Narain (Navdeep) studies in the same college romances Priya. Eventually it is learnt that Narain is none but Shiva’s brother. Does Shiva accomplish his task or not forms the crux.
The onscreen chemistry shared by Ajith and Nayanthara is ok. But half-a-dozen songs , a majority around the lead pair, puts brake on the movie’s progress. Yuvanshankar’s music passes the muster. The song caught on Alps is eye-catchy. Cinematographer Arjun Jena captures the action moments in a neat way without straining the eyes.
Produced by Ayngaran, the maiden attempt by Raju Sundaram reminds one of master blaster Sachin Tendulkar dismissed when nearing his century, disappointing his fans.
Banner: Ayngaran International
Cast: Ajith, Nayantara, Navadeep, Suhasini Manirathnam, Jayaram, Suman, Nasser, M.S.Baskar, Sriman
Direction: Raju Sundaram
Production: Karunamoorthy, Arunpandiayan
Music: Yuvan Shankar Raja