NANBAN - My take....

Remaking an iconic movie like 3 Idiots requires a special kind of guts.

Maybe only possible for a Director like Shankar. He has become such a master of his craft that he has created another unbelievable product. (His rationale behind Rs 100+ crores for an ENTHIRAN is a separate matter for debate though.)

And casting an actor like Vijay in the lead role is a peculiar challenge – a ‘two dimensional’ one.

For the director it is the ability to visualize the actor in that role and being convinced he can extract what he wants without messing up the end product.

For the actor, who is mostly used to evading flying bullets and high octane action set pieces, doing such a role is a challenge - of unrealistic proportions. Imagine the effort that should have gone into just changing the body language and being conscious of it throughout.

Both have come off with flying colors.

Personally, my first and biggest relief was the fact that they have not ‘screwed’ up, in remaking a great original.

3I whether you knew Hindi or not was a stunning movie to watch. A refreshing masterpiece of epic proportions, particularly in the art of screen presentation. You got hooked on, within the first 10 minutes and you stayed hooked, forever.

Nanban is in fact a ‘faithful’ remake of 3I but this does not stop the movie from having its own distinct identity.

Nanban is also a bit closer to my heart because of my lack of fluency in Hindi, watching the original (Simultaneously watching a movie and reading the sub titles is ‘our’ challenge!!)

Under the guise of “TAMILIZING” the original, Shankar has not ended up putting his “skills” to use and thereby killing the basic spirit and soul of the creation. Which would have most likely been the case if someone like P.Vasu or KS Ravikumar had attempted the remake.

Making a 3 hour+ movie immensely watchable is another credit for Shankar. The respect for the original, the underlying tinge of humor, restrained but earthy performances, the twin ‘chemistry’ – between the main trio and between the lead pair – all make the movie a treat to watch.

Ileana D’Cruz – the Goan belle - known for her dancing prowess makes a great pair for Vijay. Her grace - especially in the ‘Olli Olli’ portions of 'Irukkaanaa' is something one has to watch to believe. (Is it Shruti Hassan’s voice that makes her performance extra catchy or is it hew own voice?!)

Jeeva and Srikanth (did he really have this kind of performing capabilities??!!) are yet another proof of Shankar’s casting skills. Sathyan - in most parts - is a revelation. Sathyaraj - this can be a great beginning for him to evolve into probably an 'Amithab as he is now' mould.

The ‘feel good’ feeling that lingers when you walk out after the show is a clear indication that this is a sensible and enjoyable movie.

For people who have not watched 3I - this will be an amazing piece of relevant entertainment.

For those who have - they will still be amazed - that a great original can be remade so well!