இருவர்

This is my choice for the best of Maniratnam's works till date. Complex in content and arguably derived from true events, this is a story of two great individuals - artists who befriended each other in their youth, corrupted by the lust for power leading to power struggle ending in opposite chairs. They had the same passion, same principles and took the same route to power. This is a realistic movie set in the 1950s, traverses through ages to culminate in the lates 80s when Anandan bids adieu to the world leaving no clear successor leading to another power struggle.

Plus Points:

1) Mohan Lal and Prakash Raj: The duo live up to the characters thrown at them and deliver a majestic performance fitting to the roles. Mohanlal, with his natural knack sometimes outwits the taskmater PrakshRaj, it must be admitted.

2) Maniratnam and Suhassini: The couple should be congratulated for their guts to film the story which is highly politically sensitive and in its true natural style with impressive dialogues. Mani has perfected a movie which needed the elements of emotions, seriousness, political sattire and glamour.

3) Rehman: As usual, Rehman stands out with a quiet and standing performance. The BGM looks really fitting and great.

A good recipe for the serious - realistic movie lovers.