Writer - Works brilliantly on many levels
Pa Ranjith through his Neelam Productions has bankrolled 'Writer' the debut movie of his former assistant Franklin Jacob. The debutante has presented a cop story that explores the psychological trauma of those in the lower ranks in the department. Read on to find out whether the movie fulfills the expectations created by the trailer.
Thangarasu (Samuthirakani) is a writer in a Trichy police station and has just two months for retirement. He is transferred to Chennai Triplicane as punishment for championing the cause of forming a union for the lower ranked policemen. Thangarasu is asked to guard a young man Devakumar (Harikrishnan) who is kept in custody off record at various places. He realizes that the young university student is being framed for a crime he did not commit. Can a powerless constable save an innocent man or not is the surface level screenplay of 'Writer' which has much deeper layers to it.
'Writer' brings to the fore yet another dimension of Samuthirakani's rich acting talent. Here he is far from the sermonizing hero but one who has a conscience but meekly surrenders to authority. To start with he entertains with his interactions with his two wives and also with an ex -convict played by Antony. Later he changes gears emotionally on realizing that he has inadvertently caused the innocent man's possible execution. Finally when Thangarasu has to do something shocking in the climax Samuthirakani scales a new high in histrionics. Harikrishnan who is better known as Madras Johnny is riveting as the innocent youngster who suffers in the police conspiracy. Kavin Jay Babu is terrific as the chief antagonist while Subramaniam Shiva is exceptional as the elder brother of Harikrishnan. 'Merku Thodarchi Malai' fame Antony is a scream as the ex-convict who throws salvos at the cops in their very den. Watch out for Ineya in a key role which is the very pivot of the screenplay and is highly effective. The film is loaded with exemplary performances by the supporting actors such as G.M Sundar, Dileepan, Kavitha Bharathi, Lizzie Antony, VJ Maheshwari.
'Writer' has one of the best fleshed out characters in recent times which helps all the actors to score in their space. The gripping screenplay gives equal space to the psychological trauma of the constable level policemen and the predicament of the innocent trapped in a police conspiracy. The big reveal of why the innocent man gets framed and the climax twist are very convincing. The subplot involving Samuthirakani having two wives also gains credence when he takes the decision to save the victim. Another brilliant cinematic achievement is convincing the audience of the protagonist winning big as an inspiration even though he loses in his mission.
On the downside the backstory of Harikrishnan is a bit of a cliche and the song and dance in the portion though foot tapping seem out of place. There is a feeling of unevenness in the narration .
Govind Vasantha's music elevates the scenes, especially the emotional portions. Prathip Kaliraja's cinematography and Manigandan Sivakumar's editing are noteworthy. Debutante Franklin Jacob shows great authority in dealing with a heavy subject and making the film work on many levels. Credit to him for showing the everyday policemen in a different light. Pa. Ranjith who earlier delivered the highly fulfilling 'Sarpatta Parambarai' has done the same as producer with 'Writer'.
Verdict : Go for this brilliantly crafted political thriller that works on many levels.
