CAST: Abhinay, Suhasini, Bhama
DIRECTION: Gnana Rajashekaran
RATING: ***1/2
Making a biopic is a challenging task for many. But for Gnana Rajashekaran who is the past master in the genre with films like Bharathy (on celebrated Tamil poet Bharathiyar) and Periyar, his present offering Ramanujan is no different! Ramanujan, the true story of the math prodigy Srinivasa Ramanujan who hailed from small town of Kumbakonam before independence is a brilliant piece on canvas with edifying moments and relevance to modern age.
The film opens up at the heritage town where as a child Ramanujan’s mathematical wizardry is established and he is noticed for his genius approach to complex math problems. His mother Komalatthamma (Suhasini Mani Ratnam), a music teacher dots on her only son and Ramanujan is more attached to her than his father (Nizhalgal Ravi). After becoming the school topper in all subjects, Ramanujan’s father hopes that he would complete his graduation and take care of the family. However, Math becomes life for Ramanujan (Abhinay Vaddi), which results in poor show in all other subjects except Maths where he scores centum. In order to set right things, Komalam gets Ramanujan married to Janaki (Bhama).
After several rejections and struggles, with motivations from his mentors Ramanujan’s talents are recognized and he is offered a job in Madras Port Trust. Later, recognition comes in the form of Professor V.H.Hardy (English actor Kevin McGovan) of Trinity College in Cambridge who initiates Ramanujan to come to London. Here, Ramanujan’s supreme command over Mathematics is proved with each day, the wizard coming out with new theories. When all seems well and Ramanujan reaches peak in his research by getting the prestigious Trinity Fellowship, all hell breaks loose when he falls terribly sick.
The highlight is Gnana Rajasekharan’s seamless work in detailing each and every frame of the movie and the enormous research that has gone into it is evident. The movie also gives us insight to religious beliefs, without hurting anyone’s sentiments. He has also conveyed the message as how Ramanujan could not rise above the situations here and it would have been a different scenario in any other country.
Abhinay, the grandson of legendary actor couple Gemini Ganesan and Savithri gets a dream debut and the actor has done a commendable job. He shines in the lead role with his subtle expressions without going overboard. Bhama looks cute and fits the bill. But it is Suhasini in an intense role of a doting mother who later turns a scheming mother-in-law steals the show with her stellar performance. Supporting casts including Ravi, Kitty Krishnamoorthy, Delhi Ganesh, Sarath Babu, Thalaivasal Vijay, Y.Gee. Mahendra and Abbas chip in their best.
Ramesh Vinayagam’s carnatic and western blend of music beautifully sync with the mood of the film and one of the highpoints of the movie. Cinematographer Sunny Joseph’s tones are apt for a period setup. On the flip side, the movie is bit lengthy with a running time of 2hrs 40 minutes and needs taut editing. Nevertheless, Ramanujan is not to be missed.
