CAST: Nayanatara, Aari
BANNER: Sri Subha Shwetha Films
EDITOR: T.S.Suresh
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Sathyan Sooryan
MUSIC: Ron Ethan Yohann
PRODUCER: Swetha Lana, Varun Kumar
DIRECTOR: Ashwin Saravanan
Tagline: Gripping Yet Complex!
Plot:
The entire film runs in the backdrop of a forest named Mayavanam. People there believe that a ghost still hovers around. Based on this word of mouth, a writer designs a story. Another belief which spreads is that- if a person reads this story and chants the name Maya thrice, the ghost named Maya can be seen by them. A film is also made based on this story named Cheekati. However, before the film gets released, lot of obstacles happen. Even after its completion, nobody comes forward to buy the film. The filmmakers even announce a prize money of Rs. 5 Lakh for whoever watches it alone in theatre. A distributor attempts to watch it and dies in between. An artist named Mayuri (Nayanatara) who works in an advertising company takes the challenge to watch the film to earn money. While watching the film, she goes through weird experiences. What is the link between Mayuri and the ghost Maya who resides in Mayavanam? What exactly happened in Mayavanam? Why did the film distributor die in the first place? How many twists the story will go through?- to know the answers for these questions, one must watch the film!
Performances:
Nayanatara: This is an entirely different role for her. In a career with lot of commercial films, this comes out like a unique subject. Most of the film progresses with her in serious fashion. There are hardly any laughs. She excelled in emotional sequences. Nayanatara added her own acting expertise to a unique character called Mayuri. However, this isn’t a female centric role at all. One can hardly see Nayanatara’s character in the second half. This film doesn’t feature Nayanatara in a role similar to that of Charmee in Mantra.
Others: All the other actors did their part well in their appropriate roles. There is no hyper emotion or over acting which is generally seen in regular horror flicks.
Analysis:
There are lot of horror based films releasing these days. However, the makers are fusing comedy element with these and create good entertainment. But Mayuri is 100% horror flick. The film has three storylines which are dealt well having sudden horror sequences and solving the clues. Screenplay is like the heart of this film. The viewer would definitely get confused in between about the storyline and how it is progressing. But when the real motive of the director is understood, one cannot stop admiring his attempt. In the end, most of the doubts are cleared but some are left unanswered. For people who follow the film in every frame- the director’s effort can be clearly understood. If in case, any sequence is missed- one can get confused eventually.
A storyline progresses within a main subject and another story runs in parallel. This tricky idea is difficult to understand. But after getting the main point, the film looks great. It is indeed thrilling to get into the crux of the film while watching the movie in theatre. One needs to ignore the lack of logic in some sequences to ensure enjoyment. Because of three complex storylines, the pace looks like it has slowed down. The emotional scenes were executed well. Without showing a ghost in a fearful way, the director succeeded in bringing out fear. Some scenes indeed generate goosebumps.
Merits:
-Nayanatara’s performance
-Pre-interval bang
-Climax sequence
Demerits:
-Slow narration
-Confusing screenplay
-Missing logic for some scenes
Music:
The film doesn’t have much scope for songs. However, the background score brings the much needed feel.
Technical Aspects:
The film is made with less budget. Because it is released in two languages, and Nayanatara has good market in both film industries- it will fare great.
Verdict:
Mayuri will be definitely liked by people who adore Horror films. But the screenplay is somewhat confusing. Unless we watch the movie right from the word go, it is difficult to understand the complexity.
