Exotic visuals, breathtaking action scenes and well choreographed songs are the hallmark of Shankar and he does not disappoint you in Anniyan. Combined with Vikram's brilliant portrayal of various roles Anniyan in one word is 'Amazing'. Though Anniyan resembles Shankar's earlier films Indian and Muthalvan, it's the narration which makes all the difference.
Ramanujam alias Ambi (Vikram) is called as Rules Ramanujam as he goes by the rule book. A lawyer by profession, he reacts to people who break the rules like disobeying traffic rules, not helping people in distress, eve-teasing in transport buses, spitting on roads, not providing standard meals in trains and so on… His good intentions and proper approach do not take him anywhere. He is a stickler for rules and that does not always work.
His father Parthasarathy (Nedumudi Venu) keeps advising him that single handedly he cannot change the world. He gets shattered when he realizes that his childhood friend and now a medical student Nandhini (Sada) refuses his love.
He comes across a website anniyan.com which follows the Garudapuranam, the Hindu folklore which is similar to the Christian judgment which reveals that those who commit misdeeds will be punished in hell according to the degree of their deeds. And Ambi takes the avatar of Anniyan. He kick starts a process through which he starts punishing the wicked people on earth. In the meantime, there is another character Remo, a ravishing supermodel who tries to cajole Nandhini, and she falls head over heels in love with him. Remo is none other than Ambi.
One day on seeing Nandhini cheating the income tax people Ambi transforms to Anniyan and chases her to kill her. Nandhini realizing something wrong with Ambi take him to a psychiatrist, who discovers that Ambi suffers from Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD). In a split second, Ambi transforms into Anniyan and then to Remo much to the surprise of the doctors and Nandhini. In a flashback, it is revealed why Ambi suffers from MPD. Amidst all this drama, an untiring policeman Prabhakar (Prakash Raj) gets down to track all the killings and the mystery behind them. Whether the police manage to nail Ambi forms the thrilling climax.
Vikram has three dimensions to his role. He easily slips into all three characters. Anniyan is definitely a feather in the cap of Vikram. Sada is passable. She excels only in the glamourous songs but acting wise has a long way to go. Nedumudi Venu as the hero's father does a good job. Vivek's comedy does raise a few laughs. Prakashraj is the scene stealer and matches up to Vikram.
Ravi Verman and Manikandan combo gives a visual treat. The Nokia song is the best of the lot. Harris Jayaraj music with the visuals gives a stunning effect. Shankar who dealt with major issues like corruption in education and public life and exposed the lack of political will to govern, has in Anniyan stressed on the need for civic discipline and accountability by the public. 'If three crore citizens steal five paisa each then is it not a big crime?' is the question posed by the director. He drives home the point that many things that we come across in day to day life and just ignore can be set right if one stands up against them. From the yellow line violation to the manufacturer who makes substandard brake cables, all are equally responsible for the country going to the dogs. The split personality funda attracts more than a few people because of its uniqueness and queer nature.
Peter Heyen's action sequences are well choreographed and the fight in which Anniyan takes on the kungfu exponents is a treat to watch.
Anniyan is an out and out family entertainer.