For people in cities who are completely unaware about the happenings in villages, this film shows the happenings in a village; But Vamsam is different from the usual films for two other reasons. Critically-acclaimed director Pandiaraj of Pasanga fame returns to the silver screen and this is the launchpad of Kalaignar's grandson Arulnidhi. Two grandsons [Udhayanidhi Stalin and Dayanidhi Azhagiri] are raking in the moolah with their respective production houses. Now the third has decided to take the plunge in front of the camera! 23 year old Arulnidhi, son of M.K. Thamizharasu (Kalaignar Karunanidhi's son) is a trained director and aspiring to begin his own movie going when someone in the family suggested he try his hand at acting first!

A grand audio launch was held on July 2, 2010 in which Chief Minister Karunanidhi, Suriya and Vijay took part. Music composed by Taj Noor has been released under Think Music label. The Censor Board has awarded a 'U' certificate for the film.

What is it about?

The film is about two towns, Pulivathanam and Singampidari, strongholds of the Devar community, and a 15 day temple festival (Thiruvizha) which is the focal point of all throughout the year.

The film is about 11 sect or clans (Vamsams): Nandan Koppan, Nanjunda Ma Oh Si, Vanathi Virayar, Yanaiyaik Kutriya Ainutru Puraiyar, Kanaatu Puraiyar and Eppadu Pattalum Pirpadu Kodathavar (interestingly, hero Anbarasu is the only descendant of the last-named sect).

The Plot

Anbarasu (Arulnidhi) is the only son of his widowed mother (Madhu), who is a school teacher. Anbarasu is a post graduate in Botany who takes care of their agriculture business. Anbarasu's mother brings her son up in a traditional way and teaches him to stay away from violence always. Unable to manage their cow, he sells it to Malar's (Sunaina) family and she names the cow Asin. But Asin runs back to Arulnidhi's house and when Anbarasu brings the cow back, he runs into a young girl fishing for crabs in a lake. After a couple of interesting interactions, love blossoms between the two. Interestingly, Asin plays the messenger of love between the couple.

Now comes Singampidari's big shot Seenikannu Devar (Jayaprakash), the mastermind behind every murder in the area. Malar's father pronounces a verdict against Seenikannu Devar and asks him to publicly apologize to his servant, who was ill treated by Seenikannu earlier. An angry Seenikannu kills Malar's father during the temple festival.

Meanwhile, there are some interesting rules that govern the festival accepted by all the eleven clans; those who have the misfortune to die during the temple festival will have their last rites performed without any traditional rites, and any group that kills someone during the festival will celebrate it with a meal of pork and arrack at night.

Angry at her father's murder, Malar throws a pail of dung over Seenikannu's face in public (the highest form of insult in that community) and thus the trouble escalates!

When Seenikannu's men chase Malar to kill her, Anbarasu decides to run with her instead of fighting back. Reason: Anbarasu had promised his mother to stay away from violence always. At a point, Anbarasu loses his temper and beats Seenikannu's men to save Malar. This leads to further trouble with a surprise flashback (of Kishore, Anbarasu's father) and an unpredictable climax.

The Performances

Arulnidhi has given out a neat performance in his debut flick. But the actor needs to work hard on his dialogue delivery and body language. Sunaina steals the show in her new avatar as a deglamourised, courageous village girl.

Jayaprakash as Seenikannu is perfect and Rajkumar as Jayaprakash's son fits the role perfectly. Kishore as Arulnidhi's father needs special mention. Though he appears only in a few scenes, he delivers an action-packed performance. Madhu as Arulnidhi's mother has also played her part well.

Ganja Karuppu needs special mention for his hilarious comedy act along with Arulnidhi. The Asin-Trisha sequence and the scene in which the lead couple talks in botanical terms are enjoyable.

The Technique

Camera work by Mahesh Muthusamy brings the right touch of realism, especially in the Thiruvizha and the Jallikattu scenes. Art work by Devarajan is impressive. Debut music director Taj Noor (erstwhile assistant of A.R. Rahman) has made an impressive start. Director Pandiaraj has tried to spin a new version of the age old tradition-and-bloodshed story in Vamsam. After the super hit Pasanga, he has chosen to depict the life of a Devar community; he is efficient and sure to go places with the right kind of opportunities.

Unfortunately, despite these points in its favour, the screenplay begins to falter and loses some of its spontaneity. There are many questions which remains unanswered till the end.

The Verdict

Vamsam is enjoyable in parts and drags in some places.

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Review by Ambili S.

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