ELI - Vaigaipuyal Vadivelu | Sadha | Vidhyasagar|

**mappi** · 24th June 2015, 02:31 PM

Eli-The Movie, is a Black Comedy. Its no where near to alternative comedy, where humour lingers in the air throughout its runtime. The Black Comedy takes its time, like lengthy scenes closing it with a laughter. But whether it works depends on how much an individual is influenced by the film. As such comedies are rare in TFI (Settai & Dammal Dumeel comes to my mind), Eli is more on the lines of Austin Powers, precisely Gold Member. Set in 60's and on the lines of 'Even a rat may drown a nation', Eli, played by Vadivelu, inflitrates the cigarettes smuggling gang and becomes one of its highest operative by gaining the confidence of its leader Nagaraj. When his cover is blown, he has less time to hold all the broken pieces together until the Police arrives.

Vedivelu is Jolly Eli. He brightens his pressence with his trade-mark slapstick comedy. There is an awesome fight sequence where he enacts the actions of eli, the rat. His facial 'muscle-movements' during close-up shots are excellent. The theme as well as the BGM for Eli by Vidyasagar is matching. From time to time Eli adjusts his mustache, a minuture version of 23rd Pulikesi, which is funny. Then we have Jolly, hitchhiking a 'terrorist-biker' being chased by gunning Police men, Jolly steals fallen grapes while hiding under the bed, disguises himself to catch the culprits - Jolly is what Eli is not - like the climax fight with a rope tied to his forehead.

The variety of comedy is at large. Apart from Vadivelu's hallmark humour, there is dialogue comedy too, an excellent one while Eli tries to rob the bank, slow but effective. Then, there is 'Ek Sapno Ki Rani' song & various dictionary jaw-droping English usage. Thotta Dharani's sets were good, notably the warehouse, hotel room, bar & Natraj's den. There is a Piano Bit which is really good - a bit like Rananvan-The Musician. The costumes are dazzling and kind of suits the ambience.

Rather than being less interesting, the major drawback is that they should have shot the film in 35 mm rather than digital. Digital kills films of such genre. The clarity takes away the vintage look that can be boosted through 35mm. Over neatness & digital intermediate (DI) fatigues the viewership. Choosing a medium for the subject is as important as any other technique ... just saying.

I would certainly recomend this movie to people who wish to show their kids a clean film with lots of imagination. The comical aspect and every character being cartoonish - the side kicks with big belly & violet t-shirt for ex., - would make them thouroughly enjoy the movie. And myself, I will be patient for Eli In Bombay.

Eli - Rat Race