For all its hype “24” touted as a sci-fi thriller turns out to be a regular revenge drama with a dose of science fiction. Surya who easily appears to get impressed with directors narrating performance oriented scripts seems to miss out on the content just like he did in “7am arivu, Anjaan and Maass”. “24” might appeal to a certain kind of audience, probably kids but otherwise it is one long stretch of a predictable commercial masala. The sci-fi part is strictly pedestrian and the writer/director Vikram kumar adds dollops of melodrama to try and make it entertaining. Actually mid way through the movie you forget it is purportedly to be some kind of a thriller.
The story leaps off straight away with some very impressive graphics and then loiters around the romance between Surya and an inexpressive Samantha. The screenplay stays faithful to the romance so much that you almost wait for some action to begin. The romance is as old as you get in a Surya movie and you have seen so many versions of the same Surya with this being no different. The unnecessary “Manam” effect just to increase the length of “24” is there for all to see. The screenplay is filled with coincidences and generous doses of illogical nonsense that is barely camouflaged by Surya’s performance. There are no “Freeze” moments in the movie and most of the time the desire is to turn the clock faster to get to the predictable end.
With limited characters in the screenplay and Surya playing 3 out of them, there is a sense of déjà vu in too much of Surya. The characterization, make up and performance sadly is no different and looks more a repeat of “Varanam Ayiram and Mass”. Even the much glorified villain is so faithful to the villain in Mass. Samantha looks so tired, jaded and out of sorts. Nithya menon is neat in her little to do role. Others are just there.
Technically the movie scores very well with some very good CG work and impressive production values as well as sound cinematography. The songs more act as speed breakers in the already docile script with the background screaming for attention. The dialogues are just about OK. The director in Vikram Kumar is quite decent but it’s the writing that is the weakest link in the movie. Though there are enough surprises they lack ingenuity and depth.
On the whole “24” is 34 hours looooooooooong!!!
By Shreesha B.U
