The Wiz.

Kamal Hassan. One of the greatest actors ever, his contribution to cinema, especially the Tamil industry, is unparalleled. And thus, it was indeed disheartening and infuriating, to see his magnum opus, Viswaroopam go through an array of legal issues. But, it's finally here, with the whole state's eyes glued madly onto it.

Dr.Nirupama, a nuclear oncologist, shares a hollow marital life with her rather feminine 'husband' Vishwanathan, a Kathak teacher, and finds herself attracted to her boss, Deepak. Her life takes a complete whirlwind twist, when a chain of events unfold to bring to light facts - that Vishwanathan, is actually Wisam Ahmed Kashmiri, an agent of the Indian Army, who managed to train himself as an Al-Qaeda jihadi, who is a set on a mission to thwart the plans of his former comrades, led by Omar, funded by Deepak himself, to set off a nuclear bomb. Whether Wisam suceeds in his mission, or not, is what Viswaroopam is all about.

The very class of the film is something new to the Tamil screens, as it scores high on technicality. The visual treatment, the reality of the sets and locations, the vivid action, and the heart-grabbing screenplay have been brought to life through tremendous effort, which is definitely commendable. Performances are on a high, be it the confused Pooja Kumar, or the scarred jihadi Rahul Bose. The film has Kamal Hassan in it, so one can expect a higher level of discipline than usual. And he doesn't disappoint you. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy have rendered scores that gel wonderfully with the movie. Mahesh Narayanan's editing works in beautiful sync with Sanu John Varghese's camera.

But where the film drops you, is its pace. With the movie rocketing forward from the beginning, things turn snail-pace in the middle, as audiences are put through a thorough experience of Wisam's jihadi life. But why the deep exploration? Why the long flashback? Why such unanswered questions?

All 'cause Mr.Hassan chose to build up one hell of a forefront for Viswaroopam 2.

Vishwarooopam, doesn't perhaps live up to its hype, but that was maybe because of a larger-than-life hype the past events chose to create. But, it is a movie worth a definite watch, and it will have people geared up and ready for its sequel.

Aditya Baskaran