By C. Perera, JadeTimes News
Star often evokes memories of Vaaranam Aayiram, not just due to Kavin’s early looks or dance moves but for deeper reasons. There’s a poignant phone call from a foreign city where Kalai breaks down, sharing his loss with his parents. However, unlike Vaaranam Aayiram , the loss here is not of a person but a dream. This story feels intensely personal, almost autobiographical. Both films feature supportive fathers, a romantic relationship that ends and another that begins, with the new girl helping the protagonist heal. The key difference is that Kalai doesn’t express gratitude verbally.
Without Kavin’s performance and Elan’s evident love for cinema, showcased through homages in the first half, Kalai would be a difficult character to root for. This is common for those wholly dedicated to a single pursuit. Kalai’s singular ambition to become a star brings a certain narcissism. His first girlfriend, Meera, questions why he shifted focus from them to himself. Even when he helps her during a distressing college incident, it seems more about him playing the hero than genuinely aiding her. His actions, such as entering Meera’s room unannounced, indicate he seeks not a partner but a ‘heroine’ for his ‘hero’ role. Meera, unfortunately, doesn’t get her due after their breakup, despite her significant role.
Elan a typical filmmaker by letting Meera showcase her love for biking and having Kalai dress as a woman, shedding his insecurities. Yet, Kalai’s thankless quest for fame fills him with self pity and bitterness. He doesn’t even respond to his father’s cardiac issues, highlighting his self absorption. At one point, Kalai pretends to be responsible for his family’s sake, but his actions often evoke more sympathy for those around him than for Kalai himself.
Aaditi Pohankar’s role as Surabhi feels miscast, with lip sync issues adding to the problem. Her relationship with Kalai, intended to be cute, instead disrupts the narrative, especially as her family dynamics, including a drunk father and quirky grandmother, are introduced. Despite these narrative deficiencies, Elan’s filmmaking talent shines through with impressive touches and subversions. Scenes like Kalai raising a guitar during a performance, the audience’s reaction to his dressing as a woman, and the complex emotions evoked during a funeral scene demonstrate Elan’s skill. Post interval, a repetition of circular shots effectively captures Kalai’s transformation.
One of the film’s best moments is a beautiful homage to Yuvan Shankar Raja, whose work is thoroughly enjoyed. The film also touches on acting’s nature, differentiating between acting and over acting and emphasizing life experience's importance in becoming a better artist. However, more exploration of these themes would have enriched the narrative, particularly considering Kalai’s obsession with stardom.
The film loses direction when Surabhi’s family dynamics are introduced, serving more as a distraction. Although Kalai’s college speech inspires Surabhi, he never meaningfully engages with his mother or sister, raising questions about their dreams. Kalai’s selfish pursuit of his goals is supported by the unselfish contributions of others, highlighting the sacrifices made by his father, Pandian. Pandian’s unfulfilled acting aspirations come full circle through Kalai, giving the ending a meaningful touch with Pandian’s final scene.
However, the film remains focused on Kalai, who, until the end, appears besotted with a dream, unappreciative of what he receives. star ultimately reflects on the universe loving a man with a stubborn heart, but as Jim Carrey once noted, achieving everything you dream of isn’t always the answer.
Star is a dramatic film featuring Kavin in the lead role, directed by Elan of Pyaar Prema Kadhal fame, with music by Yuvan Shankar Raja.
Summary of movie
The plot summary of this film is about a young boy who has dreamed of becoming an actor since his childhood. His father and sister provide immense support and commitment towards this dream, while his mother wishes to see him advance in education. Despite facing numerous hardships and challenges, his unyielding fate allows him to realize his one and only dream of becoming an actor. This film serves as an inspiration for viewers to pursue and realize their unique dreams.
Premise
The story follows Kavin, who has dreamed of becoming an actor since childhood. The film explores the challenges he faces and how he ultimately achieves his ambition.
Writing/Direction
The film opens with a poignant piece of advice from a father, which resonates throughout the film, particularly at the midpoint and conclusion. The first half is engaging and heartfelt, with memorable sequences like the Padayappa moment, a purposeful helmet fight, a quirky family reaction at a death scene, a man aspiring to be a boxer, and a faceless grandmother's voice. Elan's direction is marked by meaningful dialogues and emotionally rich scenes. Despite a slightly rushed pace, the interval block is brilliantly conceived. However, the second half loses focus, veering away from its initial theme. The film introduces an unnecessary second heroine, leading to a convoluted narrative. While the climax's intent to resolve the story is commendable, the second half's disjointed screenplay detracts from the overall impact, save for a few standout moments like the mirror scene and the singletake climax.
Performances
Kavin delivers an extraordinary performance, exuding confidence and charm. Preity Mukhuden makes a solid debut, fully immersing herself in her character. Conversely, Aaditi Pohankar's role and performance are subpar. Lal, as the hero's father, is a relatable and valuable addition, while Geetha Kailasam's natural on screen presence enhances her scenes.
Technicalities
Yuvan Shankar Raja's music is splendid, with songs that enhance the visuals. A surprise song is perfectly placed, adding to the film's appeal. The cinematography is commendable, with visuals that are true to the mood of each scene. Editing is a mixed bag; while effective in the first half, the second half demands significant trimming. Sound mixing occasionally overwhelms dialogue clarity with loud music. The art department's meticulous work creates a believable story world, supported by good production values evident in every frame.
Bottomline
The film had the potential to be outstanding if it had maintained its initial energy and empathy throughout. Nonetheless, it is worth watching for its performances, music, and numerous memorable moments in the first hour.
IMDB rating - 7/10
This movie is one that can inspire someone, and it is a film that can convey a significant message to the audience. Thus, even though this movie was released recently, it has managed to maintain an IMDb rating of seven, indicating that people have a strong liking for movies of this genre.
Acting crew
kalaiarasan (role ) - kavin (actor)
Pandian - Lal
Surabhi - Aditi sudhir pohankar
Meera - preity mukhundhan
Kamala - geetha
Pandians friend - Lollu sabha
Meera’s mother - Aarti desai
College principal - Mimmo
Ice cream seller - kadhal sukumar
Production -B.V.S.N.Prasad
-Sreenidhi sagar
Cinematography -ezhil arasuk
Edited by -pradeep ragav
Music by -yuvan sankar raja
Production companies-rise east entertaintment
-Sri Venkateswara cine Chithra
Country -india
Language -tamil
Budget -12crore
Box office -20 crore
Released day -may 10 on 2024
Location -Chennai
This film, truly a tear jerker for the audience and capable of stopping hearts with its deeply emotional and romantic storyline, is one of the best films released in 2024. Everyone, from a young age or even after growing up, has a dream it is a unique dream. This dream has been simmering in their heart since childhood, and at times, it feels as though even their soul senses it. In this world, everyone has dreams that they could either achieve or not achieve. For those who are stepping back and abandoning their dreams, this film delivers a profound message and provides powerful inspiration. After watching it, anyone will feel a great motivation to make their dreams come true, and they will gain determination that it is possible.
The most excellent thing shown in the film is a scene where the protagonist's father tells him something that resonates deeply with many viewers life and dreams are not the same they are two different paths. If one cannot balance these two paths, life will turn dark. This message is a very fitting and positive social message for the viewers. Ultimately, the noble lesson to be taken from this is to pursue your dreams regardless of time. In this life, nothing is impossible for anyone.