Manmadan Ambu - Review

I had been watching a lot of movies in the last two weeks and when i say that, i mean it. Out of the lot, only one movie which i felt like i should watch it again and again is , "Manmadan Ambu". When Kamal Haasan pair up with Veteran Director K.S Ravikumar, the hype is high, so is the hope. The last time both of them created magic together was with Dasavataram and i don't think i have to say what vibration it made to Indian Cinema. The best thing i like in Kamal is that, he does classic movies in serious subjects and much before we are out of that hangover, he delivers another 100% Entertainment movie. Manmadan ambu is such an entertainment which would tickle your bones for more than 2 hours.

Before i get into the review, one man whom i should appreciate is Madhavan. Madhavan and Kamal share an awesome rapport together and we have seen it already in Anpe Sivam. In this movie, Madhavan has done a great job. He has succeeded in playing his part of a doubtful lover, unlawful boss and a funny drunkard to the maximum extent. Kudos to Maddy for not making us Moody :-)



Story starts with a film shooting. Nisha aka Ambu (Trisha) is a top heroine who is on demand. Madanagopal (Madhavan) is a successful industrialist and Ambu's Fiance. From the first scene itself, director has portrayed that Madan's family is not much happy in their son marrying a film actress. On top of it, Madhavan is constantly suspicious on Ambu, who mingles freely with her co actor Surya. While returning from the shooting spot, both of them get into a verbal argument, rather a big fight and Ambu who was driving Madan's new Hummer clashes it with another car. Madan tries to sort out things with her after that narrow escape from car accident, but Ambu was in no mood to satisfy madan's suspicious mind. It is then she decides to go on a vacation in a cruise ship. What more is needed to pour fuel to Madan's already suspicious mind?

Ambu Starts her vacation on a cruise which visits several countries and it is then, Madan hires a detective and send in the same cruise to watch an eye on his love. That detective, is our hero Major Mannar (Kamal Haasan). Major Mannar is in urgent need of money to treat his friend who has been diagonissed for cancer. So he takes up this job. After observing Ambu for few days, Major is convinced that Madan is just imagining things and Ambu is truly innocent. So he gives a "Good Conduct Certificate" for Ambu to Madan. And, then when he asks for his payment to treat his friend, Madhan shows his real colors. "Detectives are paid when they find out something. You have not found anything and so there is no need to pay you." That's what Madan says to Major. Then, to teach him a lesson and to get the money of his labor, Major starts playing a double game. It is from this point, the movie gets interesting and the laughter wagon starts its journey.



Story and Dialogue of this movie is by Kamal Haasan itself and we can say, it is quite a refreshment. Kamal's wittier dialogues are surely liked by the audience. Malayalam Actors Kunjan and Manju Pillai plays the role of Mr & Mrs Kunju Kurup who are producers and running behind Ambu to get her dates for their new film. They have done their part really well. During the initial stage of shooting, Both of them had very less number of scenes, and by getting impressed with their skills, Kamal expanded their roles and now they are throughout in the movie right from the first scene till the climax. Trisha, has matured a lot as an actress. After Jessy of VTV, Ambu is yet another powerful character which Trisha has handled with Caution and Care. Now she can be really called as an "Actress" rather than the female who appear just to run behind the hero. Other actors such as Sangeetha, Urvashi,Ramesh Aravind etc too have scored big time. Sangeetha proved that she is good at comedy and has a good timing.

I am no way qualified enough to Judge Kamal's acting skills as the whole world know about it. But i must say, he once again proved to be the Real "Universal Hero". The only actor who can break your tear glands by just using his eyes while enacting an emotional scene is Kamal Haasan. Watch out for the couple of emotional scenes in the movie and i am sure, there would be a drop of tear in a corner of your eye, even if you dont want to agree to that.

The flashback sequence is good and the way K.S Ravikumar portrayed it in an all Reverse manner is appreciable. Songs by DSP need a special mention out here. "Neela Vaanam" song, sung by Kamal Haasan is highly addictive just like the "Yaar Yaar Sivam" from Anpe Sivam and this is already topping the chartbuster list. Action sequence is less (as the story doesnt need it) and thankfully no items songs are tweaked in. Cinematography is yet another beauty and the camera has beautifully captured the entire cruise ship and major parts of Venice.

Overall, this movie is yet another festival in this festive season and definitely not to be missed. Watch it if you want to have a real nice time and to have a hearty laugh. This movie is worth the money you spent. Manmadan Ambu can be considered as a laughter festival before Kamal Haasan's next upcoming historical thriller, "Maruthanayagam"

Rating - 8/10

-G. Sarath Menon

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