Aalavandhan

Aalavandhan or Abhay, as it is known in the Hindi version, is an Indian psychological thriller film released in 2001. Directed by Suresh Krissna, it stars the versatile Kamal Haasan in a dual role, along with Raveena Tandon and Manisha Koirala. The movie is an adaptation of a novel titled 'Dayam' that was written by Kamal Haasan himself in 1984. Aalavandhan is a symbolic representation of the chaotic world where good and evil are constantly at loggerheads. It's also a critique of the criminal justice system and the social structures that fail to rehabilitate its victims.

At the centre of the plot are two characters interpreted by Kamal Haasan: Vijay Kumar and Nandu. Vijay Kumar is an introverted and dedicated commando in Delhi's anti-terrorism squad while Nandu is his step-brother and is quite the polar opposite, characterized by his wild personality and psychopathic tendencies which has led him to be institutionalized. The polarity of their characters allows for a marked, dramatic contrast throughout the movie, as the delicate balance between sanity and insanity is relentlessly explored.

One of the movie's key plot developments involves Vijay getting engaged to Tejaswini (Raveena Tandon), a news reporter who manages to enter Vijay's reserved heart. However, their love story takes an unexpected turn when Vijay’s institutionalized brother, Nandu gets informed about the forthcoming marriage. This news triggers Nandu to conjure visions of Tejaswini dying brutally. This strange and macabre premonition forces Nandu to take drastic steps that send shockwaves through Vijay and Tejaswini's lives.

Manisha Koirla, delivers a commendable performance as Sharmilee, a girl of the street, who shares a poignant relationship with Nandu. The scenes between them give us a glimpse of Nandu's softer side and offers a respite from his otherwise unhinged persona. Descending further into Nandu’s traumatized childhood, the plot reveals the pivotal circumstances that moulded him into his present psyche. There’s an in-depth exploration of his disturbed background that skillfully elicits empathy for the seemingly unforgivable character.

The film pushes boundaries with its art direction, special effects and notably, a sequence rendered in full-fledged animation which was a cinematic rarity in Indian cinema at the time. The animation sequence provides an insight into Nandu's violent childhood experiences and his resulting distorted world view. Coupled with the direct and poignant narration, it takes the audience on a gripping journey into Nandu’s tumultuous mind.

Aalavandhan, propelled by its intriguing plot, also leads us to larger societal reflections. It highlights the universal battle between good and evil, represented through the strikingly different yet interconnected lives of the two brothers. The film provides a critique and commentary about the failing rehabilitative systems and mental health stigma present in society, thereby delving into themes that are quite rarely covered by mainstream cinema.

The music, composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy for the Hindi version and by Mahesh Mahadevan for the Tamil counterpart complimented by the lyrics of Vairamuthu, plays an effective role in establishing the moody atmosphere and helps drive the narratives forward.

Kamal Haasan's superb and versatile performance, shifting between the roles of two diametrically opposed brothers, forms the keystone to the film. His acting, coupled with a well-crafted story-line, vivid visuals, and thought-provoking themes, make Aalavandhan a compelling watch.

In conclusion, Aalavandhan is more than just a psychological thriller. It’s a cinematic exploration of the human mind, emotions, and societal structures. Its multi-layered and thought-provoking narrative will keep the audience tethered to their seats. Though it may not be for the faint-hearted due to its portrayal of violence, it certainly has its unique place in the domain of intense, psychological movies due to its theme, narration, and, above all, Kamal Haasan's unforgettable performance.