Nimir is a Tamil dramedy film directed by Priyadarshan and stars Udhayanidhi Stalin, Namitha Pramod and Parvatii Nair in lead roles with J. Mahendran, Samuthirakani, M. S. Bhaskar, Karunakaran, Aruldoss, Ganja Karuppu, Imman Annachi among others in important supporting roles.
This film will surprise you if you walk into the cinemas with expectations - and, in a really good way. The trailer for Nimir, which came out a while back did a perfect job of teasing us what the film will be and the result is we are given a really good story. The pace could be an issue to some, but it is the only manner in which the plot can progress with an art film touch to it.
To put it short, Nimir is a revenge story, which we won’t believe as we keep progressing towards the climax of the film despite constant references throughout its duration. We are introduced to Udhayanidhi Stalin, a photographer who rarely loses his cool and is someone who is mindful of his own business for the most part. However, unexpected turn of events in the form of a breakup in his relationship with Parvatii Nair and a life-altering incident with Samuthirakani lead to a reshaping of his future.
A simple plot that plays high on emotions, the performances elevate the film to a higher plane. At no point do we get the hint that Nimir is artificial, but is a story that is relatable to reality along with its characters.
The brilliance of Nimir lies in the fact that we are treated to moments that we can associate on a personal level in tune with our real lives. When the hero suffers a breakup in his relationship, we are usually treated to the protagonist pining over his lost love. This film however takes us on a completely different route showing us how we would receive such a situation in real life.
Similarly, the moments between Udhayanidhi Stalin as Selvam and his father J. Mahendran remind us how inspiring our fathers can be. We are reminded not all heroes come in capes and that is one of the highlights in the film. Parvatii Nair's inclusion in the cast was only to make an impact in the story-line as the protagonist's first love and that she has done in a convincing manner. Likewise, the introduction of a new love in the form of Namitha Pramod into hero’s life and a subsequent revelation is most unexpected that makes us only lean forward from our seats in the hopes of wanting more.
The biggest USP of Nimir however lies in its visuals as the film is an exceptional treat in every single frame till the end. Director Priyadarshan and cinematographer Ekambaram have strived hard to make the film visually appealing with a constant eye on making the natural locales look as beautiful as possible.
There are plenty of moments that will make us laugh out loud and some scenes that will strike the emotional chord right in our hearts. This is where the story transcends to a different place and we feel it to be acceptable.
From a performance standpoint, the Udhayanidhi we had seen in Manithan has now grown substantially with Nimir. Parvatii Nair and Namitha Pramod are additions to the story and deliver satisfactory display in acting. Mahendran’s scenes are a big plus for the film as he has literally lived the role and is someone who reminds us how important a role our fathers play in our life. MS Bhaskar needs no introduction as he is once again a rock solid act as always. Samuthirakani’s character however will be a bit of a disappointment to those who go in expecting him to be his usual self in terms of characterization.
Priyadarshan does a commendable job in making Nimir stand on par with its Malayalam original, Maheshinte Prathikaaram. He has understood how the film needs to be presented to Tamil audiences and has succeeded in making it as relatable as possible.
From a technical standpoint, this film is a visual feast and major props to Ekambaram with the lighting utilized throughout that is on point. Songs do not play a major role in the film, but the background score remains in us even after we leave the cinemas.
Thumbs Up
A fantastic film from a visual point-of-view
Udhayanidhi shows growth as a performer
A plot that doesn’t deviate or try being complicated
Thumbs Down
Samuthirakani’s characterization falls short
VERDICT: Nimir stands tall.
