Movie Review: Onayum Aatukutiyum — This Wolf’s Vengeance is sweet

There is a chase sequence in Onayum Aatukutiyum, where one of the contract killers is chasing the car drove by Chandru (Sri). Wolf (played by Mysskin) counts down numbers while Chandru shouts at him. This sequence (although based on a age old trick in the book) is one the best scenes that you will see in recent times because of the acting by the lead characters and a striking string score by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja. I clapped at the end but I didn’t know who I was clapping for — Mysskin, Sri or Ilaiyaraaja? You will have this dilemma throughout the movie and that makes Onayum Aatukutiyum as one of the best movies this year.

Onayum Aattukutiyum starts with Chandru trying to save Wolf (Mysskin). Chandru performs an operation on Wolf and Wolf dissappears the next day. Later, Chandru finds that Wolf is a most wanted criminal and he was hurt during an encounter attempt. The police interrogates him and forces him to kill Wolf. What happens when they meet is told in a thrilling ride around Chennai.

The movie starts with a signature style of Mysskin. Once it starts, you will be taken for an unstoppable ride and I even thought there should not be an interval. Strong screenplay, perfectly etched characters, brilliant performances and taut direction will keep you on the edge of your seats. When Mysskin and Sri baffle with their performances, the supporting cast make this movie even more gripping. Although, the blind lady, CB CID Officer Lal (Shaji), the contract killers (Adithya & the other guy) impress you in their own ways the little girl takes your heart away.

The choice of using real places in Chennai makes the audience more involved in the proceedings and limited use of dialogues accentuates the performances of actors. And the final fight sequence choreographed by Mysskin is a stunner. The only problem with the movie is weak characterisation of the main antagonist. It doesn’t fit the strong writing shown by Mysskin. He is a stereotype caricature and also police stereotypes except for Shaji’s character. These are minor flaws in a near perfect movie.

I don’t think there is another music composer in India to handle this subject with such finesse. Ilaiyaraaja’s background score in this movie is a 2 hr 20 minutes guide for music composers on how to make original scores. It will make you cry, empathise, run, kill and live with the characters of Onayum Aattukuttiyum. It’s no point in reiterating this genius’ score. Period.

What makes Onayum Aatukuttiyum special is the juxtaposition of wolf and lamb sides of both the characters. The characters also evolve over time and Mysskin doesn’t wait for you to understand them. The crisscross of emotions that flow between characters affect you too and that makes this movie special.

Mysskin has comeback with a vengeance after his forgettable Mugamoodi. And I hope this conviction stays and wish he collaborates with Ilaiyaraaja more because he gives him the right fodder to satiate the hunger for his musical genius. Onayum Aatukuttiyum is a complete cinematic experience that combines technical brilliance of people like Balaji Ranga (Cinematography), Tapas (Sound Engineering) and creative brilliance of Mysskin, Ilaiyaraaja. Just feel the experience. You will not regret it.

A 4/5 for Mysskin’s Onayum Aatukutiyum and miss it at your own peril.

PS: Don’t miss the end credits