URUMI film reviews

Cinematographer-director Santosh Sivan's historical epic 'Urumi' opened to rave reviews and he says in the next two months, the film will be released in other languages (Tamil & English) as well.

[ Vidya Balan in the multi-lingual flick URUMI ]

Rediff Review says

The name Santosh Sivan is synonymous to visual extravaganza. The cinematographer-director makes everything visually enticing whether working only as a cameraman or as a director and both.

Urumi, his latest Malayalam film starring Prithviraj, is a historical mythological film, where everything is woven together seamlessly by scriptwriter Shankar Ramakrishnan (of Island Express in Kerala [ Images ] Café fame), a long time associate of director Ranjith.

Every film buff worth his salt is by now aware of the one line plot of this film -- a youngster prepares to assassinate the first European explorer to touch the shores of Kerala in search of its spices, Vasco da Gama.

This film is not a historically accurate depiction of events. Folklores and legends are liberally used to make up the story. The narrative device of the characters of this era living their past lives as the historical characters gets us sucked into the whirlwind of a plot.

Urumi may have been influenced by some international films in this genre. Still, it is highly watchable for the effort that has gone into making it.

[ Tabu in the multi-lingual flick URUMI ]

Sify review says

Santosh Sivan’s Urumi is a miniature masterpiece of moods, emotions, anxieties ruled by a thirst for revenge. The film unfolds like a ballad and is a sweet and simple fairy tale. The 170 minutes film works to a large extent to its perfect casting, fantastic performances, soothing score and technical brilliance.

Santosh has made it like how a period drama should be made without too much talk about freedom struggle, no bombastic dialogues or playing to the gallery for heroism. His vision and concept gives this epic the feel of a Brave Heart or Gladiator.

Santosh Sivan has come out with a story of valour with an admirable degree of craftsmanship and clarity. The producers Santosh, Prithviraj and Shaji Natesan can be proud of this epic.

Urumi is a fairy tale fantasy film that has a heart and technical artistry. Go for it.