Ever since this movie was announced of making, the expectations were soaring high. This director-actor's previous outing "Anniyan" turned out to be an epic success. They were joined by Kollywood's filthy rich producer. There was also news of Vikram shedding a lot of weight and doing different kinds of roles. When you hear and see all this, obviously, you have set yourself with an expectation. Now, when you reach the theatre, you would definitely not be happy if your expectations are not met. You might end up in this category of movie watchers. There are more kinds....
Another set of people are those who start to feel annoyed the way the first half progresses itself. You end up yawning, you ending hitting your forehead for another song 10 minutes post the previous, albeit with very classy and creative ideas.
Another set are those who are very intrigued by the end of the first half and are scratching their heads thinking, "What would have happened? Why did they show that scene?", etc. And as second half unfolds, they are like, "I hope what I'm watching is not a 200 crore budget movie".
There are, I'm sure, many more sets of people. What am I trying to say? - "I" is definitely a lot of money and effort gone waste, thanks to a wafer-thin and very predictable story line.
From another angle, you feel that "I" is a result of "Big budget announced-Budget gets over at 80% of the movie-Team resorting to complacency-Result: Incomplete!" You can guess this from looking at the title credits. Very simple "Microsoft Word" fonts used.
In the midst of all this, Vikram has done an impeccable job. What a man! The only reason people gave a standing ovation at the end of the movie is this guy. Complete dedication and immersion in the character, Vikram pulls out a stunner. If at all you will wish to watch "I" twice, it would be for him.
Songs were already reached a "divine" stage before the movie released. ARR gave us a very unique and young album this time. His background score is amazing in a lot of places but becomes repetitive too. In some areas, you feel that ARR has resorted to using "preset" tunes in many audio softwares.
Stunts are way too mediocre. A lot of style statement wantedly enforced but has failed to live up.
Camera work was brilliant in a few places and shabby in others. Too much of unwanted movements, zoom ins.
Acting performances are very unrealistic (except for Vikram of course). Amy Jackson looks piping hot and everyone is sure to go gaga over her. She's done a good job at lip sync too. Some homework can be seen.
The movie is a simple revenge saga taken to an unnecessary high level by the team.
But for Vikram's amazing efforts and Santhanam's deadly comedy till the last page of the screenplay, "I" is a failure. Period.
In most movies, you would wish the songs be cut out but in "I", song form the only innovative aspect in the movie.
With a lot more edits, faster dialogue delivery coupled with Vikram and Santhanam's existing performance, "I" would have been a much better movie and be likeable by all.
Rating: 2.5/5
I: Incomplete!
