Nothing encapsulates the warm embrace of bygone times quite like nostalgia, and this emotion resonates powerfully within the world of film. Demonstrating the timeless appeal of cinematic classics, the 20-year-old Tamil action thriller ‘Ghilli’ made a grand comeback to the silver screen. As if no years had passed, a jubilant audience thronged to PVR Sathyam cinemas for a special matinee showing, dancing with abandon to the electrifying beat of ‘Soora Thenga’—an experience reminiscent of the numerous opening day celebrations for Vijay’s films over the past two decades.
‘Ghilli,’ directed by Dharani, is a remake of the Telugu hit ‘Okkadu’ from 2003. It charts the heroics of Velu, portrayed by Vijay, a kabaddi player with unyielding courage who swoops in to save Dhanalakshmi, played by Trisha, from the clutches of a formidable Madurai mobster, Muthupandi, brought to life by Prakash Raj. The narrative may be straightforward, but it has consistently captivated viewers, whether on television broadcasts or, more recently, streaming platforms. This enduring affection paved the way for a crescendo of excitement leading up to the film’s return to theatres, with social media ablaze with videos of packed auditoriums echoing fan enthusiasm.
Twenty years on, the lasting stature of ‘Ghilli’ is attributed to its meticulous crafting of a rewatchable movie that strikes a perfect balance of drama, music, dance, action, romance, and humor. Director Dharani, fresh from the successes of ‘Dhill’ and ‘Dhool,’ both featuring the actor Vikram, had raised expectations. The previous films shared a common thread—a common man embarks on a journey to confront evil, faces numerous obstacles, and ultimately unveils a complex plan of retribution.
In contrast, Velu in ‘Ghilli’ has fewer burdens, allowing the film to explore his relationships with family and friends who provide comical relief, and a laid-back nature marked by an absence of greater ambitions beyond excelling in kabaddi. Yet he remains an endearing character, full of heart and gusto when challenged.
The cinematic experience of ‘Ghilli’ extends beyond the mere enjoyment of infectious tunes like ‘Appadi Podu.’ Fans at the show recited iconic lines along with the characters, from Vijay’s opening monologue to Ashish Vidyarthi’s side-splitting quips, and Prakash Raj’s oddly touching yet ominous expressions of affection. Audiences, smartphone cameras at the ready, were eager to capture memorable scenes, including one where Trisha’s character makes an unusual request for kaara pori in the midst of an intense chase.
Much of the film’s nostalgic pull can be ascribed to Vidyasagar’s exhilarating soundtrack, his fourth collaboration with Dharani, infusing rousing energy into every scene, whether it be a high-speed chase or a fiery romance.
The vigor and charisma of Vijay and Trisha left the crowds ecstatic, but the thunderous applause for Prakash Raj’s portrayal of Muthupandi was something to behold. His role achieved a sort of legendary status with his over-the-top comedic antics amidst his ruthless pursuits.
While sports and action films have evolved, improving in choreography and authenticity, the fight and action sequences of ‘Ghilli’ remain a delight to audiences, testifying to the film’s enduring appeal. Though certain aspects of filmmaking might now seem outdated, the climactic moments retain their impact.
Amidst the contemporary influx of high-stakes, high-budget action films, ‘Ghilli’ serves as a poignant reminder that a successful formulaic masala film need not be overly complex. It thrives on the vitality of its lead actors, a tightly knit screenplay, and a stellar soundtrack that together create a fast-paced adventure sprinkled with enough humor to keep each fight scene fresh and engaging.
As action cinemas continue to raise the bar, it’s worth examining whether the essence of what makes a film memorable has been lost along the way. There has been much talk about resurrecting the romantic comedy genre, yet there’s relatively little discussion on the comforting allure of classic Tamil masala movies like ‘Ghilli,’ which continue to be perfect weekend entertainment choices. In an era of foreign backdrops and intricate fight scenes, a simple journey with Velu and Dhanalakshmi to the rhythm of ‘Arjunar Villu’ may just be the cinematic retreat we all occasionally need to relish—the essence of Tamil cinema.
