Kaakha Kaakha: An engaging cop story

Goutam Menon directs Surya- Jyothika starrer “Kaakha Kaakha” produced by Kalaipuli S Thanu that was released way back in 2003. I had always wanted to watch KK in theatres but was not fortunate enough. Finally, I did manage to grab a DVD of the movie and here you go on what my thoughts are on KK. KK is the story of an honest, upright cop (Surya) who is part of a group of newly recruited cops working for the encounter specialist group of the Crime Branch. All they are interested in is to clear the Chennai city of all the mafia men who are making life miserable for the police and the public alike. What follows is an engaging cop- drama that also dwells briefly into the private lives of the men. The attacks, counter- attacks and its effects on the personal lives of the policmen have been captured effectively by Gautham. The romantic track of Surya- Jyothika is a tad lengthy and at some point, one gets a feeling that the director is moving away from the plot. However, Gautham bounces back in time to carry the thread forward and the result is one of the most engaging cop dramas that Tamil cinema has witnessed in recent times. What sets KK apart is Gautham’s treatment of the story. The look and the feel of the movie is totally different from anything that has been seen before in Tamil Cinema. The style and sophistication with which Gautham carries the plot adds to the uniqueness of the movie. KK is purely a director’s film and with this, Gautham proves to one and all that he is a film maker to watch out for in future. Surya and Jyothika are individually good but what needs to be commented is their electrifying on screen chemistry that sets the screen ablaze. I would even go to the extent of considering them the best on screen pair Kollywood has ever seen. The romantic scenes and song sequences are definitely a treat. Rajasekhar’s camera and Antony’s editing are major pluses for the movie. Art Direction by Rajeevan is minimal and realistic. Harris Jayaraj’s compositions are trendy, catchy and foot tapping at the same time. Bombay Jayashree’s seductive voice makes “Onra, Randa Aasaigal” unforgettable, Vasundhara Das is in form while crooning “Doothu Varuma”. “Oru ooril” is a befitting introduction to Jyothika. The lyrics of “Ennai Konjam Mathri” deserve special mention. The foot tapping “Uyirin Uyirae” is very well choreographed. The extra care that Jyothika has put in choosing her make up and costumes need to be commented. Surya has worked hard on his physique and the result is that he looks every inch the young cop that he is portraying. KK can easily be considered one of the best films in Surya’s career and will be remembered for his excellent on screen chemistry with Jyothika. Gautham Menon manages to raise the bar a few notches higher with his brave attempt at a cop story. This is a must watch!