Billa.

Director: Vishnu Vardhan 
Cast: Ajith Kumar, Nayanthara, Namita, Prabhu, Rehman, Rose Dawn, Adithya
Genre: Action Thriller

The 1980s Rajnikant-starrer 'Billa' was one of the biggest box office grossers of its time. With its solid plot, its twists and surprises, some good songs and humour in the lines, and above all a charismatic star like Rajnikant to enact the dual roles, it was an engrossing entertainer. Remaking it is a daunting task, the odds heavily stacked against the new team which has to fight comparisons.

Knowing his limitations in remaking the film and understanding that the Rajnikant-magic or the flavour of the earlier 'Billa' cannot be recreated; that the suspense and the surprise elements would hold no 'surprises'; director Vishnu Vardhan, while being faithful to the main storyline, has shifted focus from the performances and the detailing of the script and concentrated on the look and the presentation. Under Vishnu's expert hands, we get to see a trimmed down 'Billa', contemporary and sleek, and high on technical values. There may be a few narrative flaws, but they in no way mar the film's appeal.

The all-familiar story line is about 'Billa', a dreaded Don being killed by a cop, and his look alike Velu sent in his place to ferret out the gang's secrets. Apart from women who want to kill him, there is also a mole in the police camp. The new 'Billa' is set in Malaysia, the locations eye-catching.

There is not much of performances here to rave about. For, it's the looks of the actors that the director has exploited here, and Vishnu has a handsome cast to work on. The lead players are more like actors arranged in a tableau, with not much emoting to do.

Ajith has never looked so dashing. Nayanthara never so sensuous in all those slinky black outfits, including a two piece which shows to advantage her well-toned body. There's Namita looking gorgeous, the one among the three women who manages to put in some expressions as Billa's devoted girl friend. Fitting in admirably is Rose Dawn (a Mumbai model) and Adithya as the enterprising cop. Looking a bit out of place in this scenario is Prabhu as the cop who hunts down Billa.

At times you sense a stillness in the frames as Neerav's camera, static, captures and freezes the action as in a tableau, cutting a picturesque sight. Icy blue, white and black are the colours that set the tone for the film, the camera creating some stunning visuals. Some crisp editing (Sreekar Prasad) and well-choreographed stunts (William Ong) enhance the stylish look. The director has coordinated the work of his technical crew admirably.

It's clearly a film targeted at today's generation. Contemporary, stylish and sleek, it could compete with the standard of any international action flick. After the promise he had revealed in 'Arinthum Ariyamalum' and 'Pattiyal', Vishnu Vardhan proves yet again, that he is a maker to watch out for.

'Billa' couldn't have been remade any better today than what Vishnu has done. It's worth a watch.