Frames And Angles

Srividhya:

One of the rare combinations of beauty and talent, Srividhya lost her star status after her marriage. But she was lucky enough that she went on to play some good roles. The best of the lot is the dignified dance school owner of “Punnagai Mannan”. She infused a lot of credibility and warmth into the characters of the regretful mother in “Dhalapathy” and “Karpoora Mullai”. Take even a damp squid like Vasanth’s “Nee paathi naan paathi”, she shines in the role of the theatre artist. I also liked her as the mother a terminally ill son in “Uyirodu uyiraaga”. The best of her emotional portrayals is of course the moving climax of Fazil’s “Kaadhalukku Mariayadhai”.

Prakash Raj:

He could be the much sought after baddie in South India, but he is an incredible actor. He made a stunning debut as the unapologetic husband who tries to woo his wife’s sister in “Aasai”. “Azhagiya Theeyae” showcases him as a lovable gentleman. Be it the witty funny and damn cool friend in “Mozhi” or the funny villain of “Gilli”, his portrayals are believable and enjoyable. It is unfortunate that he is being type-casted as nasty villains in innumerable films. Wait for “Santhosh Subramaniam” to watch an absolutely fantastic father.

Naaser:

He is one of the most underrated actors of Tamil cinema. That he continuously played some good roles in Kamal’s movies stands a testimony for his acting skills. His debut as a stiff and responsible cop in Mani Ratnam’s “Nayagan” was well noted. His deadly “Maayandi” in “Devar Magan” is memorable. He has got a great timing for comedy which was evident in “Avvai Shanmugi” and “Magalir Mattum”. One of my personal favorites is the adamant father in “Bombay”. Not to forget the possessive husband in “Pavithra”, Nasser has done aplenty of real supporting roles.

Raghuvaran:

Though mostly established as a deadly villain, Raghuvaran was a storehouse of potential. He could easily get away with any role, the selfish son in “Samsaaram adhu minsaaram”, the suspsicous husband in “Puriyaadha pudhir”, the father of an ill child in “Anjali” or the most popular villain of Rajini in “Baadshah”. His roles in “Poo vizhi vaasalilae” and “Bommu kutti ammaavukku” (both by Fazil) were enjoyable. My most favourites are the brother who reserves unconditional love to his sister in “Parthen Rasithen”, and the sweet brother in law of “Run”. His other notable works are “Amarkalam”, “KannukkuL nilavu” and “Mudhalvan”.

Saranya:

The youngest of the lot, Saranya is the latest addition to the pool of supporting actors. Though it is too early to praise her, she had done some commendable job in the three years. She has won the Filmfare for the best supporting actor, continuously for the past three years. Undoubtedly, the affectionate mother of the enigmatic son in “Ram” is her best till date. Though female supporting actors are strictly restricted to mother roles, she was able to give an interesting contrast to her portrayals in “Ram”,”Thavamaai thavamirundu”, and “Emdan Magan”. She was the USP of the climax in this year’s surprise hit “Pidichirukku”. Definitely, a promising actor.