True story of kidnapping in Darfur inspires Bala’s debut
INTRODUCTION
BHARATH Bala was chosen to direct The 19th Step, an Indo-Japanese production co-produced by Disney and which was to have used Kamalhassan as writer and the lead actor — but the film was shelved shortly after it was announced. Mariyaan marks Bala’s debut as a director of a fulllength feature film.
He was intrigued by the true story of three Tamil Nadu fishermen who were working on contract in Darfur in Sudan when they were kidnapped and taken hostage by mercenaries.
Bala personally interviewed the fishermen and was inspired to make a film based on their experiences.
Mariyaan features Dhanush opposite award-winning actress Parvathy (of Poo fame).
It was filmed on location in south India and in Liberia and Namibia, where the desert conditions of Darfur were simulated.
Marc Koninckx, a Belgian cinematographer who has worked with directors such as Roman Polanski and Lawrence Kasdan, makes his Indian cinema debut in this film.
SYNOPSIS
MARIYAAN Joseph (Dhanush) is a simple man who lives for the sea. Panimalar (Parvathy) is attracted to him and he is initially not interested, but love slowly blossoms between them. Mariyaan eventually leaves the sea to go and work in Sudan. He is one of the three workers captured by Sudanese rebels while the workers are on their way home to India.
PERFORMANCES
DHANUSH is at his sizzling best as he goes through a range of emotions with electrifying realism. Refusing to be outdone, Parvathy matches his intensity in a role that must surely count as one of the best performances by an Indian actress in a long time.
Appukutty and Jagan are also very strong in supporting roles.
DIRECTION
BALA has succeeded in making a film that tells an engaging and moving story of how love can inspire and overcome.
CINEMATOGRAPHY
KONINCKX’s cinematography is reason enough to see the film. Mariyaan contains some of the most breathtaking shots seen in world cinema. Koninckx also impresses with his brilliant use of colour. He could certainly teach aspirant cinematographers a lesson or two.
SCREENPLAY & SCRIPTING
BALA has used a simple story but the way the characters develop ensures a gripping narrative. The second half of the film is a tad longer than it might have been but it is nevertheless the more powerful part.
MUSIC THE music and background score are AR Rahman’s best of late and the songs match the visuals. The score captures the subtle nuances of the actors’ every emotion while remaining unobtrusive.
OVERALL
MARIYAAN is world-class entertainment with superb performances and a great script.