Yes, I have watched the Malayalam version starring Mohanlal. The original was an amazingly twisted, adrenaline-rush and chase-laden film with fizz and grip, especially amazing due to Mohanlal's good performance. But within the broader swathe, the film was a tad overlong, and menacingly boring.
'Papanasam' is that unique film which is better than the original in every sense of the word. While it superbly stages the drama right from the beginning, it pays priceless details to the camerawork, which is all dazzle, but also all-appealing. Kamal Hassan makes the film work even more with his humor and expressive talents. The reason why I found this brilliant Tamil film absolutely better than the original version is its command on the storytelling which makes it an intellectually stimulating watch. But it has room for the relatability and emotional quotients, which I found missing in the Malayalam version as a whole.
You need to watch 'Papanasam' even if you have watched the Hindi version. It is a thrilling experience not to be missed. I'm going with 4 out of 5 for 'Papanasam'. It makes cultural sounds.

Over the years, numerous remakes has flooded the theatres but only a handful of them actually managed to do justice to the original. Invariably, a significant number of Malayalam movies has been remade such as "Kireedam", "Manichithrathazhu", "Traffic" etc...& the latest to join this group is Jeethu Joseph's blockbuster "Drishyam". It's already been made in other languages such as Kannada, Telugu with Hindi in the pipeline as well, but the Tamil version was helmed by Jeethu himself with Kamal Haasan in the title role. So will the remake appeal to the audience especially for the ones who have seen the original???

Since the storyline is pretty much known to everyone, I believe that I dont have to go into the details of it. Except for the names & places, the basic premise has remained faithful to the original. Suyambulingam (Kamal Haasan) was a hard working individual who led a contented life with his small close knit family. Inspite of having studied only till the 4th, he was a person who was well versed with the happenings around the world which was partly due to his avid love for movies. Things moved along serenely in his household, until an individual who seemed capable to wreak havoc in their lives announces his presence. How Suyambulingam rises upto that challenge forms the crux of the movie.

"Drishyam" is the biggest blockbuster of our industry (maybe "Premam" might overtake it) & the full credit for that goes to Jeethu Joseph. The reasons were pretty obvious as apart from impeccable execution he had penned that brilliant script as well. Even in "Papanasam", it is indeed applaudable that though the movie runs close to 3 hours, it never takes a toll on the audience as we are totally engrossed in it. If at all there was a significant difference between the two, it was with regard to the character of the protagonist as Lalettan seemed calculative and more restraint in his emotions while Kamal displayed more of an emotional side amply showcased in the climax sequence. All the technical aspects were impressive be it Sujith Vaassudev's visuals, Ghibran's music (though I felt Anil Johnson's original score & BGM were much better) & Ayoob's editing.

It's true that it's unfair to compare, but when it comes to remakes it's inevitable to be frank. If Lalettan had made Georgekutty memorable, in Tamil the mantle was on another legend Kamal Haasan & he has performed brilliantly. It wouldnt be prudent to accept the fact that we finally got to see the character rather than the star which had restricted his ability to showcase his acting skills in the recent past. Gowthami was average at best as she seemed kinda rusty & also it was a role which was tailor made for Meena. Coming to Nivedita Thomas, she seemed better than Ansiba while Esther didnt seem quite at ease here. As for the rest, Asha Sharath rocked while Kalabhavan Mani (I expected more from him as I personally feel he is more talented than Shajon), Anant Mahadevan etc have done a fine job.

Verdict: Undoubtedly, this is definitely one of the best movies that have come out in Tamil in recent times. Just like "Drishyam" was a landmark in Malayalam, I wouldn't be surprised if it's remake turns out to be one as well. In short, give it a try as its a well crafted remake. On a lighter note, though Jeethu rectified the flaw he made in the original with regard to the phone call; he forgot that "Anjaan" was released only on August 15th while Suyambulingam & family saw it 10 days earlier!!!

Rating: 3.75/5

Regards...Ben

The idea behind Papanasam is a cash cow from filmmaker Jeethu Joseph. While he cashed in on the original Malayalam film, which was terrific for a Malayali like me, he also dressed as the writer for the Telugu and Kannada remakes and will also be donning the same cap for the Hindi release.

Sparing you further insight about the makers, the film works mostly because of its village setting, a family drama, and the suspense that grips its viewer for most of the 160 minutes. There are lots of things to think about here, starting from the ethics that surrounds a crime.

It will highly appeal to the Tamil audience, but if you are one of that guy who has already watched the original version or one of its two remakes, chances are that you will definitely compare the films. And the comparison will let you down.

BOTTOM LINE: Papanasam is of course a brilliant thriller, and it will look amazing if and only if you have not watched the original Malayalam film and you have not read the book The Devotion of Suspect X.

VERDICT: 5 stars out of 10. Watchable.

Movie is Entirely Good. but it seems to only one logical mistake was happened i.e., Anjaan Movie was Released on 15th August. but in this movie specified as 2nd August.
however, my review rating of this movie is 3.5 out of 5.

The moment the Film is seen, the one thing that came to me is ...I missed an opportunity of living in the Villages when the Film was chiseled , never mind to be even a leg work man in serving the crew. 2. Each one of them lived the Character and the Movie is a Team work of known and unknown names. 3. I think, it is high time that Rule are to be re written to consider and include REMAKES also for award selection. 4. Scrpt is very power full. 5. Kamal's last scene action,....no words to express, possibly he is also a father of two girls , he gave his best. Sivaji Ganesan must have lived and seen this action of 240 seconds to appreciate. 6. In 1995 or so, Kamal said that Cinema is a junction of all performing art- as an extension, now the script, say that Cinema is a Language( IG was telling this at one stage of interrogation. 6. Above all Thanks to Malayalam Making style, not much of digital intervention not much of Zoom shots. after a long time, we have (we Tamil People) seen a Movie as a natural scenic Film . 7. Asha Sarath is the superior performance. Teenager Sree Raam , has a great future waiting. 8. Gautami performed in a responsible way and exhibited the highest level of matured mother of 2 girls.10. Nivetha Thomas' parents are privileged to have such a Girl . God bless. IN ALL THIS IS A FAMILY TEAM AND NOT A CREW OF FEATURE FILM . More such Economical Movies are welcome from Industry side.Each one of target audience are having some learning from this movie God Bless . Raghunath.

For all those who watched drishyam and want to compare this movie, please undo the thoughts before you hit the cinemas.. Jeethu is magical to render the same concept in Kamal's own way! Hats-off to him.
Pleasant background (where does these directors get the locations!!, stunning), Kamal-Gowthami pair back on-screen (love their DevarMagan), the subtle family drama, suspense filled 'what-next' screenplay.....

I bet, you'll forget stepping out to get your popcorn's & coke... And the climax, man! 'TRULY KAMAL'

Though the concept is sensitive, the movie depicts it from a family's eyes, so, you can just hit the cinemas with your whole family, without a pinch to hesitate...

Last to mention, but, not least.. Gowthami!! Welcome back & we are looking for such choice-fully selected movies from you... Don't make it 'yet another come back heroine :)'

Just an ordinary story which comes in our day to day life however while seeing them in screen with Kamalhasan it become as extradinary. Did not feel it as the film though after seeing the film in next second and just storing it as real life! You can find another one Kamal hasan awesome acting in very simple charecter.. Amazing and class performence from him.. Asha sarath and Kalabavan mani has also given good act..Must watch film with family ...

A good movie after a long time with full family entertainer by kamal sir suambu annachi

excellent movie after long years. kamal gouthami n others acting was awesome. real movie without any exaggeration keep it up graet work. hata off

It was a wonderful family entertainer and really wonderful acting by Kamal sir also Niveda thomas and very lovely to see Gowthami mam after a long time on the Big screen and she was cute as well.. waiting for one more entertainer like this!!

kamal and Gowthami hats off!!!