Papanasam doesn’t deviate from the original structure but there is a conscious effort to explain the strategy of Drishyam’s understated intelligence. The ploy more or less works because the events look convincingly premeditated in context of the alibi and as a result the characters better fleshed out.

The film may be in Tamil but is likely to appeal equally to the Hindi cinegoer. Papanasam is a great reminder of why we go to the movies: to be entertained and stay emotionally engaged.Regional language should not keep you away, irrespective of upcoming Hindi remake, Drishyam.

Jeethu Jospeh’s taut and convincing writing makes this a nail-biting thriller! But what will eventually make you take notice of this film is Kamal Haasan’s superb performance. He makes subtlety look intense! Don’t miss it! A brilliant gem like this doesn’t occur in cinema often.

Future film scholars are going to tie themselves up in knots about who is better, which approach is better, but for now, let’s just say Kamal Haasan is terrific. And it’s terrific to see him play a ‘normal’ part, something that doesn’t ask you to view it through special Subtext Revealing Glasses. As fun as that is, sometimes, more of this, please.

‘Papanasam’ is a faithful, if not better remake. It’s an exhilarating cocktail of family, emotions, crime and redemption. It’s not a whodunit or a ‘howdunit’ because we know both. It places the viewer in a moral dilemma. Jeethu Joseph’s watertight script would have got a nod of approval from Hitchcock. He may have found the filial sentiments silly but that’s Jeethu’s masterstroke.

Papanasam is a gripping tale that is unpredictable and ultimately leaves you stumped.

Don’t miss it

We live in an age where family-oriented movies are hardly on display and very rarely a selling commodity. But once in a while, there comes out a torch-bearer of a movie that reminds everyone that you do not need a hero with six-pack abs or skimpily-clad heroines to define a winning formula -Papanasam is one such wonder, a complete family entertainer made with loads of passion! Now that’s enough reason not to miss this impressive movie!