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Released in 2016, 24, directed by Vikram Kumar and starring Suriya in multiple roles, is a remarkable blend of science fiction and drama in Tamil cinema. At its core, the movie revolves around the concept of time travel, familial conflicts, and the universal battle between good and evil. This essay analyzes the script of 24, exploring its strengths, weaknesses, and its innovative approach to storytelling.
Introduction to the Premise
The movie is built around an intriguing concept—what if time could be controlled? The narrative is driven by a fantastical yet plausible scientific device called the watch, invented by Dr. Sethuraman (Suriya). This device allows its wearer to manipulate time by traveling into the past or the future. The script hooks the audience from the very beginning with an intense prologue that sets up the conflict: Sethuraman’s invention threatens to fall into the hands of his evil twin brother, Athreya (also played by Suriya). Athreya's greed and ambition for power become the driving force behind the conflict.
Characterization and Duality
One of the strongest aspects of the script is its treatment of characters. Suriya takes on three distinct roles: Sethuraman, Athreya, and Mani, the protagonist who is Sethuraman's son. The script gives each character depth and personality. Sethuraman is depicted as a dedicated scientist with noble intentions, while Athreya is a ruthless antagonist driven by vengeance and greed. Mani, the light-hearted and resourceful protagonist, provides emotional relief and serves as the anchor of the story.
The duality between Sethuraman and Athreya is central to the script. The stark contrast in their personalities creates compelling tension, and the screenplay cleverly exploits their familial ties to heighten the emotional stakes.
Time Travel: A Narrative Tool
The concept of time travel is integral to the plot. Vikram Kumar’s script excels in using time travel not just as a gimmick but as a meaningful narrative device. The watch enables Mani to confront Athreya and uncover the truth about his parents’ tragic past. The script seamlessly blends science fiction with emotional drama, ensuring that the scientific aspects of the story remain accessible to the audience. The rules of time travel are explained with simplicity, avoiding unnecessary jargon, which allows the focus to remain on the characters and their journey.
Pacing and Story Structure
The screenplay is well-structured, with a three-act format that maintains a balance between action, emotion, and intrigue. The first act sets up the characters and the stakes effectively, drawing the audience into the world of 24. The second act delves into Mani’s discovery of the watch and his confrontation with Athreya, while the third act ties up loose ends with a climactic showdown.
The pacing, however, is uneven at times. While the first half is gripping, the second half occasionally lags due to predictable romantic and comedic elements. The romantic subplot involving Mani and Sathya (played by Samantha Ruth Prabhu) is charming but feels somewhat disconnected from the main storyline.
Conclusion
The script of 24 is a testament to the evolving landscape of Tamil cinema, where innovative storytelling and ambitious concepts are gaining prominence. Vikram Kumar’s ability to blend science fiction with human emotion makes 24 a memorable cinematic experience. While not flawless, the movie’s script is a bold attempt to push the boundaries of conventional storytelling, making it a significant milestone in Indian cinema.
VIDEO CHAPTERS:
0:00 INTRODUCTION
0:58 INDIAN 2 - 2ND HALF REWRITE?
3:10 24 MOVIE ANALYSIS AND BREAKDOWN
3:19 24 TITLE ANIMATION
3:50 WEAK PLOT DEVICE - EAGLE
5:09 24 FLASHBACK PORTIONS
6:08 WEAK MOTIVE OF ATHREYA CHARACTER
8:05 BEST CHARACTER OF 24 MOVIE
9:27 U CERTIFICATE FOR 24 MOVIE?
10:22 24 MOVIE DELETED SCENE
10:50 24 WATCH UPGRADE
11:34 HOLLYWOOD LEVEL CGI AND VFX IN 24
12:39 EAGLE CGI WASTED
13:34 24 MOVIE MUSIC APPRECIATION
14:25 IRRITATING DIALOGUE
14:50 MITHRAN CHARACTER OF 24 MOVIE
15:20 SARANYA CHARACTER WRITING
15:55 24 MOVIE FORESHADOW SCENE
16:30 CONCLUSION