Billa

First of all, I've got to say Ajith Kumar's acting was top-notch. Frankly, among other's from Amitabh, Rajni, SRK, Prabhas, Ajith has given the best version of Don.

The cool, suave, yet menacing as well as electrifying personality which was carried practically by Ajith throughout the film.

His definition of style made Sharukh looks like a joke. Ajith's good looks, style, restrained acting, easily makes SRK pale in comparison.

Most peoples that bad-mouth the film are SRK fans that simply felt threatened over Ajith's astounding acting performance.

Yeah, truly. What does Bollywood guys do? They attempt to act, called it as acting, trash.

Here, in Kollywood, pure talents are ruling the roost. Ajith Kumar is one. A gem.

Vishnuvardhan's Billa is the remake of the yesteryear blockbuster Billa which starred Rajini in the lead role. The yesteryear version was made as a stylish gangster film and just like that version, Vishnuvardhan made the film a notch higher by making it abroad. The film is touted to be the most stylish film ever made in Tamil Cinema at the time of the release. Billa seems to be a well-packaged action thriller and the quality of the film is another factor to pull the audience to watch the film. In this version, we have Ajith playing the dual roles effortlessly with his stylish mannerisms. It's right to say that Billa is the right film at the right time of his career. Ajith needed a strong film to revive his career after a strike of failures and Billa seems to be the film that has the perfect elements to work for his larger-than-life star image. Ajith shows so much versatility with his acting prowess in the two roles showing remarkable distinctions. If David Billa is stylish then as Velu, he is an entertainer. I simply loved the scenes which feature Ajith and Prabhu in the latter half after David Billa's death. Billa has a strong star cast and each and every one of them has at least something to do. Nayanthara has a backstory whereas Namitha is Billa's girlfriend. Rahman plays a pivotal role while Prabhu is another strong supporting actor in the film. Well, speaking about Nayanthara, she has taken a bold decision in acting in this film which doesn't have the conventional love track but instead a much different purpose. Nayanthara hasn't done a role that is out of her comfort zone until Billa happened. On the other side, Prabhu shines pretty much with his given role. Billa becomes much more special for its brilliant cinematography by Nirav Shah and the evergreen musical score by Yuvan Shankar Raja. Developing more on the musical side, Yuvan Shankar Raja's background score is a major pillar of strength in this stylish action film. As a filmmaker, Vishnuvardhan has perfectly made the film while giving the right importance to the original content and presenting it on a much grand scale. Vishnuvardhan doesn't rely much on the usual commercial format despite having some of the trademark elements to create the momentum for Ajith's star image. It's true that Billa is a film that celebrates a star because the film depends on his larger-than-life image. Vishnuvardhan has played a huge part in transforming Ajith in this film. Well, compared to his previous films, Ajith looked way more stylish and smart in this film and Vishnuvardhan has made it tailor-made for Ajith which works big time. Another important factor in Billa is that there are fewer dialogues and much more actions which keep the film engaged and tighter. Despite being a strong film, Billa doesn't have connectivity with the audience because the Hollywood style treatment distances them from the film. The climax seems to be rushed a bit which could have been much better. Overall, Billa is definitely one of the most stylish films ever made in Tamil Cinema.

I saw this movie for Vishnu Vardan without any expectations. And, I honestly couldn't believe it saying myself. It's a good movie, though could have made better. I am still trying to figure out if it is really Ajith's movie. Usually, his movies sucks. This movie is by far his best works. The director had tried to make this movie in Hollywood style, I guess. This movie has no romance and no comedy. A complete action packed thriller, it is. I feel there are three unnecessary songs. They could have been avoided though. Then it might have been better.

For others who couldn't accept this movie, don't compare it with the old Billa. I haven't seen the old one and honestly, I don't plan to as Rajini Kanth is the worst actor. He's all about style. You guys accept whatever Rajini Kanth does, but you can't this remake ? Honestly, if you can accept Rajini Kanth to come back alive from his death then, this movie is 10 times far better.

The costume of Nayantara is the costume of Tom Rider. Some of the stunts are copied from here and there. The theme song is really good. The director succeeded in keeping the suspense till the end. The movie was gripping but not up to Hollywood standard.

Maybe in the future good movies might come. I still couldn't believe that this is really Ajith's movie.

My vote, 6.4/10

This movie is fast-paced and entertaining. I was surprised that this action movie was clean, sharp and really worth watching. Most of the time the Tamil fighting scenes are very long and irritating.

On a positive note, Ajith Kumar's performance is outstanding and I'm glad he tried something different. But, he did not really seem to enjoy playing this character as much as Shahrukh Khan did in Don. I wish Ajith gave the character just a little bit more personality but other than that he was excellent. Nayantara was not bad. This is the first time I have seen her in an action movie and I think she did a pretty good job although she did not get a lot of screen time. All the other supporting actors and actresses really held this movie together and I think they did a really nice job.

The story line is only problem. The script is very similar to the Hindi version at the beginning of the movie and lost the sparkle. However in the end, the movie was nicely tied up and surprising.

The songs are okay. There were nicely spaced out through out the movie. The theme song played throughout the movie is catchy and so is "My name is Billa."

Overall, I was expecting a bit more originality even though it is remake of Don and Billa. There should have been just a few more unexpected twists to really hold on the viewer's interest.

I rate this movie 7/10.

The movie has too many flaws and just too much style for style's sake. The director focus on presentation aspects seems to have had its effect on the story and plot.

Ajith looks good but thats hardly enough for a good action movie. Nayanthara attempts a macho look which does suit her at times but Namitha is an embarrassment.

There are a few positives though, a few daring stunts were well done and the costumes have been carefully chosen. But the movie fails to build on its solid base. This could have been a modern version of a compelling classic but for Billa's fans this was a disappointment.