User reviews

"I" : How I felt Shanker's magnum opus I starring Vikram is huge, but doesn't reach the expected levels of hype.

I was obviously the most-awaited movie of the year, I was damn waiting for this flick since the teaser release months ago. The main elements of expectations were Shanker and Vikram, for the former's history of great flicks and the latter's talent and dedication. Rahman's music, P.C.Sreeram's frames everything was a matter of hype.... when I heard about Suresh Gopi's presence my level of expectations increased. Being a great movie lover, I was unable to resist myself from watching the movie the first day itself.

Now,coming to the experience of the magnum opus,

the story of the movie is told in two time lines, one is that of a hunchback man who kidnaps a supermodel from her wedding and the other, is his past with her. All together, the movie draws a sketch over the life of a gym master-turned- model, Ligeshwar aka Lee.

Initially, Director Shankar pushes the viewer into a forest of thrill called "I". As the viewer proceeds, he finds it interesting and wonderful, the visuals and colors mesmerizes the viewer, but, as the viewer reaches a stage of Shanker's magnum opus forest, the roads become clearer, it becomes no more a forest, the viewer one who is able to recollect one dialoge of the first stages, find the forest nothing but a projection of huge trees and a single beast called Vikram. Finally, when the movie ends, the viewer realizes that, the 'so called' troubling paths of forest were just usual roads and the forest is usual except for some visually appealing elements, action sequences and that heavy beast called Vikram.

Yes, what you have read is correct. Shanker fails to meet expectations. I do accept that "I" is a visual wonder and treat for eyes, one can easily go crazy for those action sequences and compelling background score. Shanker really requires applause for the heights of technical brilliance he has achieved, but only visuals can't appeal the viewer, there should be a solid script which makes the viewer engaging. Yes, he keeps us engaged, takes to some level of expectation and what he delivered in pen-ultimate sequences is inside the circle of imagination, anyone could easily predict the movie as it precedes further. Had there was something which is out of the box, "I" would have been a mile-stone. It may satisfy a viewer who has normal expectations, but I am not satisfied to the core. But certain elements made "I" enterprising. The supreme of them is the jaw-dropping performance of Vikram. What an actor man...!!! How can a person expose so much dedication and hard work...! Had he committed a slight mistake, I would have been an epic failure, but he makes it stand. His transformation of characters require special applause, from start to end, it is Vikram show. 'Lee' was so effective only due to his versatility in acting and perfection in body language. The next factor is Shanker's making. Even though the scripting failed, his making was awesome. Each frame had novelty. Presented the average script in an engaging manner. Took the visuals to another level of experience. Next is undoubtedly, the maestro's music, AR Rahman's music was of top class, offered life to the movie. That BGM of main villain was terrific PC Sreeram's frames offered treat to eyes. Colouring effects were wonderful. Certain shots had an international outlook. ANL Arasu's action sequences were of great excellence, had a world class touch in it. Weta-Workshop made the make up works look damn realistic. Kudos to their work. A mixture of all these fore told elements offered a visual wonder but script still remained average.

Coming to the performances of others, Amy Jackson had a role of good importance unlike the hero-oriented flicks of these days. She was beautiful and sexy...filled the space of beauty quotient. Did her part well. Remarkable performance was from Suresh Gopi, did his job with utmost perfection. Upen Patel's negative role was impressive, where, Santhanam took charge over the comedy track. The other characters too did their part well.

Art direction too requires applause, that advertisement song (Aila Aila) was creativity brilliant and Beast song (Ennod Nee Irunthaal) had great visual excellence.

The movie had a brilliant technical crew, which require special applause for the visual experience.

Mind blowing Vikram, Stylish Making, Top Class Action sequences and wonderful visuals, altogether makes "I" huge,which makes the viewer engaging but lags behind only due to not-that- compelling script.

Kudos to Vikram again....you are a great actor....really great :)

My Rating: 7/10 Go for it, Vikram's performance is enough to make your money worth.

_Sooraj Pattazy

I usually do not write reviews on IMDb. But i have to make an exception to this movie. This is the one hell of a epic movie i have watched till date. Starting from the beginning to the end, the movie takes you on a roller-coaster ride.

I do not have words to explain Vikram. He proved once again that he is not just a great actor, but also a hard worker too.

AR Rehman music is a real treat. Trust me, you will loose yourself listening to music.

Apart from vikram, every other co actors did their job well.

Overall this movie is best one to watch this weekend. If you got time to spend and willing to watch a movie, then go on and book your seats before someone steels yours.

Right from the announcement of the project "I", the expectations went to sky high as Shankar and Vikram joined hands for the second time after the blockbuster "Anniyan". The film had close to three years of hard work with lots of effort especially from the "Man of Steel" Vikram; His hard work and dedication went on to become the trending topic in all social networking sites; When Arnold came to the Audio launch, it added one more peak for the expectation; Does it really meet with the expectations? It is all about this review.

Plot:- This is really a simple plot; This is a revenge story of a wounded lover, who was injected with a virus called "I" and turned from Beauty to Beast. This is an outdated love-revenge story and it is surprising that Shankar went on to make it into a Magnus Opus project. Vikram as Lee/Lingesan loves Diya(Amy) and after he was brutally affected by "I" he takes revenge on his enemies; Will he succeed in his mission? Will he win his love interest? How can he come back to normal? Go and watch "I" to unfold the answers.

Performances: - Vikram as Lingesan/Lee is the soul of the film; His dedication and hard work are evident in each and every frame of the film; He looks dashing as Lee, the model; Amy, Ram kumar, Santhanam, Suresh gopi and many more has their moments in the film; The fight sequence in the Gym is outstanding; Song visuals are stunning and adds feather to PC Sreeram; Music album is good and has some hummable numbers by ARRahman. The film is very rich and a pleasant to watch its visuals as it is so colorful; Art Direction needs a special mention as it has reached another level in Indian cinema; Santhanam's comedy is laughable at places; Vikram as Hunchback character needs a special mention.

Negatives:- There are a lot to say; The story is very weak; This is not worthy enough for making it into a big budget film; Many of the sequences are predictable especially the characterization of Suresh Gopi; The narration between two stories with a blood circulation sequence CG is as similar as the transformation part in "Anniyan"; The way Hunchback vikram takes revenge on Ram Kumar with Honey bees is as similar as "Anniyan" when he kills factory owner with insects . The dialogues are too lousy except "Athukkum Mela"; It shows the importance of Sujatha in Shankar's films; BGM is really a letdown; It seems like ARR has scored this music unwillingly; Cycle fight sequence is logicless and Vikram's dupe is very evident; Train sequence and Transgender portions are really horrible to watch; How can a man with Hunchback can jump, run, chase and switch from carriage to carriage having a well fitted body builder? Shankar has really failed in this part; Powerstar should have been avoided; The mention about the virus "I" (H4N2) is delivered in very few places.

Bottomline: Even Homer nods and Shankar is not an Exception. Shankar's movies are always expected a lot because he is capable of it; How can we digest when India's best Director finds a fall in his career! I, as a fan of Shankar hope that He will come back stronger soon.

Verdict:- Vikram deserves a standing ovation but the film doesn't.

The film is worth the 3 years wait. If this movie can be compared to a painting, Vikram is the paper, paint and brush with which Shankar has drawn this picture.

P.C.Sreeram and A.R.R have done a great job but it is one and only Vikram who stands as the man of the movie, he has given all his to give life to Shankar's storyline.

The story does seem predictable at times but still makes the audience thrilled with its grandeur and extravagant visuals. Picture perfect movie with a perfect acting by Vikram

Amy Jackson has done a pretty fair job compared against the young bunch of leading ladies in Tamil film industry.

Santhanam's one liners makes the audience burst into laughs every time he appears on screen.

9/10 for movie but 10/10 for Vikram's acting

👍'I' Review- watched it with very high expectations but film disappointed me.expected something unexpected from Shankar like Robot but movie was not up to the mark.long runtime of 3 hrs 8 min made it boring.all the visual effects shown in the trailer were only in 1 song,no more effects in film.Vikram was awesome in his role and he made the movie little bit more watchable.Amy Jackson was superb.other actors were good.the only MSG from the movie is that Ugliness cant stop the true love thats it,nothing much.its only and only 1 time watch that too for Vikram.this happens rarely that a lead actor stealing the show instead of director like Shankar.

I movie comes with Romantic Thriller action movie

Director Shankar comes love story with revenge based one. Colorful picturization & cinematography graphics.

Screenplay comes with Vikram bodybuilder whose only goal in life is become Mr. India and how his life change path to model / love with Amy/ hunchback character.

Chiyaan Vikram proved nobody can match him when comes to performance. Redefines acting and dedication for role. Hats off to his acting . Hunchback role was really touching

Amy is at her hottest best. Perfect choice for the role.. Really did well performance.. Superb.. Movie moves around her only.

Santhanam Comedy rocks simply first half and last part of movie

Suresh Gopi did simply good with positive / negative character.

Ramkumar Ganesan (Actor Prabhu bro), debut in this movie.. Comes as a business man, nice attempt.

Upen Patel also did well.

Ojas M. Rajani role was nice..

Power star just a guest role - Just value add

Cinematography P. C. Sreeram was really visual treat.. Sema... (shots in China was Good)

Edited by Llewellyn Anthony Gonsalves was good..

Brilliant fights too..

Music by A.R was simply superb....("Mersalaayitten" - Awesome one and "Ennodu Nee Irundhaal" ).. BGM was Good..

Plus:

Vikram Acting (Hunchback role - Awesome)

Shankar Screen play

AR Music

Amy performance

Santhanam Comedy

Cinematography

Minus:

In between First half will feel slow / bore ( for 15 min)

Shall be Value added in story.

Some may feel Movie lengthy.

Verdict : Don't Miss the movie. Should see for Hunchback role.

'I' saw the movie U don't miss the 'I'.

Score : 4.25 /5

Unique style is none other than spending money.

"i" released with lot of expectation. More than 2yrs in making and "i" is definitely a hard work.

Plot - Mr.Tamilnadu, handsome model and ugly hero seeking for revenge.

Vikram-Shankar made another grand combo here. Vikram hard work also not failed. Glamorous Amy is good. Stunt sequence among body builders is one of the best action in recent time. As usual Indian kings A.R.Rahman & P.C.Sreeram made a fantastic job. Other actors Suresh Gopi, Upen Patel, Ramkumar Ganesan does not make any impression. While Santhanam had a little extended role form his comic role which made all as much boring. With a predictable plot running time 189mins seems to be lengthy.

Verdict: Even though movie doesn't have any strong content, budget invested is damm too high.

The movie shows hero in three different views for the same role and the action sequences are out of imaginations.the screenplay of this movie makes the audience more interesting till the end of the movie.Hero of the movie has dedicated his soul to this movie reformed his body to suit for the role according to the situation.This movie convets a hidden message to us about present scenario of jealous world who cannot digest the one's own success in any field.Hat's off to the Director Shankara for such a wonderful story,taking,visuals reached Hollywood standards up to the mark. Million dollar worth watching movie.Pls watch this movie in theater as the I movie songs and few scenes are Eye feasting to us.

I watched this movie after I saw reviews on net, but still i had some confidence on Shankar that there would be surely some good point in the movie. After I watched the movie, i really disappointed and felt waste of money.

Coming to movie, I didn't find any interesting point in this movie expect vikram's performance.First half was bored with uninterested scenes. Second half also bored with predictable scenes. Some scenes miss logic. In addition to many boring and routines scenes, length of movie is another weakness.

Finally I feel this is not a family entertainer but movie lovers may watch it if they want find why I movie is not up to the mark.

I don't want to reveal anything about the story, but the genre of this flick is most important for you to know before you enter the theatre. It's a Romantic Thriller with fantasy elements. Vikram is the show stealer. He's just out of the world. His action in each and every frame, will keep you all spellbound, especially the hunch-back characters' sequence. And the film, from the first frame till the last, runs on a very very clever screenplay, which I haven't seen in any of Shankar's previous flicks. The Cinematography is outstanding. And P C sir once again proved that he is the King of Cinematographers in India. No wonder why the film production cost so much,the art- work and the sets they solely put up for Songs would give you the answer! Splendid art direction. This films' OST will remain as career best for A R Rahman. Upen Patel was good. Santhanam was hilarious. Amy Jackson was good with her acting skills. She was literally an 'I' candy all through the film. The amount of 'A' rated content should have been controlled by Shanker sir. The length of the film and few scenes might seem lagging, but the crews' 3 years of hard work overpowers it. The best parts being the whole China sequences, Upen-Vikrams fight sequence and Hunchbacks' emotional scenes. This 'I' will remain as a unique film in Shankar's career, not many are made in such a way. Before you get in the theatre, do not have any expectations and watch the film with a lot of patience and I would assure you that you'd leave the theatre with a smile on your face and most likely, a bit teary-eyed as well. And for people with less patience, I would suggest them to avoid this flick.

A romantic thriller genre movie but has no thick plot and predictable at every turn. The stunning visuals and the physical transformation shown by Vikram stands out in the movie. Shankar is quiet good at making masala movies and justifies his budget by having a story that usually justifies it. But this movie misses many elements and verge of being called as boring. There are many scenes which could have been made better with better thinking. If Shankar needs a template, he can check out the movies of Murugadoss or K.V. Anand. The movie is too long and the Chinese scenes doesn't really fit in to the storyline. The efforts of the technicians and artists deserved a much better screenplay, which sadly isn't there.

HONEST REVIEW - On Jan 14th 2015 (Pongal), I went to see the Shankar's vision ! I was shocked to see that this movie came out very well in Hollywood style. This is the costliest movie ever in Indian Cinema (approx. Rs. 185cr) The Graphics, VFX, WETA Workshop make up and all other effects of the movie remains the best in Indian Cinema. IF this movie was released in Hollywood , I'm sure " I " would come up in to Top 10 list. This films basic plot was not inspired from any films and was unique in shankar style. The movie shows the message about "Beauty" & "Ugly". The Actor Vikram - Hats off for doing such a big role and spending 3 years for this movie of 3 hours. As always Shankar's Songs and the Picturisation for it remains the best in Indian cinema and so for the Movie "I" ; Oscar AR Rahman's music and Shankar's Picturization doesn't make us to take our eyes off screen for a second. The movie has taken with a lot of perfection, Can't find a single mistake. The three different roles of the movie - Body Builder, Model & Hunchback Character - an actor like vikram can do something like this and he handled it very well. I'm sure no one would want to miss this movie if you have seen the Trailer. The movie gets standing ovation and audience sits there and watch even the end title card (credits). I recommend one to watch this film and experience the next level of Indian cinemas in Shankar Style. Negatives of the Movie - Only a few scenes at the first half makes us feel down a bit , but that was to build up a basic plot for the movie and shankar has handled it well. EXCELLENT & Brilliant Film . AWESOME EFFORT by Actor Vikram . Super model Amy Jackson is hot. FANTASTIC MOVIE 10/10 for this NEW Indian cinema different Experience !!!

Another South Indian Movie that proves they are better than Bollywood and their thinking is so far better from any other regional movies in India. "I" as the movie starts it always revolves two story at a time which brings a great combination for super duper ending. Once again Vikram's Act is sensational in this movie his act represent a great mix up of comedy, action, thrill & emotion. It's also a must watch movie to whom who believe in true love. Apart from action scene there is lot's of emotional scene that can make your heart cry while watching this Movie. Overall a great Movie everyone should watch "I" it is the movie of the decade in my opinion i am now big fan of Vikram's Act and obviously Hats off for Director Shankar.

A Indian Movie which will remain special in terms of its dedication towards it.. Indeed it is Shankar's dream project and he proved it. In every sense a person can enjoy this film.on this review i will be very short to rate this movie as i enjoyed. Direction: 8/10

Story:7/10(Well my expectation were a bit more.but they have given a fair and appealing story..Script is lagging in some places)

Performance of the cast: 9/10

Vikram-10/10(No words to explain!)

Amy-8/10(She has done decent performance.and her beauty can be seen in every frame)

Suresh Gopi,Santhanam,Ramkumar Ganesan-8/10(Comedy from santhanam is just okay..)

Upen Patel-7/10(good but there can be made improvement)

Music: 9/10 (All the songs are enjoyable through out the entire movie, with very good BGM support)

Cinematography,Film Editing,Art Direction: Superb!! PC Sreeram brings every beauty into the screen.. Film Editing is good.

Costume Design: This department must be given a special shake hands for their work.. Great Job Guys

Visual Effects,Special Effects: On terms of VFX this movie is outstanding..One of the best the South Indian Movie has every provided. BOOM!

Stunts& Action Sequences: Good. The stunts do have a south Indian touch to it.. Throwing Lifting.. But that does not mean its have failed. One of the highlighted part after watching this movie will be its action scenes.

The movie is too lengthy... 1st half is a bit lagging but 2nd half is well paced.

Overall:8/10

Go Watch 'I' Its A must Seen Movie Especially in Cinema Hall.. Watch it for its Music,Romance,Visual Treat & Action. Great Job!!!(To Entire 'I' Crew) Hoping that this review might help you.. Enjoy the Movie.

Prior to the release, the movie had immaculate hype for an "international quality" story line. Both from the director and the lead actor.

Vikram quoted this as his dream role and the best one he has done yet. The actor has put a lot of effort into the role, with not only the body transformations, but also with the incredible acting. But the real question is, was the story worth it? To me it's a NO!

Pithamagan, Sethu and Anniyan still stay to be the best of Vikram.

The story is something any 10 year old could guess.

STORY: A body builder and gym owner (Vikram) meets his crush, a TV model on a shooting set. Through a series of events Vikram is made to be a model by Amy. They eventually get into a relationship and become top models. Leading to jealousy and animosity, among the villains. There after it is a usual revenge story. Bad guy loses - good guy wins.

The movie has a lot of plot holes or should i say, factual errors. Mostly on the revenge methods.

MUSIC: AR Rahman fails in this one with his poor background score. No songs in the movie gets the fans dancing. But ARR saves his name with "Ennodu Nee Irundhaal" song, which is absolutely breath taking.

Cinematography: PC Shriram, nothing more to be said. The visuals from China are more than enough to show what the man is capable of. Brilliant.

Make UP & Art: Absolutely brilliant. 10/10.

In an interview Shankar, describes himself as "never disappoints". Sorry sir, but after watching films like Anniyan and Mudhalvan, you certainly did disappoint us.

The movie "I" is technically brilliant, but intellectually stupid.

A word to Shankar sir before your next movie, i understand your urge to take Indian cinema to the next level but please there is more to cinema than just graphics, it's called story and that is something you know better than any of us.

Please sir, we miss intelligent flicks like Mudhalvan and Anniyan.

Plus Vikram's performance and the struggle he had gone through in shaping himself for the roles is commendable and as he transforms there is a huge applause from the audience, Shankar's imagination is outstanding the way he has structured the scenes, visuals and emotions are brilliant. He has literally taken a character that everyone would hate for its look and transformed into something the audience would cheer for, Songs are pleasant to watch with Ennodu Nee Irundhaal being the epitome of all of them, Stunt choreography is done very well as with any other Shankar's movies. A R Rahman's score fits well for the story.

Minus The length of the movie, the drag in the portions shot in China

Overall very good movie go and watch it.

After watching Shankar's previous works I was pretty much excited about this movie. But after watching it I find that its an average movie with only glorification of its characters. The story is way too much predictable, and there is no thrill at all. It seems like director had poured all the money into making of songs, instead into the movie. Amy Jackson is just an eye candy here, she can't even act. Well other supporting actors were just fine. The movie could easily be shortened to 2.5 hrs, it is unnecessary stretched. While first half is all about love story, set in the colorful background and in second half, events became quite repetitive. Overall the only thing good in the movie is Chiyan Vikram. He literally lifted the whole movie onto his shoulder and done a phenomenal job here. So, in a nutshell if you are big fan of Chiyan Vikram, than go for it otherwise pass it on.

What happens when you wait almost a year for a movie and finally go to the theater, setting high expectations for it and all you get to see is a decade old love-revenge cliché cinema. Disappointment. Shankar is well known director in Tamil movie industry. His previous works such as Anniyan and Nanban were critically acclaimed and commercially successful. But 'I' clearly disappoints movie lovers. Let's start with the basic plot here.(possible spoiler alert) Protagonist(Played by Vikram), Lingesan, a deformed hunchback who was once a body builder and a handsome model, seeks revenge on the people who are responsible for ruining his life. Nothing new or innovative is here. And also Amy Jackson is there, playing the love interest of protagonist. And that's it. End of story. Direction was really dull and unimpressive, screen writing failed to keep the audience attached to the movie. Some of the few good things about the movie which makes it worth to watch are, * A R Rahman's mesmerizing music. * Vikram's acting and the effort he made to bring the character to life. * Cinematography. * Foreign locations captured beautifully into frames. If you are from south India, you will enjoy this movie despite it's many flaws, because it has so much "masala" for South Indian movie goers. Like fights, comedy and jokes only the South Indian people could understand, etc. But shankar could have made it into a better movie, when we are considering a budget of INR 1 billion and an acting talent like Vikram. My rating for the movie is 2.5 / 5.