surprisingly effective drama that is well-made with performances that hold our attention. Yes, much of the film's emotional impact comes from the writing, which it owes to the Korean film (this is largely a slavish adaptation), but the filmmaking is also solid enough. Barring a duet in the second half, between Durai and Thilaka (Samyuktha Hegde), which is tonally off from the rest of the film (the romance angle is one of the film's few letdowns), Harikumar refrains from adding unnecessary commercial elements. This focus helps in keeping us hooked. Prabhudeva is impressive as the silent but violent Durai, and Eswari Rao is very good as the mother. The scenes between the two actors are affecting enough, and also have an air of mystery around them as the director keeps us in suspense about the mother.