Frederick Forsyth's The Day of the jackal is one of the best thrillers I have read. The success of the novel is so huge and its influence is such that it inspired many even in the real world, like the one who assassinated Yitzhak Rabin then Israel Prime Minister.The protoganist of the novel is its villain Jackal- a well etched character.He is presented as a thorough professional, somewhat like a superhero. Detective Claude Lebel, though kills the jackal is somewhat a side character.
And the movie august 1 based on the novel was also a gripping tale.There were many modifications from the novel-Perumal became the central character. However the assassin also had an equal importance and it was brilliantly portrayed by Captain Raju- This one is one of the best villains in malayalam cinema.Even sukumaran who played chief minister had a really shining role.
Now cut back to 2011. August 15 is Perumal's show all the way; CM is nothing - not even comparable to original- and the straight on your face scenes that glorify cm and party secretary are completely spoiling the tempo of the movie. And the villain, though is good is just a shadow of the original.
There were many loopholes and I never got a feeling that this guy can kill the chief minister
And now about Perumal-IMO, He is the only character in the movie that was as good as the one in the original.
But the balance provided to him by other characters is not there.
In summary, the movie is average to me.
I think for those who havent seen august1 or read the novel, it will be good.For others, it will be a one time watch- an escape from the crap action movies playing around.
