"Baasha Paadhi, Sivaji Paadhi kalandhu seidha kalavai naan" screams Vettaikaran. Some novelty in the story or screenplay could have indeed earmarked a new beginning for Vijay, but alas, the movie makes Perarasu look like James Cameron.
It was a first day outing for me with my friends, and we were forced to straddle in queues to finally land tickets for the same. After all the hoopla, we settled in less-than-cozy seats. That was ok, in tune with our deplorable propensities for mass-oriented movies. Bats flying in the theatre, people screaming, papers thrown set the tone. We were all revved up. Over to the movie, friends. The beginning frames a certain police officer who an ambitious young fellow wants to emulate. And surprise of surprise, the young lad is none other than Vijay himself! Now, what was I expecting in a Vijay movie? (rhetorical) Whistles flew. We went berserk. People screamed. Nevertheless, Vijay's entry was usurped from Pokkiri sans the flying vegetables. And after that, It is Vijay all the way. The film holds a fair amount of promise in the first half, but shockingly, fails to build up on the same momentum in the second and proves irritable.
Vijay (hold your breath!) is a 12th standard yet-to-pass student awaiting his results for the fourth time. And although unsurprising for the audience, he clears his papers this time. In view of his ambitions of becoming a police officer in the lines of a certain Devaraj(Srihari), he goes to Chennai. He meets his lady love Anushka on the way, and loses his kidney...sorry, heart to her. Sukumari and Vijay form a potent combination and bring relief with few comic exchanges. Vijay (Police Ravi) befriends Uma (Sanchita Padukone), a zombie who rents her father's auto for him to earn while he learns. Soon after, The zombie Uma is abused by Chella (Ravishankar), a local goon (Truly beats me as to why the zombie was abused!) Vijay goes to teach him a lesson, and the stunts are commendable. Vijay later realises that the goon is a son of a greater goon, Vedanayagam (Salim Ghouse) who makes a return to Tamil films. What happens after is left to anyone's guess, and does not require intellect. The second half sparks to life, although fizzes out as soon as it sparks (like the "kuruvi vedi", pun intended).
The Vijay-Anushka combo looks good on screen, and the songs are refreshing to an otherwise sombre venture. A little spice in the storyline could have worked wonders for the Ilayathalapathi ,who surprisingly, chooses to toe the same line, yet again, and again, and again.
Guffaws:
Vijay's character of a 12th standard student. Reminds me of a certain Satyaraj comedy, from 0:41 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zdo3HrmNoEg
Points to look for:
Exchanges between Vijay and Sukumari
Indubitable color xerox of Baasha, Sivaji, Pokkiri, etc. in the movie. More marks for guessing more films.
Character Suicide of Salim Ghouse. Why was he in the movie in the first place? He made Vijay look like an acting genius.
When Vijay sings 'Thaai pechai miradhe' in the opening song, skimpily clad women dancers (thaaikulam) are around him. How hypocritical!
Throw the zombie outta the movie!
I really am lost with words to review this movie. Watch it for the songs and the first half. Period.
P.S: At you own risk
