Mannan

This is not the first time I am watching this movie, but only the second. The first stint was 12 years ago! This time round, my expectations have grown with me and hence the feeling was quite different. Perhaps this will not be a fair review to the movie since it does not reflect the sentiments I had, at the time when this movie came out.

What's New?

This is the first movie that I can remember seeing, which talks about Labor rights and the importance of workers to the factory. Rajini's Uzhaippaali, which came later, also dwells on this subject in a different sense. It also brings forth a female superstar in a Rajini movie. Something, you can relate to, when you see Padayappa. This one, Shanti Devi, is one generation older, so obviously not as powerful or effective as Neelambari.

Noticeable

Rajini's earlier movies did not require much to become a super hit. He was the celebrated super star of the 1990s. This movie did not have much of a performance from him, even in the emotional scenes; but the film has been so tailored for him in terms of dialogues and story, that he does not need to do much, his style and dialogue delivery will carry him through. His good comic timing adds great incentive for tamil audience.

I found the movie pretty childish, which is why I might have enjoyed it very much when I saw this 12 years ago! For a successful entrepreneur, Vijayshanti's character is surprisingly childish and volatile. She takes impulsive decisions without much thought or consultation with her father, who is shown as a much more level headed guy. He too, does not step in until the very last moment before all hell breaks loose. Also, she walks into her competitor's territory without a single ounce of protection to wage a verbal war with him. I guess I could go on and on.. there are several flaws in the logic, so better not to look for this!

Vijayshanti was the only one who could play a role like this back then and she has done a good job. It would be unfair to compare her with Ramya Krishnan in Padayappa since the stories are quite different. Some sequences like her burning the car, although illogical are a joy to watch for anyone who is short tempered. Visu has done an okay job as Vijayshanti's dad.

Kushboo was riding high from the success of Chinna Thambi at that time and does a bit to woo the audience with her dance sequences. Her role is very small and the ending in the movie, by making her the boss, is perhaps just to please her fans.

Rajini's mom in the movie is a real disappointment. She has barely done anything except shaking her hands (no offense to the handicap). The very famous and really well sung song by K.J.Yesudas, "Amma Yendrazhaikkadha...", will always be appreciated by moms all over the world. (Sometimes, in my experience, this appreciation can be overly hyped up!)

Rajni has sung in his own voice for "Adikkidhu Kuluru" and I am not surprised that he never tried that stunt again!

This is another movie with the exact same parameters in direction, production and lead actor, as Chandramukhi, but the latter is a much bigger success!

UPDATE: I am sorry to have forgotten the brilliance and significance of comedy in this movie. The comedy sequence between Goundamani and Rajini were excellent. Visu has played a good supporting role to the funny sequences. The comedy in the unnavirudham scene was fantastic.

Verdict

This movie did very well at the box office, so it is likely that you will like this movie in some sense. It is worth watching for Rajini and the songs. Some of the sequences and dialogues are idealistic and worth teaching your "vayasu" ponngal.
Monday, June 20, 2005 at 9:28 AM