Movie Review: Uliyin Osai
Directed by: Ilavenil
Written by: Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi
Music: Ilayaraja
Cast: Vineeth, Keerthi Chawla, Sarathbabu, Manorama, Akshaya, Kovai Sarala, Kanja Karuppu, 'Thalaivasal' Vijay, Bala Singh and others Engrossing Period Drama

First things first. Uliyin Osai, written by Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi is an honest attempt to explore a historical happening that took place 1005 AD. Based on his own short story Saarapallam Samundi, Uliyin Osai has come out as an engrossing historical drama strengthened by a gripping script, excellent dialogues, good performances, and an outstanding music.

Debutant director Illavenil must be complemented for his guts to make a historical film in this ultra modern era and has proved his mettle as a director, besides proving that period dramas could still evoke interest if handled deftly.

The storyline goes like this: Raja Raja Chozhan (Sarath Babu) and his son Rajendra Chozhan want to build a grand temple in Thanjavur. They appoint the master sculptor Iniyan (Vineeth) and is asked to create 108 sculptures depicting various postures of the art of Bharathanatyam, the classical dance of Tamil Nadu. Iniyan, however, is not satisfied with the skills of the palace 'narthaki' Muthunagai (Akshay) and the hunt for the right girl to pose as the model for his sculpture work begins.

Samundi (Keerthi Chawla), said to be the grand daughter of a shepherd woman (Manorama) has fine skills in dancing and Iniyan starts working with her as model. .

After a couple of Twists ans turns the climax deals with some engaging stuff.

The director has narrated the story with interesting twists and without complications, thanks to the well-written script by Kalaignar.

While the comedy track involving Manorama, Kovai Sarala, and Ganja Karuppu provides some comical relief, the team goes overboard and spoils the smooth flow of the movie. The song featuring Manorama and Sarala could have been avoided.

Kalaignar has penned crisp and sharp dialogues going with the current trend. He has proved that he stays young when it comes to creativity. He has mixed right dosage of satire and social message in to his dialogues.

Music maestro Ilayaraja has emerged as the real hero of the film. He has given an outstanding music track.

Vineeth as the sculptor cum dancer has given his best ever performance. He exudes grace in his dances and quite competent in emoting and dialogue delivery. Though Keerthi Chawla looks beautiful, she lacks the finesse in dancing, which is very important for this film.

Overall, the movie is worth a watch despite some dragging moments. It could have been outstanding had the director made the so-called comedy track shorter and added more drama in to the story.