Production: Sasi Kumar
Story, screenplay and direction: Sasi Kumar
Cast: Jai, Sasi Kumar, Ganja Karuppu, Swathi, Samudhirakani and many others.
Music: James Vasanthan
Cinematography: Kathir

An engrossing tale of 80s

"Subramanyapuram by debutant director Sasikumar is the surprise package of this summer. Sasikumar, who had worked as assistant director with Bala and Ameer, has come out with an engaging experience, which has reality as its hallmark. He has deftly etched the characters and recreated the period of 1980s.

The story, set in the 80s, takes place in Madurai Subramaniapuram, a suburb of the city. It revolves around five friends including Jai (Chennai 600028 fame), Kanja Karuppu and Sasikumar. The jobless youngsters keep frequenting to the police station, as they involve in petty fights and brawls. Their release from the police station is usually aided by their neighbor Samudirakani whose elder brother happens to be a former councilor. Meanwhile Jai falls in love with the councilor's daughter, who reciprocates positively.

As the story proceeds, the councilor is deprived of a chief post in his party by a member from the opposite camp. The development upsets Samudirakani, who plays a trick to provoke the trio. They are forced into more killings and gruesome fights, as their new found mentor wants to use them for his purpose.

The movie moves ahead portraying the violence and the repercussions in the lives of the protagonists.

The strong points of the movie are its characterization, flawless performances, art direction, smart execution, and realistic treatment. Debutant director Sasi, who has also donned an important role, has chosen a straight forward narrative style, which banks more on realistic approach than drama. The shocking twists towards the climax make the viewer think about the reality of love and friendship in the backdrop of power game, money power, and family sentiments.

The script has ably justified the twists towards the climax, while the performances by Swathi and Ganja Karuppu add credibility to the proceedings.

The movie, however, is not without flaws. The narration drags a bit in the middle and the developments forcing the friends in to the crime are predictable and unimaginative.

It is ganja Karuppu, who steals the show with his amazing portrayal of the character that has gray shades. This is easily his best performance so far.

Debutant music director James Vasanthan does add some value to the film.

Cinematography by Kathir is one of the strengths of the movie. Cinematographer and the art director have ably captured the look and feel of 80s of Madurai.

Sasikumar has shown signs of a fine filmmaker in his very first venture. He has dared to experiment with a period subject with a horde of new actors. By making it a successful experiment, he has widened the avenue for such experiments. Kudos to the young director.

Verdict: Worth Watching.