| Director:
G Bhoopathi Pandian |
 |
|
Cast: Vishal, Priyamani, Urvasi, Ashish Vidyarthi, Devraj,
Ajay Kumar, Arthi, Mayilsamy, Ponnambalam, Kadhal Dandapani |
|
Genre: Action-oriented drama |
 It's
all that we have seen in earlier films. But it is the clever
blend of action, comedy and sentiment, and it's racy narrative
style, that keeps one engaged through 'Malaikottai'. The casting
of actors in roles contrasting to their image works well here.
Ashish Vidyarthi plays the policeman but not the mean one we
have seen him earlier. Together with Urvasi, who plays his
junior and his former lady love, the duo create some fun moments
as they reminisce about their past affair.
SVishal
has more comedy to do here than his earlier films, and he rises
to the occasion. His sparring of words with Urvasi is a delight
to watch. Mayilsamy, who plays an aspiring rowdy, brings in some
laughs too. And there's 'rowdy' Ponnambalam, a bumbling one this
time, who cuts a sorry figure in his encounters with the hero.
It's these characters and their antics that keep the film
rolling, when those predictable romance and the
action-encounters of the hero take place.
 As
in Vishal's earlier action films, here too the hero leaves his
home town due to circumstances and settles down in another place
where his tormentors catch up with him. It's Pattukottai to
Trichy this time, where Anbu comes to stay with his uncle (Vidyarthi),
and makes some new enemies on the way. With the gangsters of
both places converging on him, Anbu has to use his brains and
brawn to outwit them. During certain encounters, where the
escape of the hero seems near impossible, the director has given
the scenes a touch of humour and got away with it.
Priyamani is Malar, whom Anbu
woos, the actress' sober image going for a toss as she surprises
you with some glamorous outfits in her dance numbers.
 Vishal's
selection of scripts seem to be going the Vijay way. A lot of
action, some slapstick humour scenes set for him, and a bit of
sentiment. All of which he performs with fair competence,
steadily improving with each film. The credit title this time
has him labelled as 'Puratchi Thalapathi'. Remember, Vijay is 'Ilaya
Thalapathi'. And if Vijay is his inspiration, then Vishal's
career seems on the right track. Predictable scenarios, minimum
risk and a minimum guarantee at the box office!
The director has given a
humorous touch to the closing scenes which depict the pathetic
plight of the hero's tormentors. Bhoopathipandian sure knows how
to extract maximum fun moments from his scripts. Like he had
done in the Dhanush-Shreya starrer 'Thiruvilayaadal
Arambham'.
Malini Mannath
|
