Reviews

“Vallavan Vaguthadhada”: Strays into Predictability amidst a Maze of Coincidences

In a desperate bid for cash, five individuals find themselves entangled with a ruthless loan shark. As night falls, their destinies converge, setting the stage for a tumultuous evening where fortunes will be tested, and lives will hang in the balance.

Published

2 weeks ago

April 21, 2024

The Crowd Puller

“Vallavan Vaghuthadhada” plunges viewers into a world of hustlers and desperation, where moral integrity is a rare commodity. The film introduces us to Chiranjeevi (Tej Charanraj) and Chakkaravarthi (Regin Rose), two petty criminals whose car theft sets off a domino effect, entangling a cast of equally desperate characters. Subhatra (Swathi Meenakshi), a former Uber driver struggling to make ends meet, becomes ensnared in the loan shark’s web. Meanwhile, Agalya (Aananya Mani) deceives unsuspecting individuals through matrimonial scams. The chaos intensifies with the inclusion of Neethimani (Rajesh Balachandiran), a corrupt police officer, and the menacing loan shark Kuberan (Vikram Adhitya), whose power is wielded through debts and threats. As each character devises their own scheme to steal from Kuberan, the film delves into whether they can evade the grip of karma and reshape their destinies.

“Writer-director Vinayek Durai introduces an intriguing premise in “Vallavan Vaghuthadhada,” offering some genuinely innovative ideas. However, the film falls short due to a script that lacks the necessary depth and refinement.”

However, viewers may find their patience tested in the film’s early stages, which linger excessively on character introductions, hindering emotional investment. While Rajesh Balachandiran’s portrayal of the repugnant inspector leaves an impression, other characters feel somewhat lacking in depth. The reliance on contrived coincidences to advance the plot may strain credibility, detracting from the narrative’s impact. Nevertheless, the brisk pacing and entertaining interactions in the latter half offer some redemption, particularly in exploring the theme of “no honor among thieves” and the satisfying resolution of karma’s role in the characters’ fates.

Despite its flaws, the film’s concise runtime and restrained soundtrack allow the narrative to unfold without unnecessary distractions. Writer-director Vinayek Durai presents intriguing concepts, but the script’s lack of depth and polish ultimately hampers its execution, leaving viewers with a sense of untapped potential.

Malayalam

“Pavi Caretaker”: Dileep Delivers a Classic Comedy

The question of whether the mystery woman sharing Pavi’s accommodation, and appearing only when he is on duty, will become the love of his life hangs in suspense, adding an intriguing layer to the narrative.

Published

1 week ago

April 27, 2024

The Crowd Puller

“Pavi Caretaker” follows the typical Dileep formula, blending slapstick humor, heartfelt emotions, romance, and action reminiscent of 90s movies, catering to the so-called family entertainment genre. However, Dileep’s character now includes a couple of pro-women dialogues, advocating for girls to complete their education and secure a job before marriage.

The story revolves around Pavi, a bachelor caretaker who doubles as the night security of a prestigious apartment. While the narrative could have explored the lives of various residents in the building, it primarily focuses on bringing romance into Pavi’s life.

“The movie embodies the quintessential Dileep style, serving as a platform for slapstick humor, heartfelt emotions, romantic interludes, and action sequences reminiscent of 90s cinema.”

As Pavi interacts with different women, including his roommate arranged by his landlady, the film introduces sweet and poignant moments alongside unmistakable Dileep-style comedic situations. However, at over 150 minutes, the film feels stretched, with a slow-paced first half and incomplete subplots of other residents.

Despite these drawbacks, Dileep delivers his usual charming performance, blending emotional depth with comedic flair, likely appealing to family audiences. However, the film’s one-sided narrative and lack of nuanced storytelling may leave some viewers wanting more.

Reviews

“Oru Nodi”: Lost Truths Amidst the Maze

Disturbed by her husband’s sudden disappearance, Sakunthala turns to Inspector Paruthi Ilamaaran for assistance. Initial inquiries suggest the involvement of a criminal syndicate based in Madurai and a corrupt politician. As Paruthi delves deeper into the investigation, he is faced with the unsettling murder of a young woman. Motivated by a quest for justice, Paruthi embarks on unraveling the mysteries surrounding both cases, determined to unmask the perpetrator.

Published

1 week ago

April 27, 2024

The Crowd Puller

Inspector Paruthi Ilamaaran, portrayed by Thaman Kumar, is confronted with two challenging cases. The first revolves around the disappearance of Sekaran, who owes a significant debt to the merciless loan shark Karimedu Thiyagu. Thiyagu operates under the protection of the arrogant and corrupt MLA Thirugnana Moorthy. Paruthi employs unconventional methods to extract information from Thiyagu’s associates, resorting to forceful interrogation tactics. Meanwhile, the murder of a young woman named Parvathy adds further complexity to the investigation. As Paruthi delves deeper into these cases, he grapples with moral dilemmas, finding honesty amidst the brutality of his methods. His quest to piece together the truth from fragmented confessions becomes his only hope of unveiling the true culprits behind the crimes.

“A more concise screenplay and a heightened sense of suspense throughout could have taken the film to the next level, creating a truly gripping and immersive experience.“

“Oru Nodi” attempts to captivate audiences with its myriad twists and turns but ends up feeling overstuffed. The abundance of suspects makes it challenging to keep track, and the eventual connection between the two cases becomes predictable. The film’s pacing suffers from prolonged sequences, such as frequent tea shop discussions and random visits, which fail to maintain suspense. While the narrative has its shortcomings, it offers insights into the complexities of crime and the blurred lines of truth. Thaman Kumar delivers a compelling performance as Inspector Paruthi, commanding the screen with his presence. The supporting cast effectively complements Kumar, bringing their characters to life.

Technically, the film is competent, with functional cinematography and editing. Sanjay Manickam’s background score enhances the scenes without overshadowing them. Despite its intriguing premise, “Oru Nodi” falls short due to its scattered focus and lack of suspenseful buildup. A tighter screenplay could have transformed it into a truly gripping cinematic experience.

Reviews

“Rathnam”: Vishal Takes the Spotlight in a Logic-Defying Show

A passionate young man residing near the Andhra border, deeply repelled by any mistreatment of women, sets out on a dangerous quest. His mission: to protect a vulnerable young woman, strikingly reminiscent of his own mother, from the relentless pursuit of a dangerous gang.

Published

1 week ago

April 27, 2024

The Crowd Puller

Rathnam (Vishal), a volatile and troubled individual, acts as the enforcer for MLA Panneer Selvam (Samuthirakani), enforcing his own brand of justice through aggression and intimidation. Tormented by a dark past, Rathnam struggles to restrain his violent tendencies. This becomes evident when he reacts violently upon learning of a schoolgirl’s abuse, seeking brutal retribution. The entry of Mallika (Priya Bhavani Shankar), a nurse resembling his mother, adds another layer of complexity to his life. Rathnam feels compelled to protect her and soon discovers she’s targeted by thugs sent by Beema Rayudu (Murali Sarma), a notorious land grabber from Andhra Pradesh. Thus begins a bloody rampage as Rathnam fights to shield Mallika and thwart Rayudu’s ruthless schemes.

“It follows the classic Hari formula: action-packed, fast-paced, and relentless. However, even by his usual standards, there are moments where it feels a bit sluggish.“

Directed by Hari, Rathnam is primarily 90 minutes of action and violence, interspersed with moments of drama. It’s not a film focused on intricate plots or deep character arcs; rather, it’s about Vishal’s portrayal of raw aggression. The subplot involving Mallika feels somewhat contrived, especially with her parents’ extreme actions over land disputes. However, the film makes it clear that Vishal’s character is the central focus, showcasing his ability to unleash chaos upon his adversaries.

While Rathnam boasts adrenaline-fueled sequences, some may find certain action scenes repetitive, contributing to a sense of sluggishness in the film’s pacing. However, once you embrace the film’s style, the relentless action becomes its own spectacle, featuring knives, machetes, and thrilling car chases. Vishal’s dominance on screen is undeniable, portraying Rathnam with a mix of agility, intensity, and rugged charm. Priya Bhavani Shankar delivers a commendable performance despite her limited role, while Samuthirakani adds depth to the narrative as the MLA.

The film’s soundtrack by Devi Sri Prasad combines masala numbers with emotionally charged melodies, complementing the fast-paced action. M. Sukumar’s cinematography captures the essence of Hari’s vision, bringing the intense action sequences to life.