Movie: Rajini Murugan
Direction: Ponram
Cast: Sivakarthikeyan, Keerthy Suresh, Samuthirakani, Rajkiran, Soori
Music: D Imman
Cinematographer: Balasubramaniem
Editor: Vivek Harshan
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Rating: ∗∗∗½
What is it about: The film is a comedy drama, which has a grandfather (Raj Kiran) trying to sell his ancestral property to settle his duties as father to his children before he dies. And he does this with the help of his grandson Rajini Murugan (Sivakarthikyan). Just when they strike a deal are interrupted by an uninvited problem called Elarai Mukkan (Samuthirakani) claiming that he’s one among the family chain. How this issue is handled forms the crux of the story directed by Ponram.
Why it’s disappointing: I wouldn’t ponder too much on negative points on the movie, as they can be ignored due to one main reason of it being entertaining throughout the runtime. But at the same time, the length could have been cut short with a sweet trim in the second half.
What to watch out for: The film is what we can call a festival, because it keep you vibrant and makes you feel alive throughout. Director Ponram had a great nake for drawing undivided attention from the audience. The film has the same feel as “VVS” or we can say an extended version of it, but it doesn’t bore at any point.
Sivakarthikeyan is at a point where he can boast of himself being counted in the elite category of Kollywood. He’s proved to be a bankable investment for commercial cinema. He may not be a material for “Kaaki Sattai”, but definitely a born “Rajini Murugan”. Even the simplest dialogues become a plausible one receiving huge applause and whistles from audience. He knows the pulse of the audience and has hit the right spot with great comedy timing, dialogues and funny antics. Siva fits the mass attire draped with comedy perfectly making him a great fit for 70mm frame.
Raj Kiran, he’s a veteran who has made a mark for his larger than life image. And he has done a great job in the film. He can play these kind of roles hands down in his sleep and is good at emoting sentiments. He gets great applause and cheers in the climax sequence.
Keerthy Suresh, technically the first film for her but due to its delay in release it became the second one. She does what Sri Divya did to the audience in “VVS”. She terms out to be a sweet girl next door, which any guy would fall for. Apart from looking sweetishly charming, she did a great job and will continue to capture many hearts.
Soori, at last after so many disastrous characters Ponram utilized Soori to his maximum potential in comedy. He revives the chemistry with Siva from “VVS”. This makes him a great sidekick and you laugh hard. His comedy timing was impeccable with crisp dialogue delivery and counters.
Samuthirakani, he’s growing to be a great actor than the director he was. His role in the movie was characterized well, which brings in an authentic appeal to the character. I’m pretty sure he’s going to be one of the favourite pick for Villainous role in commercial cinema.
The movie had great cinematography by Balasubramaniem who captured the serene villages and presented in a cinematic form. The work was splendid with vivid colours filling up the screen. Vivek Harshan did a fine job with editing.
The music by Imman was very appealing and added more spice to the film. All the tracks were good and placed well, my favourite is “Yennama Ipadi Panreengalaema” which was filmed well.
Verdict: Ponram once again scores high with the same formula packaged into a new form. This time with more comedy moolah and masala, which keeps you entertained throughout and makes you laugh until it hurts. Money’s worth, you won’t regret watching it.
