If we put together a few cliched sentimental rehashes, a bunch of below average songs, a couple of fights and some not so funny characters who try to make us laugh, we land up watching Aayiram Vilakku.

Set against the most famous Madurai milieu, the film was touted to promote Shantanu as a saleable mass hero and also to allow him taste that elusive hit. A decent performance from him, but sadly the movie falls flat and well short of the end line.

The plot was above average, but the screenplay had far too many loop holes and loose ends to ignore, which proved to be the primary setback for the movie.

Apart from these negatives, we are constantly reminded of various scenes from various other movies being lifted off judiciously.

In fact, the character of Sathiyaraj as a dreaded don Lingam, wanting to turn into a new leaf was already shown years back in a movie called 'Adidhadi'. The only difference was that, then he wanted to have a girlfriend who was 25, now he is more realistic and wants to have an adopted son who is 25.

Also, Satiyaraj's mistaken identity as Kannayiram was similar to that of Asin and Suriya's resonance in Ghajini. But the only relief in the movie was the portrayal of this very relationship which was brought out well and Shantanu and Satyaraj strike an instant rapport as the father and son.

Sathyaraj, as Lingam, fits the bill. His performance was the only highlight of the movie. But, how far could he go bearing the movie on his own shoulders?

Sanakhan, as the glam doll, had ample scope to showcase her glamor quotient during the songs but had very little scope for performance.

 Nothing much to say about the music in general or any other technical aspects like the cinematography or editing, though one feels relieved of  the fact that the movie is only 2hours 20 minutes in length.

Verdict: Just another movie which will be knocking your doors soon through TV channels.

Score: 1.5/5

Kasethan Kadavulada directed by Thirumalai is pitched as a full fledged comedy caper, targeted at the masses. It also marks the debut of Charan as hero and Kamna Jetmalani badly also wants a come back in Kollywood through this one.

Sadly the movie falls flat on the audiences and throughout the movie one can see grim faces in the theater with the fear of songs creeping in between the already tedious proceedings. Thirumalai had the inventory to make a great comedy script, but the problem was his screen play and dialog.

To make one laugh is an art and some fine crafting is required in the screenplay to attain it. A decent comic cast were in place with Karunas, 'Lollu Sabha' Jeeva, Delhi Ganesh to name a few. Also, a simple and straight forward plot with hardly any logic was in place, which could have augured well for a comedy caper, if only the screen play would have hit the right note.

While the proceedings were on, one gets confused whether the movie is a comedy caper or a spoof on so many other movies in the past. This also goes to show the director was running short of ideas while  he was writing the script and has been dubious on how to take forward the concept (if there is any).

Understandably, he also had the additional responsibility of showcasing the debutant Charan as an action-mass hero with some 'do gooder' scenes and an introductory song which stands out like a sore thumb in the already spoilt show.

Music by Karunas is cacophonic and gives ample recess for smokers.

Technically, no comments.

Verdict: Another turkey at the box office for the dumb weekend. Refrain from it!

Rating: 0.5/5

The stakes were really high when the movie was announced. The same got echoed when an ensemble cast was roped for this flick, which happens to be Ajith's 50th. Let's see how handsomely the audiences have got paid off after its release.

Director Venkat Prabhu has managed to keep things simple. Right from the word go, it was Ajith's show, filled with punch dialogs and one liners which suits his image and which in turn augers well with his huge fan base. Astonished to see a humungous turn around for an Ajith film. Some huge roar and claps for 'thala's' gimmicks on screen epitomises the same. Even after dissolving his fan clubs, Ajith certainly commands an opening on par with some of the top stars in Kollywood.

Honestly, I am not a great fan of Ajith. Having said that I should also concede the fact that Ajith has given his best shot to exude shades of grey and succeeds to an extent. Sometimes the way in which the dialogs were delivered, especially the emotional overtones, makes him look like a caricature. All in all, a decent show.

The next man standing in the line of accolade is Premji. He has always shone well in all of his brother's (Venkat Prabhu) directorial ventures right from Chennai 28 days. He is a scream to watch and brings the house down with his dialog delivery and slapstick acts. He is one of the highlights of the movie.

"Action King" Arjun does what he is best at doing and just minds his business. Does justice to the character of a tough cop and serves as a perfect opponent to Ajith too. Well done!

Vaibhav, Jayaprakash and others are perfectly casted in their respective roles and suffice the cause.

Among the 4 females, Lakshmi Rai has a plum role in the latter half. The next significant role is for Trisha, who has very little to do and is completely forgotten in the latter half of the movie. Anjali and Andrea vanish in a wink and have very little screen space and have been thoroughly wasted.

The songs of Yuvan are hummable, though the BGM is cacophonic. I expected some magical tunes because of Venkat Prabhu and Yuvan's fusion, but cant help being let down on that front.

Technically the film is on par with any other modern day action extravaganza. Editing by the combo Praveen and Srikanth is slick and helps take the movie forward with its stylish cuts. Multi-frame scenes are aesthetically done and serves the purpose. Cinematography by Sakthisaravanan is laudable, though a bit shaky during the action scenes.

Venkat Prabhu has once again restarted his triumphant streak which got cut off in his last flick Goa. This time the packaging is perfect, the narration is fast paced and a perfect twist in the climax which will work big time with the masses and classes alike.

Having said all these, I cannot help reveal that its not a smooth ride all the way, it has its own share of bumps and pot holes in the screen play. Since there are too many characters involved, there is a sense of confusion which creeps in at times of who is working for who. People are being hunted down during the course of the climax like a bunch of street dogs which is unbelievable. Also, I cannot help getting reminded of some of the Hollywood comedy crime capers like the Ocean's series after tasting the flavor of this one.

Mankatha has definitely paid off handsomely for die hard Ajith fans. For others, it is rather not disappointing. A good feast for the long weekend.

PS: Do not the leave the theater once the credits start rolling, surely there will be a huge roar for one last time!

Verdict: Good Show

Rating: 4/5