We've tasted different flavors of Dhanush in the past, but the base layer of his character has hardly changed. Dhanush’s basic profile as that of a crude boy next-door who can hardly manage a few words in English, who is easy-go-lucky, as that of a non-starter whose escapades would make us laugh in the first half and his rise to power in the latter would usher in the mass elements, as that of a hopeless son, as that of a ridiculous boy-friend - in short he is made for such roles as that of an underdog. It has been exploited so much so that it makes one sick of seeing this guy cast in any one of these roles or a role that has all of these cliches pinned together! But the underlying actor in him has evolved over the years which makes his films watchable and that is also the only factor that still lets him hang around in the industry despite him treading on thin ice for a long time now!!
We are given an introduction about Raghuvaran (Dhanush) in his own voice on how he is finding it difficult to get a job that suits his qualification as that of a civil engineer. He doesn't want to settle for just-another-job but is focused on getting one that has always been his dream. So he whiles away his time by sitting idle at home, watching mega serials, dropping his younger brother to office, hanging around with friends - in short, unemployed. He successfully resists peer pressure and bites the bullet whenever his ego gets hammered by his doting father (Samuthirakani in a refreshing role). He then lands upon a job that he has always loved due to certain circumstantial outcomes. While trying to prove himself, he is faced with a new set of challenges which he has to defend with his brawns more than his brains. So there we have our mass hero who kicks thugs, lights a fag and challenges the bad guy who has been purposefully cast as an upmarket spoilt brat!!
Being his 25th film, we can sense the desperation in Dhanush to churn out a hit badly, especially given the fact that his past few films have been turkeys at the BO! Every scene that he appears has him either say something pulpy or him smoking the screen (most of the times literally). Predictably little did he do to woo his neighborhood beauty Dr.Shalini (Amala Paul), who incidentally earns 2 lakhs per month. ‘Why’ is the question that is prohibited here! Also the cliched mother sentiment with Saranya has been roped in to give that ‘what would he do now’ question in the audience’s minds during the interval block. A young and dumb villain who dons the role of a spoilt brat is made to subvert time and again before our mass hero. Thankfully the narrative was steady paced and did not have any room for melodrama. Vivek’s subtle gestures and body language was well placed and did not go overboard!
Music by Anirudh has worked - ‘Po Indru Neeyaga’ was my pick and was picturized in a lively way with earthy montage shots. BGM was also good. Cinematography by the director himself, Velraj, was supportive for the narrative and there was nothing extraordinary.
The movie despite having all these weaknesses has worked out to a certain extent due to its overall packaging, but has gone overboard with it as too many elements were thrusted that lacked logic and substance and that also includes Dhanush’s revelation of his bare top that’s devoid of any muscular elements during that last “big fight” that is quintessential for any masala movie worth its salt. Where am I to search for a ‘Karuppu’ from Aadukalam or ‘Kokki Kumar’ from Pudhupettai or that elusive psychopath ‘Vinoth’ from Kadhal Konden. Actor Dhanush, where are you? Please raise your hand!!
Verdict: Below Average!
Rating: 2 / 5
.jpg)
In my opinion, I thought Dhanush did really well in movies like Mayakkam Enna, Moonu and Maariyan as well. After some deep movies, it would be nice to see him in a light character. I am yet to watch the movie, so can't really judge. But slightly taken aback by your comment that he is treading on thin ice. Really doubt that is the case.