Film Review: ''Santhitha Vaelai''

ROJA COMBINES' ``Santhitha Vaelai'' is a story about two look- alikes. One dies and the other takes care of his family and factory. The story is not new but director Ravichandran has tried to give enough pep to the proceedings through his effective screenplay.

Thirunavukkarasu (Karthik) is the managing director of a car factory who also takes part in car races. But a wrong decision made under the influence of liquor and a few close relatives makes the car factory a losing project. When he meets his double on a train, he requests him to take his place, and take care of his family and factory as his end was nearing. From there on Aadalarasu (Karthik), an unemployed engineering graduate, takes on the role of Thirunavukkarasu and helps the family and the factory climb to the top.

Meanwhile, the body of Thirunavukkarasu is taken to the village of Aadalarasu and his father performs the last rites thinking that his son is dead. As in all climax scenes, Aadalarasu (under the name of Thirunavukkarasu) meets his wife who comes to town for a job. There the truth is unfolded and all ends well.

Director Ravichandran must be complimented for not confusing the audience with two Karthiks as there are no differences between them. Both roles are played with ease by Karthik and in some scenes he is so composed, the dialogue and the way the scene has been handled takes care of his work.

Roja as the wife of Aadalarasu, has a glamorous role. In the end Roja proves that she is capable of emoting also. Kousalya on the other hand tries her best to prove herself and her acting is not a futile attempt. Vivek is improving but he must restrain himself from imitating others too much.

Vijayakumar as the father of Aadalarasu is convincing. Nasser is wasted and nobody knows why he and his friends chase Karthik whenever they see him. Sujatha as the mother of Aadalarasu is one step above others in portraying her character. Manivannan, Mouli, Chinni Jayanth, Pandu, `Thalai Vasal ' Vijay, Raju Sundaram and Kavitha are also in the cast.

As it is a film with Karthik and Roja in the lead, the director or the producer must have asked the music director to imitate some superhit tunes of a popular film in which they have been paired and it is easy for Deva to do it. ``Pen Kiliye'' by Vairamuthu is a hit number as well as the best. All the other five songs are passable. Deva's re-recording is good and at times enhances the scene.

Jayanan Vincent's camera work is in tune with the director's screenplay and certain angles have his stamp of quality. Dialogues are up to the mark and the credit goes to director who has also handled the story, dialogue, screenplay and direction. The film is produced by M. Kajamoideen.

S. R. ASHOK KUMAR

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