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New hero on the horizon -- Thottaal Poo Malarum
Fast paced: Thottaal Poo Malarum
Thottaal Poo Malarum
Genre: Romance
Director: P. Vasu
Cast: Shakti, Gauri Munjal, Nasser, Rajkiran, Sukanya
Storyline: When the heroine’s mother objects to his love, the hero challenges her.
Bottomline: Style makes the difference
Every time you begin to think P. Vasu is treading on the beaten track, he introduces some freshness in his treatment. And it continues till the end in Sapphire Media & Infrastructure Limited’s ‘Thottaal Poo Malarum’ (U), the lau
nch pad for son Shakti. Vasu has seen to it that the debut hero’s dancing, fighting and emoting skills are effectively showcased.
In fact, it appears Vasu has woven the tale only with these parameters in mind. Of course, at times he goes overboard — making the other characters praise the hero often seems contrived.
A bit of ‘Marocharitra,’ a little of ‘Mappillai’ and more of ‘Poova Thalaiya’ form the story of ‘Thottaal …’ A much handled line no doubt, yet the screenplay makes up amply — dull moments are rare because the film moves at a fast pace throughout. And Vasu ties up the loose ends well. And it is to Vasu’s credit that there’s absolutely no melodrama.
Ravi (Shakti) is a college goer from a middle class family in love with Anjali (Gauri Munjal), daughter of a multi-millionaire mother, who of course opposes the match. The climax shouldn’t be easy to guess …
In appearance, demeanour, physique and temperament Shakti proves he’s definite hero material.
Shakti scores in the end
In quite a few scenes you can almost see Vasu directing his son — the intonation and reactions look so tutored. But Shakti scores in the final sequence with a natural essay.
Brusqueness bordering on arrogance is something the otherwise straightforward and principled Ravi could have done without.
The supercilious and presumptuous attitude of the character, which comes across strongly, puts you off at times.
Shakti’s constant use of his fingers to make a point, somehow remind you of the on-screen Simbhu. Vadivelu and Santhanam, are too loud, literally.
Incidentally, Shakti’s expressions in his interactions with Vadivelu, add pep to the humour.
Rajkiran plays a rich ruffian and as always he is apt, and the same goes for Nasser too.
Heroine Gauri resembles many screen faces, while Sukanya’s is a clichéd role.
The melodic title music shows that Yuvan Shanker Raja has come a long way as a composer.
Why does the fiancé, so suddenly and sadly fade into oblivion in the climax fight sequence? Typically, none, including his father, seems concerned about the man’s feelings.
When the sole mission is to promote the son, everything else pales into insignificance. Only that P. Vasu could have been more subtle in his campaign.
MALATHI RANGARAJAN
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Friday Review
Bangalore
Chennai and Tamil Nadu
Delhi
Hyderabad
Thiruvananthapuram
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