Sundarapandian

Synopsis: Sundarapandiyan (Sasikumar), who has finished college and goofs around in his village with friend Murugesan (Soori), decides to pitch in when Arivazhagan (Inigo Prabhakaran) seeks his help in wooing Archana (Lakshmi Menon). But she rejects Arivazhagan and also another suitor Bhuvaneshwaran (Appukutty). Complications arise when she says she has been in love with Sundarapandiyan for a long time.

Movie Review: One more student has passed out with flying colours from the Sasikumar school of cinema. That S R Prabhakaran has polished his skills under Sasikumar is obvious as he debuts with a tale of love, friendship and betrayal based in Madurai, much like his master’s earlier works such as Subramaniyapuram, Nadodigal and Poraali. But the racy script, easy flowing dialogues and the twists he introduces in the screenplay to take it off the beaten path are commendable. There are some inconsistencies but they can be easily forgiven, considering that this is Prabhakaran’s first movie.

Sasikumar seems to have arrived as a “mass star” (though he has always been feted by critics) and makes his entry in the movie with an “intro song”. He explores his comic side in the movie and hits all the right notes on cue as the role doesn’t tax him much. But it is becoming a tad too tiring to watch him go through the motions in film after film with the same premise and mouthing platitudes on love or friendship. It would be interesting to watch him attempt different themes and subjects rather than fall victim to a stereotype.

Lakshmi Menon, who is making her debut in Tamil films, shows a lot of promise. With her expressive eyes and subtle body language, she is an actor to look out for.

Suri keeps the laughs coming throughout the movie, and is fast occupying the vacuum created due to the absence of Vadivelu. Vijay Sethupathy must be commended for his bold decision to play a negative character even though other movies in which he has played the lead role are due for release soon. The rest of the cast comprising Inigo Prabhakaran, Sounthara Raja, Appukutty, Naren and Thennavan have done a competent job.

Tip-off: A clean family entertainer.