The film is directed by Ponram.
Among the four releases today, it's Sivakarthikeyan's Rajini Murugan and Vishal's Kathakali falls under the mainstream masala potboiler category. While we have already posted Kathakali's[1] review before. let's see how Rajini Murugan, a supposedly clean family entertainer, fares…
What's it about
Rajini Murugan (Sivakarthikeyan) is an irresponsible happy go lucky youth staying in Madurai with his parents and his grandfather. Most of his relatives are settled abroad, so Rajini only is there at the beck and call of his grandfather (Rajkiran), who is a wealthy rich man. Together with his best friend (Soori), Rajini while away their time doing mostly nothing, siphoning money off their parents. A chance encounter with his old childhood flame, Kartika (Keerthy Suresh), gives a new mission to his aimless life, aided by a prediction from a local astrologer that she will bring him luck. Both their parents are at loggerheads with each other over some trifle issue. Determined to make her fall in love with him, Rajini devises various ways with his friend, like opening a tea stall in front of his house. In the interim, he also has a tussle with the local extortionist (Samuthirakani), who is determined to take a part of Rajini Murugan's ancestral share for himself. Will Rajini Murugan overcome all obstacles and win the woman he loves is what the plot is all about…
What's hot
The title says it all – its a tribute to superstar legend Rajinikanth, and right from the name of the hero to one of the supporting characters being an ardent Thalaiva fan, you just can't miss the salute the makers have given to their idol. Though the plot is virtually nonexistent (more on that later), it's Sivakarthikeyan and his partner in crime, Soori, along with some hilarious comic sequences that make the film watchable. Siva is fantastic as the title character, in a role that is tailor-made for him, though the need to make him massy should have been curbed. Be it comedy, dance or romance, the actor excels in every department. Giving him admirable support is Soori. I found him a tad hammy in Ajith's Vedalam, but here he is terrific! Both Sivakarthikeyan and Soori bring the house down with their unbelievable chemistry. The film is replete with hilarious sequences that will make you hold your stomach with laughter, especially in the first half. Keerthy Suresh looks extremely cute and acts well. Rajkiran is also equally loveable as the mischievous patriarch. The rest of the cast is also fine.
What's not
While the film doesn't aim to be the next Thani Oruvan, the lack of a proper plot definitely dampens the proceedings, especially in the second half. As is usual in many Tamil flicks, the film has a lot of loopholes. The biggest of this is why Rajinimurugan failed to connect with his childhood love after the family tiff, even though they stay in the same city, and he only does so following a prediction. This make his character a tad selfish and opportunistic. Samuthirakani's antagonist is neither menacing or much funny to make an impact to the plot. The makers should have taken a page from Parthiban's character in Naanum Rowdy Dhaan to make an interesting and engaging villain. The film certainly needs a lot of editing, especially in the second half. Except for Un Mele Oru Kannu, rest of the songs passes muster and only lengthen the proceedings.
What to do
While the film has its faults, the film is a decent family entertainer with some clean hilarious comedy. Watch it purely for Sivakarthikeyan and Soori's antics and you will leave the theatre with a smile on your face!
Reviewed by Sreeju Sudhakaran
* Poor
** Average
*** Good
**** Very good
***** Excellent
References
- ^ Kathakali movie review: Vishal's Pongal release is fast, exciting and full of twists! (www.bollywoodlife.com)
