After 'Kumki', 'Arima Nambi', 'Ivan Vera Madhiri' and the likes, Vikram Prabhu has taken a break to breezy lighthearted entertainer 'Vellaikaara Durai'. Based in the country side, this film directed by Ezhil is a mix of comedy, a little bit of action and romance, and a whole lot of entertainment and fun. There is very little fight and sentiment to torment you emotion and face muscles, while the film is lighthearted breeze on the whole.
Story:
Two young lads - Murugan and Police Pandi borrow money from the local lender, Vaddi Varadhan, for their ambitious business. But the many lakhs borrowed goes waste as their golden goose in real estate turns out to be mortuary in reality. Caught in debt, the two are forced to work for Varadhan for eternity, as slaves, as is the norm. While at work, Varadhan meets a near death incident, where Murugan is his saviour, which promotes the latter to the position of supervisor among all the other slaves who have been defaulters in repaying Varadhan's loans. Murugan meets Yamuna, the 'Chinnamma', and knows they are made for each other. Though the fear that she is his master's sister creeps in, he still gives his genuine try at wooing her. But here awaits the twist - Yamuna is Varadhan's fiancee! What happens next, does Murugan and co ever escape Varadhan, what all goes into the effort, narrated on a funny bone is all that 'Vellaikaara Durai' is about.
Picture and Casting:
To speak of the primary cast, it is Vikram Prabhu as Murugan, Sri Divya as Yamuna, Soori as Police Pandi and John Vijay as Vaddi Varadhan. However, the rest of the screen in every frame, is also filled with many familiar faces, all of who have strived to give you a hearty laugh. Every little character ensures he has a role, and a memorably funny one at that.
After heavy subjects and serious movies, this one is a real break for Vikram Prabhu and his audience to see him fare well in funny comic genre too. Murugan comes across as a person with a high conviction, yet too charming to have to work towards it. Sri Divya is very similar to as seen in her previous blockbuster 'Varuthapadatha Vaalibar Sangam'. Be it her striking presence in that movie or the one considered the good luck charm, most of the costumes she dons is familiarly repetitive. Her presence gives a twist to the story, but for which, her full potential has not been utilised in the movie. Soori is the star of the film. His presence in the movie and presence in every scene ensures you are not bored a bit, though it could appear a drag otherwise. Every little expression he gives lightens the mood. John Vijay plays the convincingly menacing village villain, who has altered his body language to suit his role.
The film has a story warranted enough for a comic entertainer. Ezhil has crafted the story and casting well, which helps in maintaining continuity of the film and making it entertaining, although it could have been a drag. Sooraj is noteworthy, especially for the lighting in night scenes, where his cinematography stands out. Kishore has helped put these pieces of comedy together well.
What Works:
Comedy. One genre that anyone never gets tired of, is also one that is very difficult to master and deliver. Kudos to Ezhil to have gathered up the right people and executed the plot well. Every positive aspect is attributed to the comedy in the film. The flow is maintained well, not straying far from the story, even in the lengthiest of scenes - like the one where Soori escapes the camp but comes back to it again.
Music by Imman, despite sounding repetitive, is soothing and befitting the scenes. There are moments and songs that you can carry home as happy memories, with regard to audio. After all the running around, it could have gotten messy to end the film, but it has been completed well in a solid climax.
Unanswered Questions:
Laughter is not everything that makes entertainment. The film, despite making one laugh their heart out, lags behind in answering certain anomalies, like the severe lack of logic.
1. Does Yamuna love Murugan in return at all?
2. What is a heist terrorist doing in a village, as a slave?
3. Despite playing the hero, Vikram's role is overshadowed by other comic performances. Was this deliberate?
If you look for serious logic and little laughs, then this one may not serve you good. But for those who take every little act with a sense of humour and are ready to have a lighthearted two hours odd, this is a hilarious experience, you wouldn't forget.
Rating: 2.25 / 5 - For those ready to laugh with no expectations
