Care of Surya Review

'Care of Surya', starring Sundeep Kishan, Vikrant, Harish Uttaman and Mehreen, hits the screens today.  Here is our review.

Story:

Surya (Sundeep Kishan) hails from a middle-class family.  Family (his mother Tulasi and sister) and friends (Mahesh and co) are his life.

His world goes topsy-turvy when he learns that his best buddy, Mahesh (Vikrant), has a threat to his life.  To make his problems worse, his mother is in a state of mental turmoil after learning that her daughter Anu (that is, Surya's sister) is in love with Mahesh.

Surya now gets his friend arrested in a shocking turn of events.

Who are after Mahesh, and how does Surya crack the mystery and save everyone who is in danger, is what the rest of the film is about.

Analysis:

Tamil cinema revels in telling the stories of humble men and how they take on a savage nexus.  Director Suseenthiran of 'Na Peru Shiva' fame seeks to do just that.

The likes of Suseenthiran and Vetrimaaran are gifted when it comes to making the audience feel the pain and fear of those in danger.  One individual rises to the occasion in saving his dear ones.  While everybody else is seemingly shattered or trembling with fear, this one guy becomes the support system.  Surya is that Protector in this flick.

For a good part of the first half, Surya has a happy time with Janani (Mehreen in an inconsequential role) and his friends.  True to Kollywood's style, he delivers a monologue on the greatness of the friend, and, buoyed by Superstar Rajinikanth's dialogue from 'Mutthu', even sings a song on the greatness of the woman.

There are not just bad characters but also grey ones.  Not everybody bays for the blood come what may is shown well through the character of a father who wants his daughter to become a doctor at all costs.

Once ominous signs come about, the film gets intense as it should. The hero starts to unravel the mystery, and, by and by, the proceedings start losing the sheen when we realize that it's an old formula that is being rehashed.

Harish Uttaman's character never finds its mojo.  This is a serious flaw, given that the film is essentially a hero vs villain one with suspense thrown in.

The action sequences are sought to be kept as realistic as possible.  So far so good.  But somewhere, you start wondering if we are to think that the hero is destined to win just because he is on the right side.

As for the performances, Sundeep delivers a winner for himself.  Racing against time, he seems to repeat his 'Run' act to an extent.  The artist who has essayed the role of the hero's all-weather cop is good.  Vikrant puts up a good show.  Harish Uttaman, Satya and others are so-so.

D Imman's music is of some interest, but it's his BGM that scores over the rest.  Laxman Kumar's cinematography makes an impact.  Kasi Viswanathan's editing is a plus in the second half.

Verdict:

A formulaic story has been re-written.  In the absence of an exciting villain, the proceedings start falling flat.  Sundeep Kishan maintains his standard.