'Lailaa O Lailaa's' trailers and teasers is only the tip of the ice-berg. Unlike the slick action that we see in them, the movie languorously travels a path mixing comedy, romance and then thriller. Those of you expecting to watch an out an out thriller will find the first half unsatisfactory. As the movie opens, we see a lot of comedy which Mohanlal carries out with consummate ease, in spite of the occasional drabness of the narrative. The initial portions are also high on romance as Jaya Mohan (Mohanlal) and Anjali (Amala Paul) encounters each other in a series of events, falling in love and getting married.
Jaya Mohan is not what what he shows himself to be. He conceals his real professional identity from his wife too, telling her that he is an executive at an export company. His real identity is revealed in a series of events, which involves Anjali too. Jaya Mohan's encounter with Sathyaraj is then brought about. In all these, though there is the brilliance of the cast, too many cliches spoil the effect.
For instance, the concealing of professional identity is a done to death thing, especially in Tamil movies. One sees this kind of thing in Kamal Hassan, Vijay movies and comparisons are bound to be inevitable. As with thrillers, the usual - getting the password right in the third try, diffusing the bomb correctly by luck, not getting hit by the bullet in spite of a volley of them is sheer repetition.
Thrillers are quite tricky to get right, considering the danger of it begin too farcical and supernatural to suit the hero's needs and also providing a smashing climax. With Suresh Nair penning the script, expectations were quite high. But, somehow the script leaves much wanting, considering his considerable oeuvre. It is the thriller part that is the issue, the romance and comedy have all come out well.
Mohanlal has given his all for the role. But some instances like the ramp walk which we get a glimpse of in the trailer, all invite the boos. His chemistry with Amala Paul is great as with their previous outing 'Run Baby Run'. Amala too has given a stellar performance. The villainous parts are quite exceptional with some amazing stunts that are of high standard. The much discussed car chase is also done well.
'Lailaa O Lailaa' can be a one time watch and you can expect to get decently entertained if you can overlook the cliches. Watching it with expectations of an out an out thriller with a punch finishes can leave much to be desired, but some intense action and Mohanlal himself are the saving graces.
Rating : 2.5/5
