Director Susindran was pretty overconfident that Naan Mahan Alla would be an exceptional flick focalizing on rapid rise of crime rates in Chennai. But, what should have been a crime thriller turns into sluggish drama with predictable narration. Hero’s act of seeking vengeances and settling scores with baddies has been the most common stories in Kollywood. In all likelihood, Naan Mahan Alla carries such hackneyed plot and offers nothing special to the audiences.
Looks like Karthi is slightly getting out of his Paruthiveeran effects as he tries to emote in a different style when compared to his previous films. The actor showcases an overpowering performance during the second half. On pars, he gets along well with comical sequences. Kajal Aggarwal’s characterization doesn’t boast of specialties as she plays the usual girl-to-next-door roles. Her onscreen chemistry with Karthi is extraordinary. The actress can try for some challenging roles as she possesses the talent to perform them. Jayaprakash as Karthi’s father does an excellent job. The 4 youngsters enacting the role of baddies have done a marvelous job.
The movie starts dramatically with Anjali (Trisha), clad in spotless white, thrusting a shining knife into Devan. As blood drips out, it never stops all through.
The story is about Aathi (Vijay), is brought up in New Delhi (by foster parents Seetha and Manivannan). He comes to Chennai apparently to study. But he is thirsting for revenge on those who had bumped off his parents and close relatives of uncles and aunts who were all living together in a joint family.
The story is about Aathi (Vijay), is brought up in New Delhi (by foster parents Seetha and Manivannan). He comes to Chennai apparently to study. But he is thirsting for revenge on those who had bumped off his parents and close relatives of uncles and aunts who were all living together in a joint family.
Anjali, aided by her uncle (Nasser) is also in the same college. She is also one a revenge mission. Her reason too is the same. And her target is also the same. Why? Well, there is a smart bit of suspense. Aathi and Anjali fall in love and set out on the trail of their antagonists.
So what is the real identity of the duo and does the arch villain (Sai Kumar) manage to have the last laugh. After plenty of rapier thrusts and blood-splattered moments, you find out. Vijay just ambles through a role that allows him to do his typical stuff---dance, fight, humor around. He is such a consummate performer that there is more confidence to his work these days. His chemistry with Trisha also shows. They cut a fine pair and have fun. Vijay has also tried some funky hair coloring. Vivek’s comedy, though repetitive, brings the house down in some places. Prakash Raj plays a typical cop.
The rest of the cast have designated work and they do it unobtrusively. Sai Kumar, as the baddie, goes over the top.
Vidyasagar’s music is on typical lines --- giving scope for Vijay to shimmy around.
Uthamaputhiran is a remake of Telugu super hit Ready. It is Dhanush's third association with director and friend Mithran R Jawahar in a Telugu remake. Their first outingYaaradi Nee Mohini proved very successful for the duo, but their second film Kutty failed miserably. But this time around, they have a winner in their hands. Uthamaputhiran after a slow and uneventful first half has a very entertaining and hilarious second half, which makes the movie immensely watchable.
Vijay Antony is not at his best here with the music. There is a strong absence of chartbuster songs even though there was ample scope and space for such songs in this entertainer. Only 'Usumu Larasey' and the duet in the first half are impressive. Background Score is apt for the movie. Cinematography by Balasubramaniam is wonderful, especially in the first half. Though some of the shots look overly saturated (might be overdone DI), the cinematography is generally very good. Art Direction, Editing and Action are done according to the movie's requirement.
All in all, Uthamaputhiran is a decent entertainer, which takes time to entertain you. Vivek is the star of the movie along with its lead pair Dhanush and Genelia. The movie is getting remade in Hindi also. Aneez Bazmee is making it in Hindi with Salman Khan and Asin in the lead. But they really have to work on the first half to make the Hindi remake work. Watch it if you don't mind mindless entertainers and want to have some good time pass.
