Director Suseenthiran’s second commercial action flick Pandiya Nadu has Vishal and Lakshmi Menon in the lead roles. With Imman's music Madhi's cinematography and Anthony editing, the film marks the debut of Vishal as a producer.
Story:
The death of Madurai’s most feared don creates a clash between his two assistants Sivappu Raja and Simmakkal Ravi over succession of power. Ravi manages to emerge victorious in the clash and eventually takes over as Madurai’s reining don. His outrageous acts and merciless killings for money affects all sections of the society. One such wounded guy, Siva Kumar (Vishal) plans to take down the whole gang with his rage.
Review:
Director Suseenthiran’s second commercial flick after the miserably failed Rajapattai was silently put under the scanner among the other high-profile Diwali releases and to everybody's surprise this underdog won the Diwali race.
The director has taken a very old line of ‘Revenge over bad guys’ but the screenplay and presentation are those which separates Pandiya Nadu apart from the rest. The specialty of Vishal’s characterization is that Suseenthiran has made Vishal behave like a very ordinary guy till the very end of the film.
'No' to dominating heroism and logic less scenes are the best parts of Suseenthiran’s screenplay. The revenge which we see on screen is just a common man’s agony. Even while settling scores with the villain, the director has maintained the protagonist’s inexperience in fighting and his fear factor too.
The first half which travels with Vishal-Lakshmi Menon’s love and Simmakkal Ravi’s rise in power, glides through smoothly while the second part takes us on an action packed surf ride with a lot of unexpected bumps. Scenes like Vishal planning for Ravi’s assassination in Konnur and theater, bus stand sequence are the best parts which makes the revenge part much more interesting.
Too much of violence and the insertion of ‘Fy Fy’ song in a totally inappropriate place are the two major things to complain. However, the Kalachify song is entertaining with choreographer Shobi’s steps and Imman’s music.
For Vishal, Pandiya Nadu has delivered his much need comeback after a couple of flops at the box-office. No one would complain that his muscular 6-foot+ physique has been underused since Suseenthiran has portrayed his role as a very usual common man with bonding towards his family.
Laksmi Menon suits well in the role of a school teacher and her knack of role selection is appreciable. Her part loses importance in the second half but it contributes for the film’s run in the first half. As usual, the heroine scores with her natural expressions and ease in performance.
Soori’s comedy in the first half is humorous (occasionally) but he turns to be the key supporting character for the protagonist in the second half. Sharath Lohitashwa is perfect as a don with his popping out eyes and big physique.
Bharathiraja is the best performer of the film. The senior director has played the role of a caring as well as daring father, who does anything to settle scores for his son’s demise. Bharathiraja has literally wowed the audience with his acting. The father-son sentiment between Vishal and Bharathiraja is one of aspect which Suseenthiran has made use to portray family values in the film.
Anal Arasu is the guy whom we need to appreciate for the thrilling yet very practical way of stunt choreography. Instead of unbelievable bone crushing punches and kicks, Anal Arasu’s stunts is much more logical and makes us believe that fights of such sort can really happen.
D Imman’s background score maintains the thrill in each and every action sequence, while Madhi’s cinematography with sensibly used slow motions has shaped up the action sequences in the best possible way. ‘Otha Kada Machan’ and ‘Fy Fy’ (forced at an inappropriate situation) song are the best tracks among the lot, while the ‘Verikionda Puli’ track which has been made use to rush up Vishal’s preparations for revenge is perfectly well placed.
Cinematographer Madhi’s lighting in the fight scenes happening under streetlights is realistic. Be it the household settlements, busy street junctions or the buzzing bus stands, the cameraman has captured Madurai’s typical lifestyle at its best. Editor Anthony’s touch has made sure that the whole film looks well shot onscreen.
Verdict: Suseenthiran’s best commercial action flick.
Movie Rating: 3.25 / 5
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