If Modhi Vilaiyadu is a precursor to `Asal', you are sure Ajith has a blockbuster in hand. Director Saran, who definitely seemed disoriented in both Vattaram and Idhaya Thirudan, bounces back in awesome form with this neatly packaged movie, `Modhi Vilaiyadu'.
A factor one observes in all of Saran's popular films, 'Modhi Vilaiyadu' too, comes with a heavy script written by S Ramakrishnan, that lends to a dreamy first half with a twist that leads to great pace after the intermission. Every character has a soul in the film, something you observe from Kalabavan Mani's Man Friday Alse to Cochin Haneefa.
If you saw `Vaaranam Aayiram' and thought it had one of the best starts ever, you'll have to watch this one. We talk of an identity crisis but what happens when you live a life not knowing who you really are? What if the life you're living is what you've been cheated into living, and doesn't belong to you at all?
Such is the dilemma faced by the film's protagonist Vinay, who plays Udhay Vasudev, son of a billionaire businessman Rajan Vasudev (played by Kalabavan Mani). Vinay is an apt choice for this role, and with his gait, sophistication and body language, you tend to overlook his almost-Tamil dubbing in the film. The actor's dubbing for himself for the first time, and sure has a long way to go. Kajal Agarwal seems to be evolving into the next girl in the Shalini, Jyothika mould with bubbly characters, and she plays a young, college goer, who is forced to do chores for Vinay. The first half is replete with their antics, which go to unimaginable levels, but heck, this is a film and you know everyday life is exaggerated. Both Vinay and Kajal's roles have equal meat, and their performance contributes positively to the film.
Kalabavan Mani. As in most films, the villain's character is a sore thumb here too. It's high time someone tells the actor his antics aren't funny to watch, but highly trying on your patience. The man believes in getting things done, hook or crook, and there seems to have been no thought in scripting his character, which is where the movie is at its weakest.
Cochin Haneefa is such a delight to watch! The actor definitely has you in splits. Santhanam, who is clearly on a high in his career graph, is most likely to overtake Vivek and Vadivelu in the comedy race. And Mayilsamy is another interesting addition in the film.
The movie is highly pleasing to the eye, thanks to the camera work by AD Karun. But it's amply supported by the music by Colonial Cousins and background score by Stephen Devassy. Padhi Kadhal shows musical mastery, and the director has done a commendable job in picturising the song. And the placement, picturisation and concept behind Modhi Vilaiyadu, the title track that appears at a crucial juncture in the film, deserves Saran a pat on his back. Deva, Hariharan and Leslie make cameos in this innovatively composed track.
Perhaps as acknowledgement of Ajith doing `Asal', the director makes a mention of the actor quite often in the movie. We only hope his next offering, which is with Thala himself, proves to be as good as this one.
Bottomline: It's both funny and fast. Go watch it!
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