C.V.Kumar''s Thirukumaran Entertainment banner is known for delivering new age films that are different from the usual fare and highly entertaining as well.  One goes to the theatres expecting the same with their latest outing ''144'' and only to come out feeling cheated.

It is very difficult to pin down the plot of ''144'' as it begins as a story about two warring villages and then without warning changes tracks to become a wannabe dark heist comedy.  It takes close to three hours of tedious viewing to even figure out who is who and why  they are doing what they do.

Siva plays the role of a failed thief closely resembling his own character in the highly entertaining ''Kalakalappu'' but sadly here he is let down by a non existent script and there are only very few moments he manages to bring a smile on the faces of the tortured audiences.  Ashok Selvan is supposed to be a racer but there is nothing to show it and the young actor manages to stay afloat with his sincere performance.  Oviya as an unabashed call girl doesn''t have much to do (not even an item number!!!).  Ramodoss who impressed as Munishkanth in ''Mundasupatti'' with his dialogue delivery is only half effective as a mute person.  The rest of the cast are loud with the exception of the actor playing the village police inspector who impresses with his subtle comic timing.

Director Manikandan''s script absolutely lacks interesting twists and turns which are important for a heist comedy and the execution is also very ordinary.  With most of the jokes falling flat all we can say is better luck next time.  The other technical aspects of the film are average.

Verdict : You can venture into a theatre playing 144 at your own risk