Whether one likes it or not, a hero is compelled to act in mass entertainers. He has to appeal to all segments. Unless a hero does it, he is not seen to have made it.
If you can understand this logic, you will not be surprised why Surya, who has made his mark through slickthrillers like Khakka Khakka and Ghajini has acted in a different role in this mass entertainer. Aaru belongs to a different genre, something that may not appeal to the critics but may just come with a strong performance at the box office ---for, action and gritty sentiments work with the public.
And as usual, Surya has given his entire even to a typical role. That sincerity and dedication may see Aaru through. Aaru captures Chennai ethos and its street-smart survival kit. The political violence that emerges from the city dark and mean streets is at the core of Aaru.
Aarumugham, or as everyone calls him Aaru, (Surya) is a thug who makes or unmakes political deals with his band of boys, handpicked from the ghettos or the slums of Chennai. Aaru's mentor Viswanathan (Asish Vidyarthi) has a reason to cultivate him. Aaru gives him the violent undercover he needs.
But when Vishwanthan guns for his bitter rival Reddy (Jaiparakash Reddy), things turn horribly wrong for Aaru. The protest that Aaru orchestrates for his political master ends in the death of five of his trusted henchmen.
Now Aaru understands the real evil intent of Viswanathan. The rest, as they, is the climax. Interwoven into the story is the love of the college girl Maha (Trisha) with the rowdyish Aaru.
The story may not be the most new, but the scenes have a raciness and keeps you interested.
Surya too keeps you riveted to the seats with another wholesome effort. Trisha has nothing much to do as her role is limited. Asish Vidyarthi goes over the top time and again. But he is a regular in such roles. Vadivelu's comedy is on predictably patterned.
Devi Sri Prasad's suits the mood and metaphors of the movie. Hari has a way with mass entertainers. We saw that in films like Samy and Tamizh. Now he has had another go at it.
Rating:***
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