Almost two decades ago, Tamil film industry saw a movie that depicted Political satire in a distinguished way. A film that portrays Indian Politics mediocre conducts, enough to bring a nomad from nowhere to a position that is undreamed-of. With some steamy direction and jaw dropping ironical performance, "Amaithipadai" was a landmark in Tamil Cinema, it paved way as a trendsetter for many Political tamasha movies also remade in Hindi and Telugu. Now after all these years the director comes up with a sequel up his sleeves. "Amaithipadai" is still fresh in minds of people, as the single scene, where Amavasai transforms to Nagaraja Chozhan as the results of election are out is enough to keep talking about. Taking a page out of Amaithipadai, the movie doesn't exactly shoot out from where it was left. Both Mani and Nagaraja Cholan's characters are intact in the movie and they continue their roller coaster ride of tricking people out of their lives.
As the movie evolves with the same ol' mockery between Mani and Nagaraj, the latter is now the Deputy CM and enjoys being the tainted politician, with no mercy for anyone. The chemistry between the two is intact and no wonder the audiences seem to enjoy every single scene of them. They don't ponder much about their history and instead the ironical remarks from Mani and the usual "Lollu" comments from Sathyaraj are mesmerizing. Elsewhere Seeman is a straight forward man, full of honesty inbuilt and strives for his people largely. He lives in a hilly area, which is under threat of deforestation by some foreign parties who are under the influence of the deputy CM. The film shuttles between different locations and makes you wonder if the CM's office is in some hill station, as so many scenes are amiss.
If Amaithipadai had Sathyaraj sporting a dual role, this movie is no different; a dual role movie however does not have the other Sathyaraj as a son, instead as a diehard incorruptible CBI officer. The role is more or less incomplete and leaves a large crater size hole. The CBI Sathyaraj challenges Nagaraj Cholan to arrest him as he has so much blood in his hands. But as a whole the movie does not actually fulfill his role and leaves with a sense of questioning.
The movie progresses with Seeman and his hilly followers trying to refrain the government from cutting the trees, otherside Sathyaraj and Mani conspire and gain more political influence to become the next CM. But the path to CM and the scenes are not as powerful as you might expect in the first part, which was ground shaking. In a particular scene, Sathyaraj scornfully mocks Vijayakanth's tone, brings the roof down with laughter. There are so many similar scenario's where the duo portray some insight on Politics with full of irony and sarcasm. So will the crimes of Nagaraja Cholan come out? Is there an end to his mercenary ways? That forms the rest of the plot.
Manivannan's 50th film and he couldn't have asked for a better opportunity. Age has clearly caught up with him and he is clearly struggling, sometimes quite obvious onscreen. But not a single second has his sarcasm gone down as the films powers and shoulders on both these remarkable personalities. Sathyaraj again, no words to speak about this larger than life character, he might have not given the same thump as in Amaithipadai, nevertheless a treat for everyone indeed. After a string of character roles he comes back with what he always has been best, a dark and a negative shade character bundled with sarcasm and venal ideas.
The movie has a bunch of actors who make their presence briefly, Manivannan's son appears as Nagaraja Cholan's son, Komal Sharma, Varsha Ashwathi, Mrudula and many more. As much as you really want the film to win your heart and please the Amaithipadai in you, it does do in bits. Post second half the direction is scattered with some unnecessary killings, fights and parts of story left unanswered. The songs hardly captivate you and leaves your mind the instant they are done. Acting by the supporting cast is a complete mess and none of them impressing. Albeit, Sathyaraj and Mani shoulder the movie with their witty gimmicks and might pass the litmus test for some casual entertainers.
A fair entertainer missing the pumps of the original. Verdict : 2.75/5
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