Boss Engira Baskaran Review

Director Rajesh seems to have begun from where he left in `Siva Manasula Sakthi'. Though he is just one-film old, he has almost mastered the knack of rendering a movie that oozes with energy, fun and laughter right from reel one to the last.

Humour is no easy job. It is a serious business. In `Boss Engira Baskaran', the director and his team have emerged successful in coming out with an unpretentious entertainer, ably executed by a wonderful star cast - Arya, Nayanthara, Santhanam and Subbu Panchu among others.

It may be a simple storyline, but the way in which Rajesh approaches it makes the difference. His dialogues and screenplay are the backbone. Especially the one-liners by Santhanam no doubt brings the roof down in laughter. Arya is at his ease delivering a befitting performance, while Nayanthara sans much glamour is a treat to watch.

A callous youth is bitten by love bug. With the help of his friend, he goes hammer and tongs to climb the ladder of success in life. This is what `Boss.' is all about. A shrewd Rajesh has made spoof of some contemporary films, added right commercial elements with humour as under current, and the end product, eventually, is impressive.

The whole story unfolds in Kumbakonam. At a time when most filmmakers go around Madurai with action-packed themes, `Boss.' comes as a relief. Baskaran (Arya), affectionately called as Boss by friends is a happy-go-lucky youngster who strives hard to clear his arrear exams. For him the day starts in the company of Nallathambi (Santhanam), who runs a saloon. Boss's family comprising his mom, elder brother Saravanan (Subbu Panchu) and sister lead a happy life.

Boss comes across Chandrika (Nayantara) and it's love at first sight for him. Interestingly, she happens to be a trainee professor and Boss is caught by her while copying in an exam. Turn of events results in Chandrika's sister (Vijayalakshmi) marrying Saravanan. When Boss expresses his desire to marry Chandrika all hell breaks loose. He is chided for his callous lifestyle and irresponsibility.

Boss takes a vow to earn money in six months and get his sister married before holding the hands of Chandrika. He takes refuge in Nalathambi's saloon. With the help of his friend, he tries to make money, but nothing works out. Meanwhile, Chandrika appears now and then and urges him to achieve his mission.

Now Boss and Nallathambi start a tutorial college with money obtained from a loan shark Velpandi (`Naan Kadavul' Rajendran) under one condition - that to help his son who repeatedly flunked in exams to pass or otherwise become a servant in his house. They face many a hurdle in their mission, but eventually they succeed.

Boss earns money and gets his sister married. But his desire of marrying Chandrika shatters as her father is against the proposal, thanks to a stupid act by the two friends. Now enters an NRI youth (Jiiva) to marry Chandrika. It's game between him and Boss.

Kudos to Arya who pulled it off well. After a serious portrayal in `Madrasappatinam', he is right there bringing out his comical skills to the fore. As a callous youth, he fits the bill exceedingly well. In other words, the vintage Arya of `Arindhum Ariyamalum' is back. His comical antics in the company of Santhanam are enjoyable.

Nayantara plays a professor and is draped in sarees sans much glamour. She plays her part well. Subbu Panchu as Arya's brother is adequate. Son of veteran producer Panchu Arunachalam, he is good at giving out what the director wants. `Friends' fame Vijayalakshmi, Lakshmi as Arya's mother, Chitra Lakshmanan as Nayantara's father get under the skin of their respective characters and play well.

But the real scene-stealer is Santhanam. His wits, punches are enjoyable. As Arya's friend, who always gets into a tangle for no fault of his, he has done a great job. Santhanam has announced his arrival to the big league of comedians with this movie.

Kumbakonam has been captured at its pristine beauty by Sakthi Saravanan. His use of soft tones fits well for a laughathon. Also songs in foreign locales get life thanks to him. Giving him good company is Yuvanshankar Raja. As usual, he has come up with songs that gel with the story. The number `Yar Intha Penthan.' is humable.

Rajesh has made spoof of some contemporary Tamil films in an enjoyable manner. Quite like `Thamizh Padam', they are outrightly hilarious. Produced by K S Srinivasan and presented by Udhayanidhi Stalin's Red Giant Movies and Arya's The Show People, `Boss Engira Baskaran' is right there oozing with abundant energy and unlimited fun. Kudos to Udhayanidhi for choosing quality films with varied stories that leave an impression with the masses.