Santhanam and ghost comedies have always succeeded in tickling the funny bones of the audience and got the producers laughing all the way to the bank. 'DD Returns' the unofficial third instalment in the 'Dhilluku Dhudu' franchise has not only matched it's predecessors but has even surpassed them
The film opens decades ago in a palatial mansion on the outskirts of the Pondicherry where a French-Indian family headed by its patriarch (Pradeep Rawat) run a gambling show where the losers get killed by the family members. After losing too many men the villagers burn the mansion down killing the murderous family. Cut to the present a large bagful of money and jewels belonging to a Pondicherry don (FEFSI Vijayan), is looted by another gang headed by Bipin and Munishkanth . Through a comedy of errors the bag is robbed by small time crooks Motai Rajendran and Thangadurai which in turn falls into the hands of Sathish (Santhanam) and his friends played by Saidai Sethu and Maaran. Sathish's girlfriend Sofia (Surabhi) owes FEFSI Vijayan Rs 25 lakhs and Sathish pays the amount from the bag. When the Don realises that he has been paid his own money he holds Sofia hostage and demands Sathish to give back his money and jewels. The hero's friends however have hid the bag in the deserted mansion. When the trio go inside the gambling family who are now ghosts trap them and conduct a game show with the same rules that if they win they go out with the money but if they lose they get killed. The other gangs in search of the money also get in and whether the hero wins or loses is what 'DD Returns' is all about.
Santhanam who was a little off colour in his recent films is back to full form in 'DD Returns'. In fact after a long time all his comedy punches work well and bring down the house. His counters to both the humans and the ghosts are a treat to watch especially in the climax. Surabhi is adequate as the love interest with a streak of grey in her character. Mottai Rajendran much like Santhanam has scored big throughout the film. Watch out for his ingenious hiding methods particularly his predicament on top of two doors that people keep opening every few seconds and stretching him up. This is one film where all the cast members Redin Kingsley, Maran, Pradeep Rawat, Saidai Sethuraman, Tiger Thangadurai, Munishkanth, Bipin, FEFSI Vijayan, Dheena, Deepa and others shine in their respective characters. A special shoutout to the ghosts especially the female villain Clara.
What works best in 'DD Returns' is a fun filled screenplay that has its own twists and turns that are highly enjoyable. The use of crude gadgetry like the vacuum hose and the confusing maze doors have been cleverly devised and milked for maximum laughs. You have to pull out a magnifying glass to really search for dull moments.
On the downside the film may not appeal to those who dont fancy absurdist humour. If at all you have to complain about something, the core story is as old as cinema itself and the brain has to be left behind in the parking lot.
Rohit Abraham has composed the quirky music for the film with both the songs and the BGM enjoyable. Dipak Kumar Padhy's cinematography, A R Mohan's art direction and N.B Srikanth's editing are top notch enhancing the viewer experience. RK Entertainment has provided rich production values to the project. Prem Anand who has been writing comedy tracks for Santhanam ever since their "Lollu Sabha" days and co-directed 'Inimey Ippadithaan' has turned solo director for 'DD Returns'. He has proved his immense talent not only in writing a totally engaging comedy script but also in executing it to the highest standards.
Verdict : Go for this out and out fun entertainer that you can thoroughly enjoy with your family
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