Vishal is back in action, back to do action.  Jayasurya is the Telugu version of Suseendhran's 'Payum Puli', a film that has simultaneously released in two versions today.  After a slew of not-so-successful films, Vishal here banks on the storyline and his power-packed performance to woo the Telugu audience.

Suseendhran hit the bull's eye with his film 'Na Peru Shiva', but Vishal-starrer 'Palnadu' did not do too well. In 'Jayasurya', the director shows good deal of creative sparks, but in the absence of nativity, the film is only that much good.  Kajal Agarwal is thanklessly projected as a mere glam doll and with no scope for performance, she merely passes muster.

Vishal plays Jayasurya, an undercover cop to begin with.  The idea has been overdone many a time and this one seems like a creative spin to the now-routine idea.  Jayasurya delivers the goods in his own way, catching the audience by surprise with his cunning behaviour.  After a while, the proceedings throw up a surprise.  However, the second half slackens in terms of pace.

Samuthirikaran, a director himself, plays Vishal's brother and his role is a big takeaway.  Instead of being a straightforward storyline, the film packs another layer in the form of a story outside the hitherto main line.

Vishal has played the gutsy cop in the past, in this he is as strong as an actor as he can be.  He shows verve, ably assisted by a good screenplay.  Besides the gutsy avatar, Vishal has a sentimental side.  When it is time for sentiment, the director keeps the proceedings measured and restrained.  Sans excess in terms of melodrama, the climax works.

The pre-climax portion is as surprising for the key character as the interval bang was for the audience.  Just goes to show the strength of the line.

This one is yet another film which relies on the strength of the line but throws up little in terms of scenes.

The comedy involving Surya doesn't work quite well.  Kajal cackles up the screen when she is around, as is her style.

Velraj's cinematography is deft and Imam's music fits the bill.

Vishal's performance leaves a strong impact.  Watch him balance action and sentiment and carry them on his shoulders with ease.  Samuthirikaran and Soori have a good amount of screenspace, the former more effective in delivering the goods as he gets a big share in the pie.

Murli Sharma, Harish Utthaman, RK and others do their parts well.

Verdict: A cop story with a family angle involved.  Jayasurya may be watched for Vishal's verve-filled performance.

తెలుగు వెర్షన్ రివ్యూ