The problem for Vikram in Majaa may have been his previous film Anniyan. After such an explosive performance in that film, there is always bound to be sky-high expectations.
So Majaa starts with some uneasy burden. But on its own, Majaa provides plenty of that --- Majaa, that is --- all through.
Though a remake of Malayalam blockbuster Thommanum Makkalum, all credit to director Shafi for `Tamilizing' the whole content to provide a 'home feel'. Unlike other remakes in the recent past, Majaa seems to fit well for the Tamil audience.
In a nutshell, the movie can be narrated as the story of a father and his sons who land up in a village and eventually help a family suffering at the hands of the local goon. The sequence of events, with shrewd screenplay and good narration, make the movie engrossing.
Govindan (Manivannan) is a thief who groups two orphaned kids. Years go by and the two, Adhi (Pasupathy) and Madhi (Vikram) decide to stop stealing and mend their ways and lead a hardworking life along with their father.
They migrate to a neighboring village. They are forced to help a family who suffers at the hands of an influential local panchayat leader Kalingarayar (Murali). The story moves on as they (Adhi and Madhi) take on the feudal head. Madhi also ends up marrying Murali's daughter (Asin). There are the expected twists and turns and predictable misunderstandings between them before the climax. The trouble creator here is Manicka Vel (Biju Menon). The maternal uncle of Seetha, he plays spoil sport to stop her wedding with Madhi.
Playing a light-hearted lark role with enough heroism, Vikram shows what a consummate performer he is shaping up to be. A lot of effort seems to have gone behind preparing himself to play a rustic youth.
Equally appreciation-worthy is Pasupathy. The menacing villain of Virumandi, plays the innocent brother of Vikram and has delivered the right stuff. After Kamal Haasan, Shafi has brought the comedy skills in Pasupathy to the fore. Vadivelu playing an assistant to Vikram provides few lighter moments.
Vikram's body language and dialogue delivery are worth a mention. Manivannan hogs the limelight playing an affectionate father. So has Biju Menon, who plays a brief role. Pasupathy's exchanges with Vikram are really funny.
Sindhu Tolani appears for an item number.
Also in the cast includes Ilavarasu, Abu Salim and Vijayakumar.
Vidyasagar is yet another star of the movie, rendering peppy songs for this light entertainer. Balu's camera work is pleasing on the eyes.
Majaa should provide a relief for the audience amidst today's commercial films for it has a crisp storyline.
Shafi's credit, it should be said that he provides you simple fun through simple things. The film, mercifully, does not have `punch' dialogues. Over `graphicsed' stunts. No outlandish costumes or inane and double meaning dialogues. It is a clean entertainer.
Produced by Rockline Venkatesh, Majaa is a perfect fare for Vikram fans.
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