Mazaa Review

Chandramukhi and Aparichitudu were dubbed and were clear winners. They were successful because the subject that was dealt was universal --- split personality and ghostly apparitions and multiple personality disorder and corruption.

Mazaa's problems are that it is a rural subject, with emotions and reactions being too local for everyone to relate to. From Kerala to Tamil Nadu to Andhra Pradesh,things do suffer in translation.  Yet, Vikram's Mazaa, despite this inherent problem, manages to come through simply because it is clean comedy film. This is for the family and kids.

The story is very uncomplicated. It is about Govind (Manivannan), Prasad (Vikram) and Aadhi (Pasupathy) --- the two are adopted sons of the former. They are small-time thieves. But they decide to go legit, and buy a lorry and arrive in a new village to start the innings afresh.

But they intervene to help an agricultural officer who is harassed by Rayudu (Murali). The latter's daughter is Seetha (Asin). There comes a situation when Prasad ties the knot with Seetha. But problems arise due to the machinations of Seetha's evil uncle (Biju Menon). The story then peters along predictably.

This rustic story is told in a straightforward manner. There are no needless diversions or contrived complexities.

Vikram as Prasad is in good form. He looks refreshed and breezes along this simple role with confidence that comes only when you are relaxed. If in Aparichitudu it was a heavy-weight histrionics, here it is fun and lark. Almost stealing the limelight from him is of course is Pasupathy as Aadhi. To imagine him (he looks intense and hideous ---suited for the role of a villain) in a comic role needs a special leap of faith. Kamal provided that in Mumbai Xpress. Now Mazaa goes on to extend that. Manivannan, Murali and Biju Menon just amble through.

Bala's camera work is very good. Though short on finish, it has got the `bigger picture' right. Vidyasagar's music suits the mood of the film just right. The songs have a local flavor.

Shafi Mc Cartin, who directed the Malaylam original, too, has had an easy job with such a strong team of actors and crew. Perhaps, he should have done more in localizing the flavor more.

Otherwise, the film is good clean fun.