Puli Murugan Review
Interesting sub plots interspersed with some intense action and of course the masochism of the complete actor filling the screen packs a punch in 'Pulimurugan'. This has been a much awaited movie with many a speculation regarding how it would turn out. Too much glorification of the hero in the trailer had left a negative impact at the outset. However, the movie has proved all the detractors wrong. And in a way it has been able to take momentum from the initial low expectation. Director Vyshak has taken care to portray something as volatile as tiger killing in a diplomatic manner.
The movie is interwoven beautifully with numerous sub plots emerging into a coherent plot. There is the childhood segment which shows why Murugan (Mohanlal) becomes a tiger hunter. Then there is the youthful Murugan in love. The police connection, the present story oft ganja all then makes up the plot. Flashbacks narrate the tale and is highly effective in keeping up the momentum. Murugan's uncle (Lal) is an important person in his life and plays a prominent part in the narrative.
Each segment of sub plots have some interesting element that adds a spark. For instance, the emotional make up of the young Murugan forced to fend for himself and his young brother, the humour infused in the love between Murugan and Myna (Kamalini Mukherjee), the new twists in Murugan's life after he is asked for ganja, Daddy Girija's role (Jagapathy Babu) etc makes sure that you are glued to the seat. The stunt choreography by Peter Hein had been a talking point and he delivers big time. The action sequences are awe inspiring and those who love some intense moves will sure be satisfied. Mohanlal's flexibility in doing such sequences is also notable. The tiger in the movie is also suitably menacing lending credibility to the tale.
There is of course much masochism as the hero fights tigers and villains. What works in favour of such a movie in a time when realism rules is the way Vyshak has worked out the script, making us active participants in the willing suspension of disbeliefs. The characterisation of Murugan is also effective in presenting a heroic figure whose vulnerability like in matters of love also becomes lovable. Technically the movie is pretty good. It took a long time in making but the effort has paid off with the graphics blending in. Camera angles for action sequences and a crisp editing is notable. The music by Gopi Sunder is also edgy. The story line and scripting by Udayakrishna of the Udayakrishna-Siby K. Thomas duo is again gripping enough with the action in the climax marking a mass end to the tale.
All the actors have put in a good performance. Mohanlal has done very well as Murugan. His expressions are spot on. Kamalini as Murugan's love interest in the beginning and later on as wife is portrayed well. Her brashness as a forest girl had come out well. Namitha as the other woman is also commendable. Lal stands out with a controlled performance. Vinu Mohan, Bala, Suraaj Venjaramoodu, Noby and others too have performed well. This Vyshak on is a good entertainer and would appeal to youngsters especially and we have a mass movie on screens this season.