Thulasi Review

Thulasi is everything and more of what one can expect from a commercial mass entertainer. It's bang on and packs in all the elements that make a film a box-office success. Director Srinu manages to throw in the right sentiments in the right proportions to keep the audience entertained all along.

Though the title is somewhat suggestive of a rustic plot, Thulasi is a contemporary story packaged for the urban audience, both here and abroad. It has lots of action, romance and emotional drama, yet is crisply told. The credit goes to the director for coming up with a film which complements the image of Venkatesh. The plot moves back and forth between Bangalore, Austria, Germany, the hero's village and Hyderabad. But nowhere does the storyline loses pace.

The film opens with Thulasi (Venkatesh) bashing up the bad boys led by Rahul Dev at a fashion show held by his now estranged wife Vasundhara, Vasu (Nayanatara). A quick flashback reveals the frothy love story of Thulasi and Vasu and their subsequent marriage. After missing their flight en route to an NRI wedding, Thulasi decides to accompany Vasu to her destination, being the chivalrous hero. Starting off with scenes that are obviously reminiscent of Saif's Hum Tum, we are instantly taken off on a mushy and incredibly beautiful tour of Austria and Germany. A couple of songs later, the two-some end up at the wedding and decide to tie the knot themselves.

Cut to present day, Thulasi lands in Bangalore and manages to get a flat at the Clean and Green Apartments where his wife and little son now live. Soon, he manages to make friends with his adorable son, Harsha (Athulith), much to the annoyance of Vasu. From here, the plot gets a bit serious and we are told of a brain hemorrhage. Who suffers from it, is the twist in the tale though. Before one has the time jump to conclusions, the bad boys of yore make their entry once more and shoot Thulasi. This time around, it is friend and doctor, Ramyakrishna, who narrates the rest of the flashback as Venkatesh fights death. The crossword puzzle falls into place and the rest of the story shows how Thulasi takes on the baddies.

Venkatesh is perfect in the tailor-made role, which sees him playing a lover boy, angry young man and a doting father, all in one. A special mention has to be made of Venkatesh' stylist for using a varied colour palette to dress him up. Nayanatara provides ample glamour, yet looks mature enough to be the mother of a five-year-old boy. The son is definitely the little star attraction. His cute looks evoke the sympathy that his character demands. The bonding between Venky and the little boy looks so real that one cannot help wondering if it is his real son. Incidentally, Venkatesh's real-life son happens to be of the same age. Ramyakrishna in a cameo and Shriya doing an item number are bonus surprises of the film.

The entire bad boy brigade suits their characters and Sivaji makes an impact with his small but well-etched character.

Though there is lots of action in the film, it is weaved into the plot appropriately. Also the comic track in the form of Kokapeta aunty, a parody of the real estate boom in Hyderabad is hilarious. Jhansi is excellent as the aunty who tries to show off her newfound wealth. Ali's track though was gross in parts and could have been cut down at the editing table. Paruchuri Brothers manage to add subtle humour wherever possible through out the film.

Another highlight of the film is its music by Devisri Prasad. The entire album is foot tapping and the timing of the songs is perfect. The special effects in Vennelantha and the settings are superb. Mia Mia is another number worth a mention. Chandra Bose comes up with catchy lyrics yet again.

What makes Thulasi tick is its fresh and trendy look. There is a bi