Vandhaan Vendraan Review

Expectations are on a feverish pitch as Jiiva's 'Vandhaan Vendraan' hit the screens this week-end. For, it comes after a huge hit in 'Ko' and a serious outing in 'Rowthiram' for Jiiva.

As expected he has opted for a different genre - a romantic entertainer laced with action. Director Kannan, who proved his mettle in 'Jayamkondan' and 'Kanden Kadhalai', has managed to utilize the new-found image of Jiiva to the optimum.

The movie has romance, action and humour, but it proceeds at a leisurely pace. Looks like the mixing of these ingredients in a commercial format has marred the show.

Arjun (Jiiva) is a boxer, who has a mission to accomplish. He comes to Mumbai to fulfill that. He meets a dreaded but suave don Ramana (Nandha). He slowly gets acquainted with him. As events unfold, he opens about his romance with Anjali (Taapsee) to him.

Anjali's father, a rich businessman, is killed in a shoot-out and Ramana is the reason for it. Anjali informs Arjun that she is ready to marry him provided he ensures Ramana surrenders to the police for his crime. What follows is a twist in the tale which paves way for a drama.

It's Jiiva all the way. As a lover boy, as a bratty youth and a serious youngster - he combines everything with elegance in the role. His screen presence is the movie's backbone.

Taapsee has come a long way from 'Aadukalam'. She is chirpy and bubbly. Santhanam provides big relief. His one-liners are catchy. Nandha steals the scene with his subtle performance. However, the love scenes between Jiiva and Taapsee are ordinary and lack conviction.

Thaman's music is nice to listen to. A couple of songs are foot-tapping. PG Muthiah captures Mumbai fresh through his lens.

'Vandhaan Vendraan' has everything to entertain, but the way it has been presented fails to strike the chord somehow. Kannan however deserves applause for trying to unconventionally do a conventional theme.