Venghai Review

Director Hari has made a name for himself as a 'super chef' in Tamil cinema, who dishes out movies that has all flavours to satisfy the appetite of movie-lovers, especially his loyal fans. And, 'Venghai' is no exception.

It is a racy venture from the word go. Hari seems to have started from where he left in 'Singham'. With talented trio, Dhanush, Rajkiran and Prakash Raj around, it's a cakewalk for the director and he has come out with an engrossing tale, at least in most parts.

'Venghai' lives up to the title for being riveting. It hardly has anything new in terms of the story, but the shrewd screenplay and narration of events makes it count. Since the days of 'Thamizh', Hari has made it a point to lace his movie with commercial elements to attract front-benchers. And 'Venghai' is one more from his stable that quite lives up to expectations.

The director ensures that at no point the pace should slack. Thanks to Dhanush's exuberance and Raj Kiran and Prakash Raj for pitching in with a superb performance, the film ends up an interesting watch. Hari throws a surprise by casting glam doll Tamannah in a traditional south Indian costume (Pavadai Thavani) all through.

The story is as old as the hills. It's a typical Tamil formula - that of a fight between the good and bad. Veera Pandi (Raj Kiran) is the landlord, who is respected by the people in Pandipuram village in Siva Ganga district. His son Selvam (Dhanush) is an upright and angry young man, who goes his father's way.

Rajalingam (Prakash Raj) becomes the local MLA, thanks to Veera Pandi's support. But he starts to reveal his true colours incurring Veera Pandi's wrath. Trouble erupts between them.

Greedy Rajalingam decides to take the extreme step - bump off Veera Pandi. Selvam steps in and its cat - mouse game between the two. There is of course romance in the form of Radhika (Tamannah) and comedy with Ganja Karuppu.

Dhanush is at his best. He gets under the skin of the character and excels well. As Selvam, he is right there giving life to the character. Prakash raj reminds one of his role in 'Ghilli'. His comical acts evoke humour. Raj Kiran is rock solid.

Tamannaah has ample scope to perform and she utilizes the chance well. The rest of the star cast includes Ganja Karuppu and Oorvashi. Songs by Devi Sri Prasad are peppy and suit the mood.

Produced by Vijaya Productions, 'Venghai' is an entertainer that is racy and pacy. At the same time, there is no denial that a section of the audience would grouse, alleging that the film has nothing new to offer. But they are not Hari's target...