Thirupachi

Director: Perarasu
Cast: Vijay, Trisha, Mallika, Benjamin, Yugender, Manoj K. Jayan, Kota Srinivas Rao, Pasupati, Aryan

It's a debutant's work, but director Perarasu reveals an appreciable grasp of the medium. Rehashing the by-now-familiar story line of a rural youth's trip to the big bad city of Chennai, his taking on the anti-social elements single-handedly, Perarasu tries to make slight variations within the parameters of this scenario, weaving in the right dose of humour, action and sentiment and succeeds in presenting a film that is fast-paced and engaging from the opening to the final scene. Except when the dances intrude.

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For Vijay (his 40th film and his 5th with producer R B Choudry), it's not a role that he hasn't done before. This also gives him scope to indulge in comedy and sentiment and plenty of action. But Vijay's strength is that he never goes overboard or overplays his role, infuses each of his performance with a sincerity and conviction, making it look like he's doing it for the first time!

Vijay plays Sivagiri, the devoted brother to Karpagam (a sensitive portrayal by Mallika), their bonding brought out with sensitivity. Playing the friend is Benjamin, who gets his first major comedy role and makes the best of it. It's when Karpagam gets married and comes to Chennai and Giri accompanies her to the city that his life takes a turn.

Witnessing the atrocities committed by some anti-social elements like Patas Balu, Panparag Ravi and Saniyan Sakkadai (some colourful villains here!), in the colony he stays in, Giri is restricted by his brother-in-law against taking any steps against them. But soon the time arrives when Giri can no longer keep silent. How he corners the trio using his wits and brawn is narrated in an an interesting way.

Trisha cuts a charming picture, but with the sibling bonding given importance, has little to do here except provide the glamour element. Impressive, though they come in just a few scenes, are Yugender as Giri's friend and a supportive cop, and Manoj K. Jayan as the duty-conscious senior cop who is out to get Giri.

Looks like the Supergood Films-Vijay teaming up is poised for a hit this time too, and then it would be Vijay's fourth consecutive hit in a row!