PAAYUM PULI MOVIE REVIEW

 

***** No spoilers in this Paayum Puli Review *****

 

When Pandianadu was about a simple man waging a war against a group of henchmen, Paayum Puli is an episode from a cop’s life. Capitalizing on the star-power of the title, Suseenthiran has woven an action-drama with a different purpose and justification this time. 

 

Talking about hero Vishal, his unblemished physique adds so much of originality to the role of a police man. His controlled acting needs praise and action sequences are just the platform for him to excel and shine. With a character like Jayaseelan, an undercover cop having a check on the crime rate, Vishal’s tailor made presence provides the intensity to the story.     

 

Known for engaging the audience by elemental features in the screenplay in all his films, Suseenthiran in Paayum Puli takes the story forward but not with the usual vigour he is known for, in the first half. If Soori’s duty was to evoke laughter and bring in the lighter vein to the plot, sadly, it has not succeeded. 

 

Kajal Aggarwal does enlighten the screen now and then. But how many times are we as Tamil cinema fans going to see heros falling in love watching a heroine drive a two wheeler or bursting bubbles with kids. 

 

Bhavani the baddie, could have been a little more menacing. Anand Raj is an interesting addition and more of him might have given an overall edge to the film. Samuthirakani as usual, delivers his best earnestly. Jayaprakash serves the purpose with nothing much to complain.   

 

With a lot of time spent on establishing the foreground of the story, the Puli (story) pounces only during the interval block. Conversations without any spike appear as a conscious decision to tone down the force of the film but it backfires.

 

DOP Velraj’s bird’s eye view to start and end the movie is a good touch. Editor Anthony, the master he is, goes through the process as usual. But one feels that few scenes, interval block in particular, could have been edited to give a bigger impact. 

 

Rajeevan’s set-design proves the mettle in the songs adding the much needed spark. Imman’s thumping songs and background score elevate the scenes while sound design creates a strong aura. Couple of duets or at least definitely one of them could have easily been done away with. 

 

Hero always getting to be the smartest, heroine being a docile, fun-loving person is all an age-old template. Etching characters with depth could have brought in impact to the narration.

 

Suseenthiran’s uncompromised efforts during the second half increase the pace of the film. The incisive mode of the hero unveiling the end of the film is a true delight to watch. With a strong climax and a concrete closure to the story, Paayum Puli declares a clear statement.