SETTAI MOVIE REVIEW

Delhi Belly, the Hinglish film that created quite a heavy flutter few years back for its bold adult comedy, comes to Tamil with director Kannan helming the state of affairs. To suit the Tamil palette, Kannan has apparently toned down the original that justifies its U status.

Settai is about three roomies who get embroiled in an almost ‘shit’ situation, totally unaware and oblivious of what’s happening around till roof falls down on them. And how they get away from this ‘shitty’ mess forms the basic oneliner.

When the cast list features Santhanam, it is a clear indication of what to expect and when he has been accompanied by Arya and Premji, the anticipation levels are bound to soar. But sadly, the humor is not in adequate doses in Settai but happens in sporadic bouts. And when it happens it does bring the smile but not laughter.

The flavor and the main essence of the original was its heavy adult content which worked for the film big time. But it is evident that Kannan’s intentions are to present the film with Tamil sensibilities in a much diluted form which works against Settai. Toilet humor is one segment that has not been tried in Tamil cinema and hence the director has treaded the path with a lot of caution, resulting in it becoming a spoke in the wheel. The humor component is there in Settai but not a rollicking one.

The first half moves a bit slowly. It is in the second half that the film picks up some kind of momentum, majorly due to Santhanam. Although his jokes evoke laughter, he is getting to be repetitive these days.

Arya looks much too serious for his role. Surprisingly Premji comes across as quite different from his earlier roles and appears somber throughout. Of the lady cast, Hansika delivers quite well and suits her role. There are not much of opportunities for any cast member to showcase their histrionics and all of them have delivered just about right.

Thaman’s tracks are fairly decent and well picturized by cinematographer Muthiah. However in the second half, the Agalathe number although good in looks and presentation, impedes the proceedings. The song on Premji ‘Edhai than kandute’ comes across as neat. Costumes of Deepali Noor are chic and colorful and bring a rich tone to the film.

The core scene of the smuggler, played by Nasser, where he spreads the velvet cloth with the precision of a perfectionist, only to receive a piece of shit, is well done and delivers the necessary effect. The pre-climax scene of the trio trying to frisk the diamonds from the jeweler in their burquas and Santhanam’s trip to a toilet in an unknown house with their dumbfounded looks is a laugh riot. And the dialogue that Santhanam says at that instance is the best one in the film.

There is quite a big ensemble in Settai like Nasser, Sayaji Shinde, Subbu Panchu, Ali, Mano Bala, Suja Varunee and also Neetu Chandra for an introductory item number.

In Settai, even though John Mahendran is in charge of the dialogues, Santhanam has doubled up as the writer for comedy portions and they are as usual filled with his characteristic oneliners.

To sum it up, for all those who have watched the original, Settai is a fizz free product and for the rest, the film may work in parts.