It was after the Ajith-A.R.Murugadoss's Dheena, Ultimate Star was popularly called as "Thala", when Vijayakanth was criticized as the only "savior of India" fighting in Pakistan Borders it was again Captain-A.R.M's Ramanaa that won laurels to the actor from all class of people. Suriya-A.R.R's "Ghajini" & "7am Arivu" told people what is short term memory loss and who is Bhodhi Dharman and his fame. And this time what A.R.Murugadoss has got for ILLAYA THALAPATHY ?
Vijay is characterized as a charming, talented and cool Military man with much of social responsibilities. The actor has ensured he leaves no stone is left unturned. There has been a notable change in the actor's body language and mannerism especially in the action sequences. The director has taken enormous efforts to ensure that Vijay looks charming frame to frame, irrespective of the scene - comedy, romance, action and songs. His own style of dealing baddies deserves applause. The romance part is enjoyable as it has comedy sandwiched in it. Kajal has done a neat job.
Sathyan as Vijay's friend does what is needed. Jayaram makes you burst out in laugh in most scenes he appears. Vidyut Jamwal is an excellent choice to be the villain. He is the smartest villain of Tamil Cinema in recent times. Mano Bala doesn’t have much scope for comedy.
If Vijay is the man of Sixers in Thuppakki, it is A.R.M and Santhosh Sivan who have set the pitch for him. Santhosh Sivan's camera work is awesome. Few scenes are remarkable. The story narration is very well handled by A.R.M. The director has brilliantly carved the skeleton of the movie, the movie starts on a usual pace and gains speed scene by scene as it travels. The point where the story starts is one such example of an excellent narration. The pre-interval scenes (last 15 mins) are Diwali treat for Vijay fans. A.R.M and team has worked out a lot on the screenplay to make it crispy and catchy. The game between Vijay and Vidyut will be too interesting and that is the backbone of the script. Though Harris did not meet expectations on all songs, "Google Google"rocks. Vijay's dance adds fuel to it. No words to describe his energy levels in dance. Background scoring is apt for the script. You will be delighted to see the never seen mass genre from Vijay.
On downside, Jayaram should not be shown as his senior Military Officer though his role is enjoyable. When Vijay and his mates take a ride on knocking down the terrorists why is his reporting senior not aware ? Why is the military not involved? There is a miss in logic here. And the much awaited scene where the hero and villain meet (the climax) could have been made more powerful and energetic.
Thuppakki as a whole is a perfect entertainer to be watched on the festival mood. A perfect visual delight for Vijay fans and enjoyable for all Cinema fans.
For Vijay, this could be easily his best entertainer, mass and stylish movie. And for the director -A.R.Murugadoss, the movie stands very next to Ramanaa (2002) - which continues to be "the Director's Masterpiece" till date .
This fully loaded double-barreled Thuppakki is sure to hit great heights at box office.
Lakshmi Kanthant
kanthmailsu@gmail.com