Movie review 'Kaaki Sattai': One is certain to be dazzled and amused
‘Kaaki Sattai’ takes up the monochrome uniform of a police officer and turns it into a colourful and entertaining affair. Riddled with arguments, fights, laughs, and sceptical enquiry, one is certain to be dazzled and amused, even despite the lack of substantiating material to truly make it a classic. In this regard, director Durai Senthilkumar and actor Sivakarthikeyan have done an estimable job in making the film at least worth experiencing.
It seems like an almost inexplicable phenomenon, given all the corruption that does take place in nearly all police departments around this country, that people are still attracted to the image of the 'no frills, honest cop' who is willing to fight the shady elements of society. Put the prize far enough away from our grasps and envy often turns into admiration. And thus the fascination with ‘Kaaki Sattai’ begins, with Sivakarthikeyan playing the honest constable and moving to his next level, an action hero.
Mathimaran (Sivakarthikeyan), along with his girlfriend Divya (Sridivya) a nurse at a private hospital find out about the trade of organs in a complicated underground web. This web eventually extends itself and in fact may have its roots above ground - with politicians and fellow higher-up officers. The beholder keeping these roots together is a shady figure by the name of Durai (Vijay Raaz). What do we thus have here? An earnest cop who first uncovers this racket! Then he has challenges convincing people within his own ranks - not particularly due to ego or status issues, but more so that these officials, such as Prabhu who he thinks are direct co-conspirators and profiteers of this racket. Additionally, with scepticism and seriousness on one hand, Mathimaran is also in possession of a mock-heroic tone: thereby introducing a much needed comedy to what would have been a rather grim and serious affair. And it's the comedy, aided by the likes of Imman Annachi and Mayilsamy that makes this rather predictable content, palatable.
The problem with 'Kaaki Sattai', despite the glowing outline, is that the concept of organ trading lacks much novelty. Thus, some of the content can be a bit contrived and seemed to have been introduced for the sake of giving your cop-next-door, something to do. Still, given Sivakarthikeyan's performance and all the laughs that ensue, the movie has its own moments. Sridivya is okay but one wonders if she is getting typecast. Prabhu proves once again that he is a veteran. Manobala though in a clichéd role tickles our funny bones. Bollywood import Vijay Raaz makes a mark with his cool and understated baddie act.
We have Anirudh's timely interjections of peppy songs and melting backgrounds. His music has really matured along nicely. Sukumar on the camera has complemented the script with his eye-catchy visuals.
