Movie Review ' Kangaroo': Interesting plot with unexpected twist and turns

Cast: Arjuna, Priyanka, Varsha, Thambi Ramaiah

Director:  Samy

Rating: 2 stars

Samy is known for his controversial themes like Uyir and Sindhu Samaveli which have drawn flaks from critics as well as family audiences in the past. Thankfully, Kangaroo is an emotional thriller which depicts the brother-sister bonding presented in a reasonably clean manner.

Murugesan (Arjuna) is a ruffian with a good heart who dots on his only sister Azhagu (Sri Priyanka). He ekes out his living running a tea shop at the hilly region in Kodaikkanal. People in the village call him by his pet name Kangaroo (mammal) for the way he is protective about his sister right from young age. Chellam (Varsha) is a friend of Azhagu and is fond of Murugesan, but the latter is insensitive about it. Then there’s this Ticket Ranganathan (Kalabhavan Mani) who lusts on Azhagu.

Azhagu falls in love with a guy and Murugesan also approves of their marriage. However, few days before the wedding, the bridegroom is killed under mysterious circumstances. Chellam consoles Azhagu and persuades her to agree for yet another proposal brought by their well-wisher (Thambi Ramaiah). The new guy also dies coming in contact with a live wire. They duo shifts to a new place and Azhagu finally gets married to Ganesan (Suresh Kamatchi). But someone makes an attempt on his life, but he survives. Are they accidents or planned murders? Who is the culprit behind the grave issues?

Though debutant Arjuna has put in a lot of effort, Samy’s characterization of Kangaroo is a bit inconsistent and lets him down.  Priyanka does her part well. Varsha provides the necessary oomph especially in the Penjakka Mazhai Thuli song (cinematography warrants mention here) required for an otherwise dry subject.  Thambi Ramaiah proves once again that he is a veteran in handling such matured roles. The director has aptly donned the cop’s role. The plot seems interesting, but the way it unfolds in 80s style with mushy melodrama and insipid comedy, the pace suffers during the first half. However, post interval the momentum picks up with few unexpected twists and turns.  The beauty of Kodai has been captured well by Raja Rathinam’s camera. Playback singer Srinivas turns music composer and his songs and BGM are easy on the aural nerves.