Viswasam movie review: A well-packaged experience

Director: Siva

Cast: Ajith Kumar, Nayanthara, Jagapthy Babu, Anikha

Viswasam marks the collaboration of Thala Ajith and filmmaker Siva for the fourth time after Veeram, Vedhalam and Vivegam. Apparently, their penchant for ‘V’ sentiment continues.  Though there’s nothing new by way of story, Siva has made a movie that is all about a mass star – Thala Ajith.

As expected the actor gets a mass intro scene. Set in the village of Koduvilarpatti in Theni, Thookudurai (Ajith Kumar) is an uneducated yet charismatic leader from a big family who is loved by his people, but a ruffian when it comes to dealing with enemies. To this we are introduced to Dr. Niranjana (Nayanthara) who arrives for a medical camp. Though she initially hates Thookuduari’s wayward style, soon she is attracted to him for his good nature and falls for him. Considering his educational background, while Thookudurai feels apprehensive of the alliance, Niranjana convinces him and they get married. Soon, a girl baby Swetha (Anikha) is born. However, Niranjana realizes that Durai’s way of life might affect her daughter and when a difference of opinion crops up, she opts to move out of his life and shift to Mumbai. Now after a decade, with the constant perseverance of his family, Durai sets out to Mumbai to meet his wife and daughter. He comes to know that Swetha’s life is in danger and the man behind this villainy is Gautham Veer (Jagapathy Babu), a business tycoon. Why does Gautham want to kill Swetha? The reminder of the mass emotional potboiler is whether Thookuduari is able to protect his daughter from him and unite with his wife.

 

It is evident that Siva has taken enough care to please the huge fan base of Thala with mass masala elements as well as balancing it with emotional and fun moments to satisfy family audiences. Ajith looks flamboyant when in younger version and calm while sporting complete grey hair in latter portions. The actor also shines in comic and emotional act. Also, let’s not forget Thala’s high energetic dance movements in a couple of peppy songs. Nayanthara has a strong role and has utilized it well. Child artiste Anikha who is aptly cast is yet another big plus for the film. Jagapathy Babu in a diminutive role is a weak villain here and hence did not create the intended impact. And his intent to kill Swetha is filmy and unconvincing. The movie has an array of comedians like Thambi Ramiah, Yogi Babu, Robo Shankar, Vivekh, Kovai Sarala, but unfortunately their humor falls flat. While the first half is entertaining, post interval the film becomes predictable and ends with an overstated dramatic climax.

Technically, Imman’s pulsating background score and songs (though a bit too many) and Vetri’s cinematography augment the proceedings. Overall, Siva has managed to provide a well-packaged experience for this festive occasion.