Kattappava Kaanom movie review: Genuine attempt yet juvenile at times

Director: Mani Seiyom

Cast: Sibiraj, Aishwarya, Rajesh, Chandni, Gopi

Sibiraj somehow seems to be comfy when he does films with animals. The actor who bounced back with the film Naaigal Jakkiradhai (which revolved around a dog) has now come out with yet another movie Kattappava Kaanom by debutant Mani Seiyon. In it, a vaasthu fish (gold Arowana fish) named ‘Kattappa’ is the central character. Undoubtedly, the makers want to cash in on the popular 'Kattappa' character essayed by Sibi’s dad Sathyaraj in Baahubali.

A fantasy-humor flick, the film begins with the voice-over of Vijay Sethupathi. Through illustrations, this voice chronicles the life of Pandian - also known as Bad Luck Pandi by his dad (Chithra Lakshman), as the latter is the recipient of a host of unlucky incidents including a fracture as soon as the former was born.

Cut to the present Pandi is now an adult and without a job. He meets Meena (Aishwarya Rajesh), a bold and assertive girl at the pub and soon they gel well and enter wedlock much against the wishes of their parents.

Simultaneously, we are introduced to a local goon Minjur Vanjaram (Mime Gopi), who strongly believes that the Vaasthu Fish Kattappa which he raises is the reason behind all the fortunes he has experienced. When the fish goes missing, the real thrill begins. The scenes unfold rapidly as it constantly changes hands and eventually, Kattappa ends up in a lake, signaling a new era of luck and wishful thinking among the community.

Two petty thieves including painter Nandu (Yogi Babu) arrive at Vanjaram’s house to steal and were unsuccessful in breaking open the locker. Disappointed, they leave the place taking Kattappa with them. Unable to hold it in a damaged bucket, Nandu’s assistant puts it in a metro water tanker, which in turn lands up with a fake aquarium owner Aali (Linvigston). He sells it for a big price to Sheela (Chandini) who gifts it to her friend Pandi since she could not attend his wedding.

Meanwhile, a disheartened Vanjaram hires a detective to find out Kattappa. A gang of three criminals including Keechan (Kali Venkat) enters the house of Pandian and refuses to budge till they get back their bounty, which they think is hidden there.

Sibiraj has given a cool performance and Aishwarya as usual carries her role with utmost ease. But, she looks tired with a smudged makeup at a few instances. As a couple, they appear easy on our eyes. Chandini in an exaggerated cameo is okay. Mime Gopi does his part well. Kali Venkat and Yogi Babu provide necessary comedy, but the overdose of double entendre makes for some cringe -worthy scenes.

The major problem with the film is its slow pace and the narration does not flow seamlessly from one episode to another.  Though a genuine attempt, at times the approach looks juvenile.  A tauter screenplay would have helped. Music by Santhosh Dayanidhi is good and cinematography is just about adequate.