Mupparimanam review: The film starts in a thrilling manner but fizzles out soon

Cast: Shanthanu Bhagyaraj, Srushti Dange, Thambi Ramaiah, Appu Kutty

Direction: Adhiroopan

Mumbai: Ace Bala's assistant Adhiroopan turned independent and wields the megaphone for ‘Mupparimanam’, the script of which slightly deviates from the run-of- the -mill kind. But you'd have to witness for yourself the extent to which the director conveys his vision.

It begins at a marriage hall where a stranger Kadhir (Shanthanu Bhagyaraj) kidnaps the bride Anusha (Srushti Dange) at gunpoint after thrashing her relatives. Even as Anusha’s dad and uncle chase him, a flashback opens which reveals how Kadhir and Anusha were childhood friends in their native Pollachi and later became a pair when the former’s family returns to their native. Unfortunately, both the families don’t get along, as Kadhir’s dad who is a police officer was responsible for Anu’s brother landing in jail for a murder he had committed.

Now, young Kadhir who was to leave for the US to pursue higher studies gives up his dreams to be with Anusha. But she goes to the city to join medical college. Though they are in touch with each other initially, a twist in the tale takes place, which eventually separates the lovers. When Kadhir comes to know of the real culprit behind his predicament, he kidnaps Anusha and what he does henceforth forms the rest of the second half.

Shanthanu has put up a good show and his hard work in a dual dimensional role is evident. He scores to a large extent in the emotional scenes towards the climax. Srushti’s character starts off as a clichéd Tamil film heroine type. But thankfully, it offers some scope post interval and the actress manages to pull it off! Skanda as the film star and others like Thambi Ramaiah, Appu Kutty and Swaminathan appear functional.

Though the film starts in a thrilling manner, it fizzles out and drags once the romantic portions open up. The second half is relatively well written with twists and turns. The love track between the lead pair lacks depth and hence Shanthanu taking to drugs is not really convincing. A bit of intelligent writing would have helped.

GV Prakash’s songs are pleasant, and the Happy New Year song with several celebs shaking their legs is visually good. But the same cannot be said for the background score. One wonders if it was GVPs. Rasamathi’s camera work is well adept to the proceedings.