Director: Thalapathy Prabhu
Cast: Udhyanidhi, Nivetha Pathuraj, Parthiban, Soori
Thalapathy Prabhu, a former associate of Ponram has debuted with Podhuvaga Emmanasu Thangam, which follows the tried and tested template of a rural entertainer. And the film is heavily inspired by his mentor’s blockbuster Varuthapadatha Valibar Sangam.
Instead of Sivakarthikeyan and Sathyaraj in VVS, here in PET, Prabhu has replaced Udhayanidhi and Parthiban in the lead. The story is about an uneducated, jobless, carefree youth Ganesan (Udhayanidhi) who along with his friend Tiger Pandi (Soori) aims to develop his village Koothapaadi that lacks the basic amenities like school, hospital and ration shop. The duo would do anything for their motive. In order to realize his dream, Ganesan tries to woo Leelavathy (Nivetha Pethuraj), daughter of one Oothukaattan (Parthiban), a rich and cunning man from the neighboring village Aalampaadi who is out to destroy Koothapadi. He has his own flimsy reasons for it! When Ganesan comes to know of it, there starts a cat and mouse game between them.
Udhayanidhi once again attempts a rural youth role and he fits into it to the T. He has also improved a lot in dance sequences as well. Along with Soori, the comedy scenes work big time. Parthiban in his characteristic style scores most part of it and his antics with his sidekick played by Mayilsamy is enjoyable. Nivetha Pethuraj looks good, but hardly makes an impact in a poorly etched character. The story moves in a predictable manner without any twists and turns. The screenplay is also somewhat inconsistent and stretched, which reduces the engaging factor. There are umpteen numbers of people who walk in and out of the film in each and every scene.
Technically, Balasubramaniem’s camera captures the vivid colors of the village in a brilliant manner. Imman’s music is just about adequate. On the whole, the movie can be enjoyed only in parts.
