Cast: Sunny Wayne, Prayaga Martin, Sarath Kumar, Jacob Gregory, Ashokan
Director: Jijo Antony
The film begins with Dulquer Salmaan’s voiceover describing the fans of celebrities as not mere nameless, faceless people known for taking their star frenzy to dizzying heights but as people who also do a lot of good to society. On that note, the film takes off to a colourful, entertaining start in the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram. The film is a tribute to Ilayathalapathy Vijay’s fans in Kerala and much like the mass films that Vijay is known for, Jijo Antony’s Pokkiri Simon is also a mass ride peppered with punch lines and dialogues from the star’s hit films mouthed by the protagonist Pokkiri Simon played by Sunny Wayne and his friends Hanuman Biju (Jacob Gregory) and Ganeshan (Sarath Kumar). These friends are bound together by their deep fan worship of Vijay to the extent that Ganeshan names his daughter Jennifer (the name of the heroine in Kushi) and Simon pines for a girl (Prayaga Martin who plays Deepa) who whistles the longest during a Vijay film.
Simon’s mannerisms, gestures and dressing style are modeled on his idol. Somehow, being Vijay’s fan has ensured that Simon excels in the fisticuffs department. He is able to take on ten goons single-handedly and emerge unscathed, which is unbelievable.
With the exception of auto driver Ganeshan, Simon and Biju are unemployed and their main worries revolve around erecting huge flex boards for their star and celebrating his releases over drinks.
Saiju Kurup as Naushad is another die-hard fan of Vijay from the Beemapally area and minor skirmishes between Naushad and Simon see them both landing at the police station where Simon’s father (Ashokan) works. Actor/director Dileesh Pothen excels at playing a senior policeman who often bails out the Vijay fans.
The first half of the film is devoted to the mad fan worship, some humorous moments and for setting up the characters with some romantic moments thrown in. The film does not have a well-structured story to boast of but takes on a serious social issue in the second half with regard to organ trafficking. Shammi Thilakan, as the villain Arjunan, plays his part very well. His evil intent comes through in his eyes and the mere smirk of his mouth.
The film moves to a predictable end but leaves the audience with some unanswered questions about how the ‘real’ villain was discovered by Simon, who even does a reenactment of a Thuppakki scene with a goon.
Sunny with his swagger and style has good screen presence and Sharath Kumar, Nedumudi Venu, Baiju and Ashokan have shined in their respective roles. Prayaga Martin looks beautiful and her role is restricted mostly to song and dance sequences.
Vijay’s scenes appearing at crucial junctures is jarring at times. All said and done, if you are not looking for a serious storyline, are a Vijay fan and just want to enjoy some fun, light-hearted moments, head over to see Pokkiri Simon and team.
