Banner: Muthamizh Padaippagam
Star Cast: Arulnidhi, Praneetha, Ashish Vidyarthy, Santhanam
Cinematography : Vijay Milton
Editing: Kishore
Music: Manikanth Kadri
Director: Chaplin
Platitudes spilled everywhere into the film that nowhere stands different from the commercial potboilers. Finding opportunity to make his debut directorial with ‘Udhayan’, director Chaplin has failed terribly by crafting a time-worn script that has a not-so good performance by the artists.
The film opens with ‘Thimiru’ shade as we find a bunch of goons lead by a ferocious Thalaivar (Aashish Vidyarthi) in search of someone to bump him off. Cut to Chennai – Vasanth (Arulnidhi) is a handsome, smart lad employed as an assistant manager in ICICI Bank. Not to miss his colleague (Santhanam), who goes through ludicrous moments over his job. Vasanth feels straight from his heart and openly admits his interest to marry Priya (Pranitha) on the first sight. When everything seemingly proceeds well through their way, a flashback reveals unsettled disputes among few characters in the film including Vasanth.
When an actor supposedly makes his debut in a film based on rural backdrop, his next immediate option would be display a different avatar as a smart city boy. So does Arulnidhi – he crunches down the baddies, sings limitless duets with heroine appearing in skimpy costumes and finally take up ‘Vishal’ act (Thimiru, Sandakozhi) during climax. Arulnidhi definitely needs a crash course to make things happen. Pranitha on the other end might keep the guys engaged with her looks. But again, she has to pay more attention towards her costumes. Her cute cherubic looks impress us and she might have some luck in Kollywood. Aashish Vidyarthi renders an effortless performance as a dangerous goon. Krishna Moorthy of ‘Naan Kadavul’ fame as a Brahmin is a ridiculous factor and it’s unacceptable. Santhanam in his fixed paradigm tries evoking laughter and indeed succeeds.
Manikanth Kadri from Kannada film industry forays into Kollywood with this film and has delivered some tunes that are appreciable. Cinematography Vijay Milton has some colorful visuals and a good illustration can be witnessed with the songs.
‘Udhayan’ doesn’t manage to keep the interest levels of audiences the same throughout and it stumbles down halfway, turning them restless.
What works: First half, Few songs, Comedy
What doesn’t work: Direction, Screenplay, performances,
Verdict: Below Average
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Action satisfaction
Arulnidhi, grandson of former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi garnered all attention making his debut in director Pandiraj’s Vamsam. His second – Udhayan has hit the screens today. Directed by Chaplin, it is a city slicker and expectations are high. Lets check out how the movie is.
Story
Udhayan (Arulnidhi) works as an assistant manager in a bank in Chennai. A fun-loving youth, he falls in love with a young girl Priya (Praneetha). He straightaway urges her to marry him. Clear in his thoughts and actions, he is admired by all. Santhanam works in the bank as his colleague. Meanwhile an old man (Ashish vidyarthi) runs from pillar to post searching for Udhayan. Meanwhile Priya’s father who works as an auditor with a baddie in the city wants his boss help to separate the lovers. As it happens Udhayan and the gang have scores to settle. Udhayan is knifed. The latter part is all but how Udhayan sets all things right and crucial part played by Ashish Vidyarthy in it.
Performance
Arulnidhi, who played a soft-spoken rustic youth in Vamsam has taken the other way round here. He dons the role of a city-bred youth. He looks trendy and appears in stylised costumes. He has proved his mettle in stunt sequences and shakes his legs too. Praneetha appears as cute bubbly girl and utilise the opportunity well. Santhanam is as usual in a prime form evoking laughter with his one-liners. Ashish Vidyarthy is back in Tamil playing a pivotal role. He emotes well. All the characters b;lend well and give the desired output on screen.
Analysis
Chaplin, who worked as associte to many filmmakers has used all his experience to weave a thrilling storyline and the fact is that he executes it well on screen. He has given an image makeover for Arulnidhi. The film proceeds in a lighter vein and takes an action-packed turn as it progresses. The twists are set at right places and Chaplin’s understanding of audience’s pulses is evident . The last few minutes are really racy and rivetting.
Technicalities
S D Vijay Milton has been a pillar of strength for the director. His lens captures the events in a racy and rivetting manner. Editing by Kishore is razor sharp. It adds pep to the whole proceedings. The highlight of the movie is however the songs by Manikanth Kadri, Son of saxophone player Kadri Gopalnath. He mesmerises with his catchy tunes. Also the background score livens up the proceedings.
Plus points
- Arulnidhi and Manikanth Kadri’s music
- Stunt sequences
Minus points
- Familiar theme
- lacks pace in latter part
Box office predictions:
The movie is rich, trendy and stylish. Targetted at youngsters, positive reviews might help the movie make decent opening.
Udhayan Review rating: 3 / 5