Movie: Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu
Director : Gautham Vasudev Menon
Starring : Silambarasan, Siddhi Idnani
Producer : Ishari K. Ganesh
Production company : Vels Film International
Story : B. Jeyamohan
Cinematography : Siddhartha Nuni
Editor : Anthony
Music Director: A. R. Rahman
8/10
The IBC News Rating
Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu Movie Review – Engaging Gangster Saga
Most popular for his breezy love stories, Gautham Vasudev Menon reinvents his filmmaking style in a big way with his latest release Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu, which marks the beginning of an epic gangster universe. The interesting thing about Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu is that it allows both Gautham and hero Simbhu to step out of their comfort zones. So, let’s see how the movie is.
Story:
The plot revolves around a guy named Muthu (Silambarasan) who is from a very small town in Tamil Nadu. An accident back home forces Muthu to travel to Mumbai in search of a job to support his mother and sister. With the help of his relative, he gets in to a menial job in a parotta stall run by the migrant Tamil community in Mumbai. But, it doesn’t take much time for Muthu to realize that the stall is merely being used as a disguise for some shady business. Soon, he learns about the direct ties of his co-workers and boss with the local underworld. Unfortunately, though Muthu tries to stay away from getting involved in gang wars, he’s eventually sucked into the underworld and is forced to pick up a weapon. What happens next forms the crux.
What’s Entertaining & What’s Boring:
Though the film carries a very simple storyline which is the rise of a common man, the screenplay of the film needs big appreciation. Even though there are no exceptional moments or blast-out scenes in the flow, it’s quite engaging. Mainly the first half has gripping narration. Certain scenes that come in this half carry the intense mood that raises the tension. However, the fulfillment is missing. We have never seen director Gautham Vasudev Menon try something rural and locally routed, he has done it neatly in the film. There are many good action sequences with a correct blend of emotions, but in some crucial places those two things fail because of the flat narration. Mainly, the lead to the second part of films showcased in the last 5-10 mins is done poorly.
Performance of Cast & Crew:
Silambarasan is excellent in his role. He literally lived in his character. He is so innocent during the first part of the film, tries to become a hero post-break and becomes one in the end. His style and looks perfectly fit for the character. Good debut for heroine Siddhi Idnani. She got a meaty role and she delivered an impressive performance. Appukutty and Neeraj Madhav are good in their roles. Radhika Sarathkumar just has a minimal screen-time, but she gave her best.
Coming to technical aspects, AR Rahman’s haunting music and fabulous background score elevate Vendhu Thanindhadhu Kaadu’s mood drastically. Cinematographer Siddhartha Nuni’s work captured Mumbai’s underworld in a new colour. Editing is a bit weak, as we get to see only convenient black-outs for scene transitions.
First Half & Second Half:
First half is engaging with gripping narration.The interval block is a proper culmination of Simbu’s performance, Gautham Menon’s stylish direction, and AR Rahman’s fabulous background score. The
Vendhu Thanindhadhu Kaadu could have been Simbu’s Pudhupettai, but it falls short by a few miles mainly because of the second half. The second half could have been more nuanced.
Impressive:
Performances
First Half
Screenplay
Unimpressive:
Second Half
Climax
‘The IBC News’ take:
Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu is a well-made film with Gautham Menon and Silambarasan trying something outside their comfort zone. With engagement issues, little lag in second half and a predictable plot, the film is watchable for general audiences, and a feast for STR fans.
One-Line Review:
Engaging gangster saga!
