Pokkiri - movie review : Another feather in Vijay’s cap
Cast : Vijay, Asin, Vadivelu
Direction: Prabhu Deva
Music: Mani Sharma
Production : Kanagarathna Movies
The first Vijay starrer in a year; loads of expectation from his fans; another release along with his arch rival Ajith. If you are an ardent Vijay maniac and reading this review with bated breath, we have some good news, Pokkiri has been worth the wait, it lives up to all the expectations.
The hard work that has been put into this movie by Vijay is evident right from the start; the short break seems to have done him good. Prabhu Deva making his directorial debut in Tamil has done a convincing job, with a special mention on the dance sequences.
Pokkiri, branded as an action packed entertainer is sure to strike the right chord with Ilaiya Dalapathi’s fans and the masses. The ‘formula’ has been adhered to well by the script and executed well by the director without appearing stale or repetitive. The tempo of the screenplay, the movie’s single most important factor does not sag through the entire length of the movie.
The action sequences, especially the climax stunt have been well shot. Asin climbs the next step in the glamour ladder; this must be her most glamorous role to date. She leaves an impression, even though the movie starts, moves and ends around Vijay.
The comedy track, handled by Vadivelu has nothing special. In fact, at some places one gets irritated at some ‘below the belt’ stuff that is churned out in the name of comedy. However, the spoof on Ghajini’s superhit song ‘Suttrum Vizhi Chudare’ featuring Vadivelu and Asin has the entire theater in splits. Amusing at times and crass at others, the lighter side of the movie could certainly have been better. Mani Sharma’s music enhances the movie’s appeal.
All songs have come out reasonably well; with Vasantha Mullai remix standing out without demeaning the original. It has also been handled with finesse. Mani Sharma is bound to get a few more offers in Tamil following Pokkiri. The story factor does not seem to hold much significance in the movie. The emphasis is on pacy narration and the approach has worked.
Performance wise, there is not much to mention except Vijay who looks fresh, young and full of energy; the title Pokkiri sits well on him.
Prakash Raj’s character is one of the movie’s disappointments; quite unusual. The way his character has been built leaves a lot to be desired. The redundant ‘Chellams’ in the climax tend to blunt the appeal of the phrase. Prakash Raj, one of Tamil cinema’s finest actors might do well to sit back and analyze the roles that he accepts. He must realize that he too has a fan base that cannot be disappointed. Roles that dent his image may not be well received.
Technically too, the movie is quite well handled. The camera work by Nirav Shah must be appreciated.
Though a sincere adaptation of the original, Prabhu Deva must be commended for not bringing in the Telugu hangover. Pokkiri, aimed at the masses might just cash in on the festive mood and entice the classes too.
A winner, at least it looks to be, after the first day, the overall box office result can only be decided after a couple of days performance. Vijay comes back with a bang, that’s good news for the Tamil industry.
Pokkiri packs a punch.
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