Tamizhan, Apr 14th, 2002

http://www.rediff.com/movies/2002/apr/26tam.htm

Debutant directors seem to be making inroads in the Tamil film industry.

More and more stars prefer working with new directors hoping to cash in on their enthusiasm. Having to prove themselves, the newcomers give all their energy to their maiden ventures and if they triumph so does the star!

Here, looks like A Majeed has made it with Thamizhan starring Vijay, Priyanka Chopra, Nasser, Revathi and Ashish Vidyarthi.

Thamizhan has a one-line story that can be written at the back of a postage stamp --- "everyone should know law".

The fact that the makers have you riveted to your seat despite such a small main motif proves its success. Chennai's typical issues like the bus conductor not giving you back your change, water scarcity and water scandals, form the issues that are taken up on screen which the audiences will lap up.

Vijay who seems to be getting younger is his usual lively self and has a sister, brother-in-law and their kid for family. As an unemployed law graduate, he decides to take up social issues after a sounding from his sister (Revathi).

With Vijay as the do-gooder, the bad guys cannot be far behind. Vijay’s clean-up acts adversely affect baddie GK (Ashish Vidyarthi), who avenges his loss by killing Vijay's folks. He, of course, also manages to tarnish Vijay’s image. How he fights evil without breaking any rules is the remainder of the film. There are some lighter moments in the film as well. Note Vijay's scenes with Delhi Ganesh who plays his senior advocate.

Most films starring Vijay are marked by good music and dance sequences. Both --- good music and dance sequences --- are missing here. Debutant music director D Imaan still has a long way to go to make a mark. He probably will, as he seems to have the enthusiasm to keep him going.
Former Miss World Priyanka Chopra, on the other hand, shows no promise.

Revathi and Nasser fulfill what their roles demand --- of loving family members. Ashish Vidyarthi as the villain is promising.

The dialogues are precise in parts while Ekambaram's cinematography is unobtrusive.
Thamizhan’s success at the BO will make Vijay’s diehard fans happy, especially because his last film Shahjahan was an average grosser.