Kuruvi - Magazine Reviews

கொஞ்சம் காரம். நிறை வீரம். கதைக்குத் தகுந்த மாதிரி குடும்ப பாரம். இந்த மூன்றும் கலந்து வந்திருக்கிறது. குருவி. கில்லியில் சொல்லி அடித்த விஜய் - தரணி கூட்டணி இப்போது குருவியை களத்தில் இறக்கியிருக்கிறது.. இந்த முறை விஜய் ஆந்திர வில்லன்களுடன் மோதுகிறார். பொலிவான முகமும் முறுக்கேறிய உடலுமாய் படம் முழுக்க வலம் வரும் விஜய்யிடம் சூப்பர்கிங் உற்சாகம். எடையைக் குறைச்சுட்டா ச்சும்மா சுறுசுறுன்னு குருவி மாதிரி ஆயிரலாம்னு விஜய்க்குத் தெரிஞ்சிருக்கும் போல.
படம் முழுக்க ஸ்லிம் அண்ட் ஸ்லீக்காக வருகிறார். வீட்டில் சாவு விழுந்தால் கூட தயங்காமல் டூயட்டைத் தொடர்கிற வழக்கமான ஹீரோயினாக த்ரிஷா. அடுத்தடுத்து வெட்டும் குத்தும் நடந்து கொண்டிருக்கும் வேளைகளிலும் என்னை லவ் பண்றியா? என்று விஜயை அவர் துரத்தும் காட்சிகளில் நமக்கு எரிச்சல்தான் ஏற்படுகிறது. அடிக்கடி விஜய்யின் கையை பிடித்தக் கொண்டு ஒடி கில்லி எ ஃபெக்ட்டைத் தர மட்டுமே பயன்பட்டிருக்கிறார் த்ரிஷா.

ஹீரோ, ஹீரோயின் இப்படியிருக்க கதை மலேசியாவை நோக்கிப் போகிறது. விஜய்யின் அப்பா மணிவண்ணன் கடன் சுமை தாங்காமல் வீட்டை விட்டு ஓடிப்போக குடும்பத்திற்கென்று மீதியான ஒரே சொத்து வீடு. அதையும் அப்பா கொடுத்த செக் பவுண்ஸ் ஆன கடனுக்காக பிடுங்கப்பட இருக்க கெடு வாங்கிக் கொண்டு செக் கொடுத்த மலேசிய கம்பெனிக்கு அப்பாவின் கடனை வசூல் செய்ய குருவியாக பறக்கிறார்கள் விஜய்யும் நண்பர் விவேக்கும். கதை அங்கே சூடு பிடித்திருக்க வேண்டும். ஆனால் குருவிதானே அதிக உயரம் பறக்க இயலவில்லை. ஏகப்பட்ட பில்டப்புகளுடன் வில்லன்கள் வந்தாலும், படத்தில் விறுவிறுப்பு மிஸ்ஸிங்.

அதிரடியாய் அறிமுகமாகும் சீனியர் வில்லனான சுமன் பாதிப் படத்திலேயே விஜய் அடித்து வீல் சேரில் உட்கார வைத்து விடுகிறார். எம்.எல்.ஏ. வாக வரும் ஆசிஷ் வித்யார்த்தி அடிமைத் தொழிலாளர்களை வைத்திருப்பதும் நினைத்த மாத்திரத்தில் அவர்களை சுட்டுக் கொல்வதும் போலீஸ் கைத்தடிகள் போல நடத்துவதும் சினிமாவில் மட்டுமே சாத்தியமான காட்சிகள். ஏதோ தெலுங்கு படம் மாதிரி போய்ட்டிருக்கே? என்ற நம் சந்தேகத்தை வில்லனகள் அனைவரும் ஆரம்பம் முதல் கடைசி வரை தெலுங்கில் பேசி உறுதிப்படுத்திவிடுகிறார்கள். குவாரியிலிருந்து குழந்தைகளைக் காப்பாற்ற முயலும் இளவரசு ஒரு நல்ல குணச்சித்திர நடிகராக மனதில் இடம் பிடிக்கிறார்.

சரண்யா, மணிவண்ணன், நாசர் (சிறப்பு தோற்றம்) போன்றோருக்கு நடிக்க வாய்ப்பே இல்லை.

விஜய்-விவேக் கூட்டணியில் வரும் காமெடி காட்சிகள் கோடை வெயிலில் தர்பூசணி சாப்பிடுவது போல் இருக்கின்றன. மேற்கத்திய இசையும் நாட்டுப்புறப்பாட்டும் கலந்து ஒலிக்கும் ஹேப்பி நியூ இயர் பாடல் இசையமைப்பாளர் வித்யாசாகரை தரணிக்கு சூப்பர் ஜோடி என சொல்ல வைக்கிறது. ஆனால் விஜய்யின் அறிமுகப் பாட்டு... விஜய்க்கான குத்து மிஸ்ஸிங்...

கொத்தடிமைத் தொழிலாளர்களை மையமாகக் கொண்டிருந்தாலும் அவர்களின் பிரச்னையை நச்சென்று காட்டுவது போல ஒரு காட்சி கூட இல்லாதது திரைக்கதையில் மிகப் பெரிய பலவீனம். முதல் பாதியில் காமெடி கலக்கலாகப் போகும் கதை பின்பாதியில் ரத்த மயமாகிறது. கில்லியின் வேகத்தை தொட்டுவிடவேண்டுமென்று தரணி முயன்றிருக்கிறார். ஆனால் அது தொட இயலாத அசுர வேகம்.

- குமுதம் விமர்சனக் குழு
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வில்லன்களால் சிறை வைக்கப்பட்ட தந்தையை காக்கும் மகனின் கதை. ஆம்பளையா இருந்தா உன் அப்பனை காப்பாத்துடா என்று சுமன் சவால் விட விறு விறு வேகமெடுக்கும் திரைக்கதையின் முன் பாதி, ஜாலி எக்ஸ்பிரஸ். ஆனால் பின்பாதி சீரியஸ் ஷதாப்தி. காட்சிக்கு காட்சி விஜய்யின் விஸ்வரூப ஆக்ஷன் அட போட வைப்பது இந்தப் படத்தின் ஸ்பெஷாலிட்டி. பணம் தர மறுக்கும் மலேசிய வில்லனை அடித்து துவைப்பது முதல் அவர்களின் சமூக விரோதத்தை வெளிச்சம் போட்டுக் காட்டுவது வரை அதிரடி இடி....
விஜய்யின் அலப்பறையில் அதிர்கிறது தியேட்டர். மின்வெட்டு நடனம், பன்ஞ் டயலாக்... என இளமை திரையில் தளும்பி தியேட்டருக்குள் தெறிக்கிறது. த்ரிஷாவை விஜய் சந்திப்பது கலகல கவிதை. விஜய்யைத் தேடி திருவல்லிக்கேணி வரும் த்ரிஷாவின் பையில் வைரத்தை வைக்க, பின்னர் நடக்கும் சம்பவங்கள் சந்தோஷ களேபரங்கள்... விவேக் வரும் காமெடி காட்சிகள் சிரிப்புக் களஞ்சியம். தோற்றத்திலும் குரலிலும் கரடு முரடு சேர்த்துக் கலக்கியிருக்கிறார் சுமன். ஆஷிஸ் வித்யார்த்தியின் சவுண்டான நடிப்பில் ரசிகர்களைக் கட்டிப்போடுகிறார். என்ன தான் கணவன் கெட்டவன் என்றாலும், அவன் அடி வாங்கும் காட்சியில் சரண்யா மகிழ்வது டூ மச். த்ரிஷாவும் அவ்வப்போது நடிக்கிறார்! குதிக்கிறார்.

அனைவரது கைத்தட்டலையும் பெறும் ஒளிப்பதிவாளர் கோபிநாத்., இயக்குநருக்கு இணையாக உழைத்திருக்கிறார். அதிரடி இசையில் அசத்தியிருக்கிறார் வித்யாசாகர். "மொழமொன்னு', "பல்லானது' பாடல்கள் இனி மியூசிக் சேனல்களின் செல்லப்பிள்ளை.

- கல்கி விமர்சன குழு
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தில், தூள், கில்லி' என்று ட்ரிபிள் ஷாட் அடித்த தரணியின் குருவி

வீடு ஏலத்தில் மூழ்காமல் இருக்க காணாமல் போன அப்பாவுக்கு வர வேண்டிய கடனை வசூலிக்க, "குருவி'யாக மலேசியா செல்கிறார் விஜய். கடனை வசூலிக்க முடியாமல், வில்லன் சுமனிடமிருந்து காஸ்ட்லி வைரத்தை லபக்கிக் கொண்டு சென்னை வருகிறார். வைரக் கள்வனிடம் மனதைப் பறிகொடுக்கும் சுமனின் தங்கை த்ரிஷாவும் பின்னாலேயே சென்னை வருகிறார். வைரத்தையும் தங்கையையும் தேடி சுமனும் சென்னைக்கு!
விஜய்யைப் போட்டுப் புரட்டியெடுத்துவிட்டு, அவருடைய அப்பா மணிவண்ணன் தன்னிடம் கொத்தடிமையாக இருக்கும் ஃப்ளாஷ்பேக்கைச் சொல்கிறார் சுமன். பிறகென்ன... அப்பாவை மீட்பதும் த்ரிஷாவைக் கைபிடிப்பதுமான திசை நோக்கிப் பறக்கிறது குருவி!

விஜய், தரணி, த்ரிஷா கூட்டணி; மதுரைக்குப் பதில் மலேசியா; கபடிக்குப் பதில் கார் ரேஸ் எனப் பழைய பாதைதான்! கொத்தடிமைகள் மீட்பும் வில்லன்களும் மட்டும் புதுசு!

விஜய்க்கு ஆதர்சமான ஆக்ஷன் அவதாரம் பொளேர் பொளேரெனப் பொளக்கிறார். டமால் டுமீலென வெடிக்கிறார். ஆகாயத்தில் பறக்கிறார். தண்ணீருக்குள் தடதடக்கிறார் என ஆக்ஷன் பேக்கேஜ்! கிடைத்த கேப்களில் காமெடி. சென்டிமென்ட் வகையறாக்களுக்கும் மரியாதை செய்கிறார். ஆனாலும்...?

கொஞ்சம் வெளிறி மெலிந்திருக்கிற த்ரிஷா, தமிழ் சினிமாவின் டிபிக்கலான சமய சந்தர்ப்பம் தெரியாமல் ராவடி பண்ணுகிற ஹீரோயின்! விஜய்யின் மரணச் செய்தியின் போதுகூட அம்மணியின் கண்கள் துடிக்கத் தவறுகிறதே?

ஆக்ஷன் டெம்போவை எகிறவைக்கிறது வித்யாசாகரின் இசை. பலானது பாடலின் பீட்டும் டான்ஸும் அதிரடி! சரசர சுறுசுறுவென அடுத்தடுத்து ஆங்கில் மாறி அசரடிக்கும் கோபிநாத்தின் ஒளிப்பதிவும் துல்லியம்.

மலேசியாவுக்கு பொருட்களைக் கை மாற்றும் குருவி வைரக் கடத்தல் என்று சின்ன சுவாரஸ்யம் உண்டாக்கியவர்கள், பின்பாதி பழிவாங்கும் ட்ரீட்மென்ட்டில் புதுசாக ஏதுமில்லாமல் கோட்டைவிட்டதில்... ஆவ்வ்வ்!'

நின்றால் ஆக்ஷன், நடந்தால் ஆக்ஷனோ ஆக்ஷன் என்ற திகட்டல் முயற்சிக்கு தியேட்டரில் நெகட்டிவ் ரியாக்ஷன்! சுமன், ஆசிஷ் வித்யார்த்தி, பவன், ஜீவி (கடப்பா ராஜா) என்று படம் நெடுக வில்லன்மேளா

விஜய்க்குத் தோழராக விவேக் உண்டு. கொஞ்சம் கலகலப்போடு சேர்த்து, நேரடியாக அதிரவைக்கிற கெட்ட வார்த்தை காமெடியும் உண்டு!

ஏர்போர்ட் கஸ்டம்ஸ் அதிகாரிகளுக்கே ஜஸ்ட் லைக் தட் டேக்கா கொடுத்து வைரம் கடத்தும் விஜய், அதை த்ரிஷாவின் கைப்பைக்குள் இருந்து எடுப்பதற்கு அத்தனையா சிரமப்படுவார்!

அப்பா மணிவண்ணனின் ரத்தம் படிந்த அதே கல்லால் வில்லனை அடிப்பது கம்ப்யூட்டர் பாஸ்வேர்டு தெரிந்த வில்லன் நினைவிழப்பது, க்ளைமாக்ஸில் நல்ல போலீஸ் என்ட்ரி கொடுப்பது, விஜய்யின் சேவையைப் பாராட்டி அவரது கொலைக் குற்றங்களை ஸ்பாட்டிலேயே போலீஸ் அதிகாரி மன்னிப்பது எல்லாம் தமிழ் சினிமா காலம் காலமாகக் கிழித்தெடுத்த கிளிஷேக்கள்!

- விகடன் விமர்சன குழு

There’s Vijay, what else? - Kuruvi Hindu's Review

When a filmmaker gives a blockbuster that stands out for neat narration, thrilling action and admirable technique, he sets a benchmark that even he could find tough to match again.

Director Dharani did just that with Ghilli — which is still fresh in the viewer’s mind. When the same team returns after a hiatus, there’s bound to be comparison. Kuruvi (U/A) tries its best to fly high; only the effort isn’t enough because the eagle (Ghilli) had soared much higher. Of course, Dharani keeps up the momentum and things move fast until the midway point.

This Red Giant Movies’ production is one of a kind — a film with a storyline that doesn’t even feign an attempt to be logical! Without doubt, fans like fantasy, but even they expect some rationale in the plot. Probably, Dharani felt that the Vijay magic would override everything else.

Vetrivel (Vijay) is superhuman. He has his quota of fun, and adding to the levity is his friend (Vivek). Matters take a serious turn when he understands that his father and a lot of his workers are enslaved in a quarry in Cuddapah.

Vijay’s footwork in the dances is absolutely amazing! But, before flexing his muscles, he could have worked on his brawn. It would have made his stunts believable. For the first time, Trisha’s screen presence isn’t a sizzler.

By the way, your timing and modulation are getting too repetitive, Vivek.

You can’t but be awed by the lip sync that Ashish Vidyarthi manages in every film. At no point is it apparent that it’s another person speaking for him! And, the actor lends life to even the most clichéd of roles. Manivannan is in the bad men’s custody but keeps threatening them constantly. You wonder how he gets away with it! Anyway, Kuruvi doesn’t care much for reason, and this is just one example.

Another letdown is Vidyasagar’s music. But Kalyan, Shobi and Prem Rakshit (dance choreographers) score. A definite value-addition is Gopinath’s camera.

Director Hari’s assistant Shiva Shanmugham made a film (Thagappansami) with the same theme — bonded labour. Released in December 2006, it had fine performances from Prashanth and Pooja, and was poignant and sensitively treated. Sadly, it sank without a trace. Dharani has picked up a similar line and made a pot-boiler, but one that is wanting.

Kuruvi
Genre: Action
Director: Dharani
Cast: Vijay, Trisha, Suman
Storyline: When the son realises that his father and the workers in his firm have been carted away and forced into bonded labour, hell breaks loose.
Bottomline: There’s Vijay, but what else?

By: MALATHI RANGARAJAN

குருவி - விமர்சனம்

ஆந்திரா காரத்தையும், தமிழ்நாட்டு ஈரத்தையும் கலந்து பிசைந்த மசாலா மிக்ஸ். குருவியாக மலேசியாவுக்கு பறக்கிற விஜய், அங்கே த்ரிஷாவை சந்திக்கிறார். வழக்கம்போல் ஜோடியின் அண்ணனே எதிரி. அவரிடமிருந்து விலை உயர்ந்த வைரத்தை சுட்டுக் கொண்டு இந்தியா திரும்பும் விஜயை விடாமல் துரத்துகிறது காதலும், கலவரமும்! குருவி, கழுகாக விஸ்வரூபம் எடுக்கிறது. எதிரியை போட்டுத்தள்ளி... காதலியை கைப்பற்றி... அப்பாவை காப்பாற்றி... ஒரு ஹீரோவுக்குதான் எத்தனை வேலைகள்? அடேயப்பா...!

விஜயின் அறிமுகக் காட்சியே விட்டலாச்சார்யா படத்தை விஞ்சுகிறது. புவியீர்ப்பு விசைக்கு சவால் விடுகிறார் ஒவ்வொரு காட்சியிலும். இவர் நடப்பதை விட பறப்பதே அதிகம் என்பதால்தான் குருவி என்று பெயர் வைத்தார்களோ?

அப்பாவுக்கு தரவேண்டிய கடனை வசூலிக்க மலேசியா செல்லும் விஜய் அங்கு செய்யும் சாகசங்கள் த்ரிஷாவுக்கு மட்டுமல்ல, ரசிகர்களுக்கும் வியப்புதான். சுமனின் வீட்டிற்குள்ளேயே புகுந்து வைரத்தை கிளப்பிக் கொண்டு தப்பிக்கும் விஜய், ஃபிளைட்டில் ஏறும் வரை ரசிகர்களுக்கு இறங்காது பி.பி. அடுத்த பிளைட்டிலேயே சுமன் சென்னைக்கு வந்திறங்க தீப்பிடிக்கிறது திரை.

இன்னொரு பக்கம் கொண்டா ரெட்டியாக முண்டா தட்டுகிறார் ஆசிஷ் வித்யார்த்தி. விஜயின் அப்பா மணிவண்ணனையும், அவருடன் சேர்த்து நூற்றுக்கணக்கான குடும்பங்களையும் கொத்தடிமைகளாக வைத்திருக்கும் இவரது கோஷ்டிகள் செய்யும் அட்டகாசங்கள், பதற வைக்கும் பரிதாபங்கள். மெல்ல இந்த கொத்தடிமை கூட்டத்துக்குள் ஊடுருவும் விஜய், கடப்பா ராஜூவை அடித்து துவைத்து, தூக்கில் தொங்க விடுகிற காட்சிகள் கைதட்டல் ரகம்.

விஜயை தேடி சென்னைக்கு வந்திறங்குகிற த்ரிஷா, தனது பேக்கை தவறவிட்டு தேடுவதும், டர்க்கி டவலுடன் ரிசப்ஷனில் சண்டை போடுவதும் கலகலப்பு. அண்ணன் அடிவாங்கி அரை பிணமாக கிடந்தாலும், அடித்துப்போட்ட காதலனிடம் ஒருவார்த்தை கேட்க வேண்டுமே? நல்ல தங்கச்சிங்கப்பா!

இடைவேளை வரைக்கும்தான் சுமனின் ஆட்டம். அதன்பின் நாற்காலியில் உட்கார்ந்தே நடிக்க வேண்டிய பரிதாபம். லேப்-டாப் மூலமாக குவாரிக்குள் இருக்கும் விஜயை சுமன் அடையாளம் காட்டும் காட்சி த்ரில்+கலகலப்பு. கடைசி ரிலீல் அவர் சக்கர நாற்காலியில் இருந்து ஜம்பென்று எழுந்து சண்டை போடுவது எப்டிங்ணா?

மணிவண்ணன், இளவரசு என்று மனதில் நிற்கிற கேரக்டர்களுக்கு ஜே.

விஜய் படங்களுக்கேயுரிய கும்மாங்குத்து பாடல்கள். அதிலும் “மொழ மொழன்னு யம்மா ய ம்மா பயங்கரம். அர்த்தம் புரியாமலே குழந்தைகளும் பாடுவார்கள். ஹ¨ம்...!

மேன் ஆஃப்த மேட்ச் ஒளிப்பதிவாளர் கோபிநாத்துக்குதான். ஒவ்வொரு பிரேமும் பிரமிப்பு! நம்ப முடியாமல் அமைக்கப்பட்டிருக்கும் சண்டைக்காட்சிகள்தான் இப்படத்தின் பலமும், பலவீனமும்.

Kuruvi - Certainly not ‘Gilli’

IndiaGlitz
[Monday, May 05, 2008]

Much was expected on Vijay starrer ‘Kuruvi’ since it brings back the successful ‘Gilli’ team. The Vijay, Trisha, Dharani and Vidyasagar quartet oozed abundance energy and ‘Gilli’ turned out to be a racy entertainer, going on to become a blockbuster.

When they teamed together again, obviously expectations soared to greater heights. Unfortunately, ‘Kuruvi’ has failed to live up to expectations and the pep and energy in ‘Gilli’ was sorely missed in ‘Kuruvi’.

Dharani, known for rendering right commercial elements in his movie, has handled a wafer-thin storyline. He has tried his best to sustain the momentum, which works out in parts.

All credit to Vijay, who manages to leave his screen presence in his usual self. He fights, romances and tries his hand at comedy. The actor with a mass fan-following has tried to play to the gallery.

The on-screen chemistry between Trisha and Vijay deserve a special mention. The bubbly Trisha fits the bill well. Though she has limited scope to perform, unlike ‘Gilli’, she is right there delivering one of her best. Suman continues from where he left in ‘Sivaji’. As a baddie, he performs what one expects of him. The scene stealer is Vivek, who with his usual punch lines walks away with applause.

Music composer Vidyasagar's groovy music is good specially the number Darna..., which will rock the front-benchers.

In a nutshell, the movie is about Vetrivel (Vijay), a racer in Chennai, who sets out to free his father Singamuthu (Manivannan) and his peers who are bonded laborers in a mine run by Kocha (Suman) and Konda Reddy (Ashish).

In the meantime, he also finds time to romance Kocha's sister Devi (Trisha), who falls in love when he comes to her brother's place in Malaysia as part of his mission.

Special pat to producer Udayanidhi Stalin for spending his might to bring grandeur on screen. Dharani, known for his commercially masalas, disappoints those expecting the same from him. It can be enjoyed only in parts.

‘Kuruvi’, a racy thriller loaded with romance and action, is a sure treat for Vijay fans.

Kuruvi - The Movie Review

Summer heat has begun all over Tamil Nadu and to make it hotter, we have the hottest release of the season, Kuruvi. A perfect movie for your summer vacation, Kuruvi is a family entertainer with lots of mass and masala mixed to excite you in every frame you see.

Story: Vetrivel, a happy-go-lucky person living with his huge family in Chennai goes to Malaysia as “Kuruvi” along with his friend Ops(Vivek) to get a pending payment from Gocha(Suman) and clear off his family debts. There he finds himself betrayed and beats up Gocha’s henchmen. In the chase for Gocha, he ends up getting his sister Devi (Trisha) fall in love with him. Vetrivel and Ops return to India stealing a diamond from Gocha along with Devi who elopes in search of her Kuruvi. Gocha comes to India in search of the diamond, chases Vetrivel and finds him at last. Lots of hidden secrets get revealed about Gocha’s plans and the whereabouts of Vetrivel’s father who is considered as missing by the family. The rest of the film is about how Vetrivel wins over Gocha and his aides to save his father and how Trisha unites with her Kuruvi. (60%)

The Director’s seat: This is not Dharani’s movie definitely considering his track record in Tamil Cinema. The director, who holds his grip till the end of first half, loses control in the second half and the whole burden of the film falls on Vijay who has taken it successfully till the end. The story line is simple but as usual Dharani’s screenplay barring a few scenes has lifted it to the levels of an entertainer. Still, if Ghilli was a Dharani’s film ruled by Vijay, this is a Vijay’s film supported by Dharani. (50%)

The technical team: Gopinath’s camera takes us through this roller coaster ride so perfectly that the frames get registered in your mind as and when you see them. The camera work in Happy New Year and Pallanadhu songs deserve a special mention, so are the scenes shot in Malaysia and the rusty look maintained throughout the action packed second half. Maniraj’s art direction is picture perfect and the sets speak for his talents, even in the songs. Editing by VT Vijayan is brilliant but a few jerky scenes in second half could have been done well. This trio gives the film a very good look and feel. The visual effects however could have been done better, to be specific the rope fall scene in Malaysia and the jump scene before the interval. Vidhayasagar’s BGM score is a main highlight of the film giving each and every scene the perfect effect when watching on screen. Completely techno in Malaysian scenes, lovable in Vijay-Trisha romantic scenes, explosive in action scenes and so on, it changes your mood for every scene. Dialogues just pass the muster with a few punches but you will miss a punch like “Evlavo pannrom” or “Oru vaati mudivu pannita” (85%)

Action: The film has action too much over the top which is a main negative in few scenes. The club fight with theme music in the background and the chase scene after Pallanadhu song have been done well. But others especially the ones in second half are too much exaggerated may be with a reason to showcase the super hero power of Vijay. Even though Vijay has done his part in action well, the stunt composing could have been better as there is nothing new in the ideas. Above all, the too much exaggerated jump just before the interval is definitely not required, and there were so many ways to make Vijay run away from villains. (50%)

Songs: The songs which are already chartbusters become visual treats to watch and foils perfectly with the film. Short and sweet, they don’t distract the film’s flow very much. If choreography in Dandaana Darna and Mozha Mozhanu is outstanding, in Thaen Thaen it is soft and romantic. Pallanadhu is grandly shot and is situational while Happy New year is a treat for eyes. The theme music has been put to use very well in the Malaysian club fight. (100%)

Supporting cast: The villan gang consisting of Aasish Vidhayarthi and his new comer brother, and the guy who acts as Cudappah Raja have done their parts well. Suman as Gocha has done a better job than in Sivaji, surprisingly as a silent villan for the action filled second half. Saranya as Suman’s wife, Manivannan as Vijay’s father, the huge cast of Vijay’s family including T.K.Kala, Ilavarasu, the blind girl and the kid who comes as her brother have all provided very good supporting performances for the film. (90%)
Comedy: Vivek is one of the pillars of Kuruvi and his presence throughout the first half is a big advantage for the film. Perfect in timing, he does a brilliant job with Vijay to support him. Vijay who always has a good knack of comedy has a good sharing this time with Trisha who also does a good job. Scenes in Malaysia involving Vijay, Trisha and Vivek are a laugh riot and in second half Chitti Babu and Aashish Vidhyaarthi provide some lighter moments among serious scenes. (95%)

Trisha: The perfect commercial heroine for Vijay. Hot, glamorous and comic in the first half, cute and simple in second half, her vibrant acting, expressions and attitude wins your heart every time she appears onscreen. Her popular chemistry with Vijay works out very well in this film in all scenes and the songs, specially in “Thaen Thaen”. The Mask of Zorro style scenes between her and Vijay are a visual treat and kids are sure going to have a blast in these scenes. She fits the bill of Malaysian Tamil girl perfectly, though director could have given her some more footage in the second half. (85%)
Vijay: Time to talk about the super hero, the one man army, the messiah of Kuruvi – Ilayathalapathy Vijay. Without his unmatchable screen presence, comedy timing, power packed performance and the involvement and dedication he has shown, all the above said ratings will be of no use. For the whole first half, his restrained performance along with Vivek and Trisha wins our hearts. His dance in Dandaana Darna and Mozha Mozhanu songs, where he performs even the most difficult steps with utmost ease, yet again proves he is a gifted dancer. When the director has taken a side seat in second half, he has single handedly carried the whole episode successfully keeping audiences entertained. He has used his expressive eyes very well in this film. Even when other things fail, he has handled the situation with “Why fear when I am here” kind of attitude. Kuruvi is another feather in the cap of mass hero Vijay.(100%)

Positives:
1. Vijay the performer
2. Trisha’s presence
3. Songs and background score
4. Vivek and the supporting cast
5. Camera work and art direction

Negatives:
1. Some over the top and exaggerated action sequences
2. Poor visual effects in couple of scenes
3. Loss of director’s touch in second half

Rating: 8/10

Overall Verdict: The hottest summer entertainment from Vijay.

KURUVI - A movie packed with action and comedy

May 04, 2008

Illaya Thalapathy Vijay presented a summer Special movie "kuruvi" , directed by Dharani and accompained with the team of earlier Blockbuster Movie Ghilli which set some kind of fast paced mood, tempo and expectations.

Vijay played a role of Vetrivel, while trisha was Devi. Kuruvi opens with Vijay in his best style, sending his fans into raptures. Vijay having to free his father(Manivannan) and his colleagues who have been trapped as slaves under villains Ashish Vidyarthi and Suman forms the crux of Kuruvi.

Manivannan and his colleagues were trapped as slaves in kadappa, Andra pradesh. Diamond was found in that area, area, but the government issues a ban to excavate the place owing to the risk of earthquakes. Manivannan is being forced to go against law, but he challenges to villans, that his son would come to rescue them.

Vijay, who is in chennai, expecting for his father arrival. Meanwhile, a cheque for 50 lakhs that Manivannan had issued as collateral towards the house, bounces-forcing Vijay to vacate their house. Vijay asks the landlords a week's time to pay back the money and sets out on a mission to Malaysia to find the person whose signature is on the cheque.

In malaysia he will be forced out by Suman team who was in need to pay back 50 lakhs money.So that vijay enters into suman residence and steal a diamond of suman, in trisha (suman sister) engagement. trisha notices way of escaping of vijay and She falls in love. Along with her brother, she travels to Chennai in search of Vijay. But in airport in a clash between vijay and suman team suman gets injured. Because of injury suman will not be allowed to travel. Later suman lands on chennai in search of vijay while trisha is also in search of vijay. Both of them will be in searching vijay with different objectives.

Unfortunately, Vijay will be forced to meet suman in his house itself and in that clash he comes to know about his father and his colleagues trapped as slaves in kadappa. From that next minute, how vijay will rescue his father and collegues will be fullfilling vijay fans expectations.

Trisha role was an usual heroine who falls in love in first sight in vijay. Vivek leads the comedy role and also fullfills his role. In Vidyasgar's Music, "thaen thaen" song is an excellent romantic, while "Pallanadhu" song will be an energitic song. Suman Played an excellent role, after Sivaji. Ashish Vidyarthi role was fine but it made a remembarance of Sayaji sindae in dhool.Even he didn't get enough roles to prove his mettle. Cinematogarphy and Art work was fine.

Finally, Kuruvi will be satisfying vijay fans and those who watch kuruvi without comparing with Ghilli. If you expect much more than Ghilli, step away.

Kuruvi - A movie packed with action and comedy.

Kuruvi - Behindwoods Review

Behindwoods Movie Review Board

Starring: Vijay, Trisha, Suman, Vivek, Manivannan, Malavika, Ashish Vidyarthi
Direction: Dharani
Music: Vidyasagar
Production: Udhayanidhi Stalin

Director Dharani's earlier project Ghilli with Vijay and Trisha was a blockbuster victory that had set some kind of fast paced mood, tempo and expectations about this duo in the minds of their fans. They entered the theatre this evening eagerly to catch this maiden production venture of Udhaynidhi Stalin's Red Giants Movies - produced Kuruvi. The secrecy shrouding the story of the film had also helped in escalating its anticipations to a barometric high.

Scaling high-rise buildings, bowing down to bullets elegantly, Kuruvi opens with Vijay in his best nonchalant style, sending his fans into raptures. If the same care and hard work that had gone into rendering a weighty build up for Vijay had also been employed in the story department, it would have been a Ghilli-like encore for this team. As it happens, Kuruvi flies short of Ghilli.

Vijay having to free his father and his colleagues who have been trapped as slaves under villains Ashish Vidyarthi and Suman forms the crux of Kuruvi. The director has attempted to ride on the twin horses of action and comedy, moving the film at a very rapid pace, while simultaneously depicting Vijay at his humorous best. However, his objective seems to be too elusive and the film sags at various levels.

Ashish Vidyarthi and Suman (Sivaji fame) are compatriots in the quarry business who have given out a contract to Vijay's dad,

Manivannan, in Cudappa, Andhra Pradesh. Diamonds that are otherwise only found in Africa are said to be located in this area, but the government issues a ban to excavate the place owing to the risk of earthquakes. But the baddies force Manivannan to go against the law and make him and his group bonded laborers. Manivannan challenges the villains that his son would avenge him once he learns of this. But Vijay, who is in Chennai, thinks that his dad has gone under cover due to debts and is hopeful of his return one day. Meanwhile, a cheque for 50 lakhs that Manivannan had issued as collateral towards the house, bounces-forcing Vijay to vacate their house. Vijay asks the landlords a week's time to pay back the money and sets out on a mission to Malaysia to find the person whose signature is on the cheque.

He travels to Malaysia as a kuruvi- one who is used as a runner to carry and bring back goods. There he runs into Suman's residence. A scuffle with him results in Vijay stealing Suman's diamond in a Zorro-like costume which leaves Trisha,-Suman's sister, in a mesmerizing trance. She promptly falls in love. Along with her brother, she lands in Chennai in search of Vijay. Each of them search, but with different objectives. How the lead stars reach their respective goals forms the rest of the story.

Producer Udhaynidhi has spent generously which is perceptible in the lavish sets, colorful junior artists, graphics etc. Dharani's favorite music composer Vidyasagar's tunes are already a hit and the melodious 'then then' number is a revelation, both visually and acoustically. Trisha is at her glamorous best. Ashish Vidyarthi and Suman

do not have meaty enough roles to prove their mettle. Camera work and editing is slick. Vivek, who accompanies Vijay, provides occasional comic relief.

If you go to see Kuruvi with lowered expectations, you may end up liking it. But those who are looking for big build-up sequences and large Ghilli-like payoffs - stay away.

Verdict : Kuruvi- a moderate flight

Kuruvi - Galatta Review

Cast: Vijay, Trisha, Vivek, Suman, Ashish Vidhyarthi
Banner: Red Giant Entertainment Ltd
Producer: Udayanidhi Stalin
Story - Screenplay - Direction: Dharani
Cinematographer: Gopinath
Music: Vidyasagar
Editing: V.T. Vijayan
Art: Maniraj
Dance choreography: Kalyan, Shobi, Prem Rakshit
Stunts: 'Rocky' Rajesh
Lyrics: Pa. Vijay, N. Muthukumar, Kapilan, Yugabharathy
Co-producers: M. Shenbaga Moorthy, R. Arjun Durai
Designs: Kumar
P.R.O: "Nellai" Sundarrajan

What happens when a commercially successful team comes together for the second time? Hopefully, success should be come first and foremost; in addition, there will be a promise of better pure entertainment. And that is what we experience when we go to see Kuruvi by Red Giant Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. After all the hype and hoopla, the nuggets of information that kept leaking to the media about the exceptional project, Kuruvi awards viewers with a satisfactory feeling of enjoyment, of time and money well-spent. The wait was worthwhile! Can Ghilli be bettered? Yes, and Kuruvi is the proof!

Vetrivel (Vijay) is a fun-loving young man who takes care of his family in his father's (Manivannan) absence. Car racing is his favourite hobby. He and his inseparable comrade Ops (Vivek) make a deadly duo. Their carefree life is disturbed when the house-owner asks Vetrivel's family to vacate the house since their rent is overdue. On enquiry, a shocked Vetri learns that rent payments have been irregular since some months. Discomfited at the confusion and chaos, Vetri investigates why his father could not pay the rent; he unearths the devilish dealings of a don Koccha (Suman) and the functioning of his entire network.

Finding that Koccha is based in Malaysia, Vetrivel and Ops fly to Malaysia, as 'Kuruvi' (small bird), the trade jargon for low-level contraband carriers. He steps into the group at a time when internal rivalry and problems are surfacing in Koccha's family. Koccha's darling sister Devi (Trisha) has refused to marry her cousin, the boy approved by her family members. Irritated and preoccupied, nobody wants to devote any time or attention to resolve Vetrivel's problem. Vetrivel is abused, harassed, suffers more ill-treatment and is thrown out of Koccha's place without any help rendered. These callous actions enrage the young man. Totally enraged, with a do-or-die attitude, deciding to get his work done no matter who gets hurt, Vetri becomes a veritable suicide machine and launches into a terrific scuffle with the dangerous gang. Determined to return only after the issue is solved to his satisfaction, motivated by an urge to reveal the truth, Vetrivel conceals himself in Koccha's palace-like residence.

Outside, the whole world is ready to welcome yet another New Year. Festivities and a feeling of happiness and anticipation envelop everybody. For Vetrivel, it is a different feeling of celebration, one of achievement and victory. Armed with convincing proof to trap Koccha, he steps out of the dangerous dwelling and there, finds company in the form of Devi. With a quick change of plan, he adds Devi too in his plan; when the New Year begins, Vetri, Ops and Devi fly away from Malaysia.

What is Vetri's plan? What is the proof Vetri has and how does he use it against the powerful don? Of Vetri, Devi and Ops, one is used as an instrument to import a precious belonging, the outcome of Vetrivel's camping at the Kocchas'. What is this belonging? Who is it? Does the bearer know about it? Do Vetrivel's findings solve his financial problems or is there more to the scam? Does his attack extricate the long-term sufferers under Koccha and Konda Reddy (Ashish Vidyarthi)'s power and arrogance, persons who were craving for freedom and survival? Kuruvi is all set to offer fitting answers for all these queries!

Undoubtedly, Kuruvi is an out-and-out Vijay extravaganza. With all the signs of a born entertainer - eyes twinkling, body motion (in dances, fights and casual mockery) the tone changing suitably during punch dialogues - the actor establishes his character firmly and earns claps and whistles in every frame. Vivek is an effective foil and offers his effective best for Vijay's cause; he also sparkles with his own track of humour and practical wisdom.

Trisha is the real heart-throb of Kuruvi. How cute she looks in all those designer costumes! A lovable sense of bemusement tinted with plain and easy humour shines through her every line of dialogue and every nuance of body language. When she longs to see the man who saved her from the dangerous den (her brother's), from the disagreeable wedding arrangement and from the threatening destination, we too weep in empathy with this bubbly, innocent angel.

Dharani's stratagem for the narrative of Kuruvi is simple, though not entirely new. But the director is smart and focussed throughout the accomplishment. He has created a comprehensive characterization for Vijay and Trisha as well all other cast members (Suman, Manivannan, Ashish Vidyarthi, etc.) and interlinks them with a realistic dose of sentiment, romance, action and suspense. No matter which angle you examine Kuruvi from, there is satisfaction by way of pure entertainment, with all ingredients in the right proportions. Amid all the action and reaction, extraordinary hilarity is the highlight of Kuruvi.

Vidyasagar (music) and Gopinath (camera) have yet again proved the alchemy of their combination with Dharani. 'Mozhamozhannu' in Vidyasagar's music stands out. Gopinath's camera adds to the look and adequately shows the thrills, suspense and action scenes of Kuruvi.

The magic of Ghilli is felt yet again through Kuruvi. An air of cheer and wit is Kuruvi's added plus point. So we are forced to repeat -- Can Ghilli be bettered? Yes, and Kuruvi is the proof!

Kuruvi - Sify Review

By Moviebuzz
Movie: Kuruvi
Director: Dharani
Producer: Udayanidhi Stalin
Music: Vidyasagar
Cast: Vijay, Trisha, Suman, Vivek, Manivannan

To give Dharani his due, Kuruvi is watchable in parts, for die-hard fans of Vijay. For ordinary viewers, the film lacks a basic story and stretches ones patience for nearly three hours.

The first half has bits and shreds of Mask of Zorro when the lead pair meet and romance, comedy elements and mix-up scenes from The French Kiss and post interval it looks like the Telugu film Chatrapati.

The story credited to Dharani looks dated, like an old 70’s and 80’s mass masala film. Where else can you show heroism in the form of the hero winning a car race, with an old jalopy, and then bursting into an introduction item song with the loser’s girl?

A big menacing villain, who can’t shoot straight, good guy father swearing that his son will come and eliminate the baddies, and one of the villains smashing his head with a stone which many years later the hero uses to kill the same villain!

Vetrivel (Vijay) alias Kuruvi is a happy go-lucky young man, who is a car racer. He lives on the banks of Cooum near a Metro rail station in a rickety old house, with his father’s three wives including his mother and sisters. His father Singamuthu (Manivannan) a quarry worker in Cuddaph had mysteriously disappeared.

One of his father’s creditors tries to vacate Vetrivel and family. Due to his financial circumstances he is forced to go to Malaysia as a ‘kuruvi’ (courier), and also recover some money due to his father from Kocha (Suman), who had betrayed his father who discovered a rare diamond in the granite quarry.

Kuruvi in his attempt to recover his dues ends up stealing Kocha’s, precious diamond, and also wins the heart of his sister Devi (Trisha), who runs away with him to Chennai to avoid a marriage with her brother’s henchman.

The rest of the film is how Kuruvi goes to Cuddaph and discovers a slave camp run by Kocha and his associate Konda Reddy (Ashutosh), at the collieries and also finds his long lost father. Kuruvi turns into a ‘Parunthu’ (eagle) and single handedly takes on the mining mafia and finally annihilates them.

The film has all your trademark superhero-movie elements- a larger-than-life hero, action scenes galore stretching for nearly 15 minutes per fight, punchlines like- 1. Pechu thaan silent, aana adikkira ovaru adiyum saravadi. (2) Idukium munnadi onnu varum, minnal athu 10,000 watts irukke, songs in exotic locations Thaen, Then…, watch out for Trisha’s chiffon sari’s and fantastic dancing by Vijay in the Mozha Mozhannu.. number.

If you're looking for a tight, razor-sharp, edge-of-the-seat action thriller like Ghilli, you've got the wrong film. But of course, if Kuruvi is salvaged to some extent, it's thanks to Vijay’s irresistible screen presence and his spontaneous approach to the character.

Trisha fits the bill and her comedy scenes are good. However, the film is painfully long and unbearably tedious as it is a predictable fare and has absolutely no story to speak. Writer-director Dharani’s sheer inability to set the tone of the film is evident.

Verdict: Run-of-the-mill

குருவி - பட விமர்சனம்

Sunday, 04 May 2008

"கில்லி"- பட வெற்றிக் கூட்டணி தரணி - விஜய், தயாரிப்பு- உதயநிதி ஸ்டாலின்,மேலும் தற்போதைய தென்னிந்திய கனவுக்கன்னி த்ரிஷா, இசை-வித்யாசாகர் என குருவி பட கூட்டணி மிரட்டுகிறது. கில்லியின் வேகத்தை குருவியில் எதிர்பார்த்தால் கொஞ்சம் ஏமாற்றம்தான்.

விஜய்-த்ரிஷா காதல்! அப்பா-மகன் செண்டிமெண்ட்! நடுவில் காமெடி !வில்லன்களுடன் சண்டை! இப்போதுள்ள ட்ரெண்ட்படி மாஸ் இமேஜ் வேண்டுமென்பதால் "பஞ்ச் டயலாக்" ! இப்படி சகல விஷயங்களையும் சரி விகிதத்தில் உப்பு,காரம் ,காரம் மசாலா சுவைபட ரசிகனுக்கு அளிக்க இயக்குனர் முயற்சித்திருக்கிறார். ஆனால் அதில் 50% மட்டுமே வெற்றிபெற்றிருக்கிறார்.

நடிப்பு : விஜய்,த்ரிஷா,ஆஷிஷ்வித்யார்த்தி,சுமன்,விவக்,மணிவண்ணன்
இயக்கம் :தரணி
இசை :வியாசாகர்
தயாரிப்பு:உதயநிதி ஸ்டாலின

ஒரே வரியில் சொல்லக்கூடிய கதை தான். வில்லன்கள் ஆஷிஷ் வித்யார்த்தி(தில் வில்லன்) மற்றும் சுமன் (சிவாஜி வில்லன்) ,இவர்களிடம் கொத்தடிமைத் தொழிலாளர்களாக மாட்டிக் கொண்ட மணிவண்ணன் (விஜய் அப்பா) மற்றும் அவர் கூட்டாளிகளை எப்படி காப்பாற்றுகிறார் இளைய தளபதி என்பதுதான் கதை. ஆக்ஷ்ன் மற்றும் காமெடி என சரிவிகத கலவையில் செல்கிறது படம். விஜய் நகைச்சுவையில் பின்னுகிறார். அவருடைய டைமிங் மற்றும் பாணி நன்றாக ஒத்துப்போகிறது.

ஆஷிஷ் வித்யார்த்தியும்,சுமனும் ஆந்திராவிலுள்ள கடப்பாவில் கற்சுரங்க காண்ட்ரேக்டை மணிவண்ணனுக்கு கொடுக்கிறார்கள் .அந்த இடத்தில் தான் விலைமதிக்கமுடியாத வைரம் உள்ளதாம் (அதுவும் ஆப்ரிக்கா அடுத்து இங்கு தான் உள்ளதாம்).ஆனால் அரசாங்கமே நிலநடுக்க ஏரி்யாவென அவ்விடத்தை தடை செய்துவிட்டது. விடுவார்களா வில்லன்கள் !

சட்டத்தை மீறி மணிவண்ணன் மற்றும் அவர் கூட்டாளிகளை கொத்தடிமையாக்கிவிடுகிறார்கள். மணிவண்ணனோ தனது மகன் இவர்களை பழிவாங்குவான் என சூளூரைக்கிறார். ஆனால் இதெல்லாம் தெரியாத ஹீரொ சென்னையில் தனது தந்தை கடன் காரணமாக தலைமறைவாகிவிட்டார் என எண்ணுகிறார். இதற்கிடையில் மணிவண்ணன் வீட்டுக்காக அளித்த 50 லட்ச ரூபாய் செக் திரும்பி விடுகிறது. வீட்டைக் காலி செய்யும் சூழ்நிலையில் ஒரு வாரம் அவகாசம் கேட்டு காசோலையில் உள்ள கையெழுத்தை வைத்து "குருவி"யாக மலேசியாவிற்கு ஜூட்!

"குருவி"-ன்னா சரக்குகளை அங்கும் இங்கும் மாற்றல் செய்யும் ஆள். மலேசியாவில் சுமனுடன் மோதல்.சுமனின் தங்கை த்ரிஷாவிற்கு விஜய் மேல் காதல்! இருந்தாலும் "ஜோரோ" மாதிரி வைரத்தை திருடியவுடன் த்ரிஷாவிற்கு காதல் வருவது கொஞ்சம் ஓவர். சுமனும் த்ரிஷாவும் விஜ்யைத் தேடி சென்னை வருகிறார்கள் . விஜய் எவ்வாறு மணிவண்ணன் மற்றும் அவர் கூட்டாளிகளை எப்படி மீட்கிறார்...விடை வெள்ளித் திரையில்!

தயாரிப்பாளரின் முதல் படம் ! அதனால் படத்தில் வாரிவிட்டிருக்கிறார். பிரம்மாண்டமான செட், கிராபிக்ஸ் என எதிலும் குறைவைக்கவில்லை.

வித்யாசாகரின் பிண்ணணி இசை சில இடங்களில் சொதப்பியிருக்கிறது. ஆனால் பாடல்கள் ரசிகர்களை தியேட்டரில் ஆட்டம் போட வைக்கின்றன. "தேன் " பாடலும் அருமை! இசையும் இனிமை,படமாக்கிய இடமும் குளுமை. ஒளிப்பதிவு மற்றும் எடிட்டிங் சிறப்பாக உள்ளது.

தமிழ் சினிமாவில் இது ஹீரோவின் காலம்! படம் முழுக்க விஜய்! விஜய்!விஜய்! மனிதர் சண்டை,காதல்,ஆட்டம் பாட்டத்திலும் சரி,நகைசுவையிலும் சரி சாதாரணமாக செய்துவிடுகிறார். . விவேக் காமெடி அவ்வளவாக எடுபடவில்லை.

த்ரிஷா தமிழ் சினிமா ஹீரோயின் வேலையை கொஞ்சமும் மாற்றாமல் அதாவது ஹீரோவின் மேல் காதல்!அவ்வப்போது டூயட் ,கொஞ்சமென்ன நிறையவே கிளாமர் என செவ்வனே செய்துள்ளார். படம் அவ்வப்போது தொய்வு ஏற்படுவதை இயக்குனர் தவிர்த்திருக்கலாம்.

குருவி:மிதமான வேகத்தில் பறக்கிறது.

அதிகாலை ரேட்டிங்: ***

Vijay fans will love Kuruvi

Rediff.com
Pavithra Srinivasan

Kuruvi (n) is one of the more common bird species. That's a normal definition. Alternatively, a kuruvi is also a courier who trundles across innocuous products from one country to another. The exact specifications of these transfers remain dubious but it's an easy way of making some loot.

After blockbusters like Dhil, Dhool and Ghilli, director Dharani is back again with Kuruvi, produced by Udhayanidhi Stalin's Red Giant Movies, and starring hit-pair Vijay and Trisha [Images]. What with the hype and hoopla surrounding the stars and its proven formula director, Kuruvi arrived with massive expectations, evidenced by the upbeat crowds at the theatre, and screeching fans that did an ecstatic jig the moment the titles appeared on the silver screen.

The first few moments do nothing to dispel that notion. Opening in Cudappah, Andhra Pradesh, amidst arid, rocky lands, villains Konda Reddy (Ashish Vidhyarthi) and Gocha (Suman) make explosive entrances, the spit practically flying off their mouths. As hapless people are forced to slave under the merciless goons in their quarry, Singamuthu (Manivannan, who appears just for a few moments) swears that his son will appear to free them all and take them to a golden future. No prizes for guessing who the saviour is -- or even how the story is going to unfold.

Having said that, here are a few points to watch out in this mass entertainer:

1. The whole Kuruvi concept is a pretty new one, not unlike the basic premise for Azhagiya Thamizh Magan and the first hour is fairly enjoyable, with Vetrivel (Ilaya Thalapathi Vijay) and his best mate Vivek journeying as couriers on the way to Malaysia, trying to get the money to rescue their own home (Why said home is built like a construction site is a question best left unanswered.). But there the kuruvi set-up comes to an abrupt end.

2. Yes, Vetrivel shoots out of man-holes, drives racing cars without the slightest training or know-how, and also effortlessly becomes a kuruvi. As well, in typical 80s fashion, he flies through hundreds of bullets, escapes vehicles, jumps thousands of feet on moving trains, bashes up hundreds of men and manages to get hold of a lover as well -- Devi (Trisha), who naturally falls for his Mask of Zorro get-up.

3. If you expected Dharani to come out with mind-games like in his previous movies, forget it. This little pigeon is built like Bruce Lee, and flexes his muscle every other moment, wearing designer shoes. Aside from a couple of situations where Vel escapes identification from Gocha and outwits the local goons, there's not much of brilliant brain-power. And the scene where Konda Reddy wants to open Gocha's lap-top looks a straight lift from a similar situation in Ghilli.

4. Vijay is a delight to watch even when he's hamming it to the hilt; you only wish he'd been given more comedy situations, as he obviously has a flair for it. You also wish he'd been given some scope for acting. Trisha is tanned and slim, wears tiny outfits and designer saris, which is all that is required of her. That little tyke Kutty looks cute. Ilavarasu acts his part perfectly. Saranya looks authentic even when she's pleading for Trisha's life, while the villains all yell uniformly well. But why does Ashish Vidhyarthi try so desperately to emulate Prakashraj?

5. Babusivan's dialogues are loud, frothy and tear up your ear-drums. The Telugu additions sound authentic, though. Vivek disappears after the first half. The stunt sequences are truly a joy to behold, as Vel dreams up newer and newer ways and weapons to beat up the bad guys.

6. Art Director Maniraj has gone all out, particularly for the song sequences; the sets are colourful, lavish and expensive. Vidhyasagar's music suits the movie perfectly blaring out when necessary, and with thumping songs. Palaanathu and Mozha Mozhannu make a mark.

Kuruvi's got everything to appeal to Vijay fans -- but Dharani the director is lost in this melee of fist-fights and elementary comedy.

Rediff Rating:

மூவர் கூட்டணியின் மீண்டுமொரு வெற்றி 'குருவி'

வெற்றிவேல் கதாபாத்திரத்தில் வருகிறார் விஜய். படத்தின் பெயர்க் காரணம் வேண்டுமா (!?), அவரை எல்லோரும் அன்பாக 'குருவி' என்றே அழைக்கிறார்கள். இவரது பொழுதுபோக்கு கார் ரேஸில் கலந்து கொண்டு கார்களை ஓட்டுவது.

விஜய் தந்தையாக மணிவண்ணன். வழக்கம் போல் பாந்தமான நடிப்பை வெளிப்படுத்தி இருக்கிறார்.

விஜய் நண்பராக வரும் விவேக் சிரிக்கவும்... சமூக பிரச்சனைகள் குறித்து சிந்திக்கவும் வைக்கிறார். எந்தவித பிரச்சனையும் இல்லாமல் குருவி போல் பறந்து கொண்டு ஜாலியாக இருக்கும் விஜய் வாழ்க்கையில், வீட்டு உரிமையாளர் ரூபத்தில் புதிய பிரச்சனை ஏற்படுகிறது.

விஜய் குடும்பத்தினர் குடியிருக்கும் வீட்டிற்கு வாடகை தராததால் அவர்களை காலி செய்யச் சொல்கிறார் உரிமையாளர். தன் அப்பா ஏன் வீட்டு வாடகை கொடுக்கவில்லை என்பதை குருவி, துருவிப் பார்க்கும்போது, கோச்சா என்ற பிரபல ரவுடியின் அண்டர்கிரவுண்ட் வேலைகளைப் பற்றி அறிய நேரிடுகிறது.

கோச்சா கதாபாத்திரத்தில் சுமனும், அவருடைய கூட்டாளியான கொண்டரெட்டி பாத்திரத்தில் ஆசிஷ் வித்யார்த்தியும் நடித்துள்ளனர்.

மலேசியாவில் உள்ள கோச்சாவை ஒழிக்க, இந்தியாவில் இருந்து வெற்றிவேல், ஓப்ஸ் (விவேக்) இருவரும் மலேசியாவிற்கு பறக்கின்றனர்.

கோச்சாவைப் பற்றி தகவல் சேகரிக்க முயலும் வெற்றிவேல், ஒரு கட்டத்தில் சிங்கத்தின் குகைக்கு உள்ளேயே செல்ல முடிவு செய்கிறார். அதன்படி கோச்சாவின் வீட்டில் நுழைகிறார்.

கோச்சாவின் தங்கையாக த்ரிஷா. பணக்கார ரவுடிக் குடும்பத்தில் பிறந்த பெண்ணான தேவி கதாபாத்திரத்தில் வரும் த்ரிஷா இப்படத்திலும் தனது முத்திரையை (கவர்ச்சி... காதல்... நடிப்பு) பதித்துள்ளார்.

கோச்சா குடும்பத்தினர் பார்க்கும் மாப்பிள்ளையை திருமணம் செய்து கொள்ள தேவி மறுக்கிறார். இதையடுத்து வழக்கம் போல் விஜய்க்கும், த்ரிஷாவுக்கும் காதல் வளர்கிறது (தமிழ் சினிமா கதையை வேறு எப்படியும் நகர்த்த முடியாது போல...)

புத்தாண்டு நெருங்குகிறது... உலகமே புத்தாண்டைக் கொண்டாட கோலகலமாக தயாராகிறது. ஆனால் விஜய்... கோச்சாவை போலீசிடம் வசமாக சிக்க வைக்க ஏதாவது ஒரு முக்கிய ஆதாரம் சிக்காதா எனக் தேடுகிறார்.

புத்தாண்டுக்கு முன்பாகவே கிடைக்கிறது அந்த முக்கிய ஆதாரம். புத்தாண்டு தினத்தன்று வெற்றிவேல், தேவி, ஓப்ஸ் மூவரும் மலேசியாவில் இருந்து புறப்படுகின்றனர்.

விஜய் கையில் சிக்கியது என்ன ஆதாரம்... கோச்சா, கொண்டரெட்டி கும்பல் அட்டூழியங்களுக்கு முடிவு கட்டப்பட்டதா... விஜய் வென்றாரா என்பதே படத்தின் மீதிக்கதை. இடையிடையே குருவி - தேவி டூயட் பாடல்களும் செருகப்பட்டுள்ளன.

ஏற்கனவே விஜய்-தரணி-வித்யாசாகர் கூட்டணியில் உருவான `கில்லி' சூப்பர் டூப்பர் வெற்றி பெற்றதைப் போலவே குருவியிலும் மூவர் முத்திரை தெரிகிறது. அந்த வகையில் இந்தப் படத்திலும் கதம்பமான விஷயங்களை தொகுத்து வழங்கியிருக்கிறார் இயக்குனர் தரணி.

விஜய் கையில் சிக்கிய ஆதாரத்தை கடைசி வரை சஸ்பென்ஸ் ஆக கொண்டு சென்று கதையை முடித்திருப்பதில் இயக்குனர் தரணி மீண்டும் 'கில்லி'யடித்திருக்கிறார் என்றே கூறலாம்.

காதல்... சென்டிமென்ட்... காமெடி... ஆக்‍ஷன்... டான்ஸ்... பஞ்ச் டயலாக் என அத்தனை பாடத்திலும், பர்ஸ்ட்கிளாஸில் பாஸ் செய்துள்ளார் விஜய். வித்யாசாகர் இசையில் பாடல்கள் இனிக்கிறது. மொழ. மொழன்னு... பாடல் தனித்துத் தெரிகிறது.

கோபிநாத்தின் கேமரா படத்தின் வேகத்திற்கு உறுதுணையாக நிற்கிறது. த்ரில், சஸ்பென்ஸ், ஆக்‍ஷன் காட்சிகளில் இயக்குனர் மனதில் நினைத்ததை கேமரா கண்களால் பதிவு செய்திருக்கிறார்.

சுருக்கமாக சொல்ல வேண்டுமானால்... 'கில்லி' படத்தை அதைவிட சிறப்பாக எடுக்க முடியுமா என்று கேட்டால்... முடியும்... 'குருவி'யை பாருங்கள் என தைரியமாக சொல்லலாம்.

Azhagiya Tamil Magan : Feel good

Screen India Naresh Flamboyant Vijay in a dual role takes the viewers on a rollercoaster ride of entertainment for a two and half hours in Swarga Chitra’s Azhagiya Tamil Magan. Athletic Guru (Vijay likes the kind hearted Abhinaya (Shreya) daughter of a business tycoon Anand Cheyyar (Ashish Vidyarthi). She reciprocates his love when she comes to know that he lost the running race to her friend’s brother Shakthi (Sreeman) so that Shakthi could get a job under the sports quota. Anand Cheyyar agrees for their marriage and after a dramatic entry, the boy’s father (Thanikella Bharani) too accepts his son’s choice. Abhi goes to Guru’s village along with him and convinces his mother (Geetha) who till then was apprehensive about a city bahu. In the meantime, Guru realises that he has extra sensory perception (ESP) as he foresees the death of the little girl who lives in the same bungalow as he is. He couldn’t save her but he could save his father and the villagers averting a train accident. Much to the chagrin of Abhi and her father, Guru stays away from his engagement ceremony. The reason his ESP told that he is going to knife Abhi in a ruined fort. In order to avoid the incident he leaves Chennai and heads for Mumbai. To his surprise he finds his look-alike Prasad (Vijay) there. Before he could reach him, he is hit by a moving lorry and is hospitalised. Prasad works for a Bank and illegally finances the money to a Seth (Sayaji Shinde) in Chennai. To recover the money he comes to Chennai. Abhi spots him outside the Seth’s office complex and takes him home thinking that he is Guru. A Casanova of sorts Prasad assumes the role of Guru and plans to usurp the girl and her property. Guru returns to Chennai to save Abhi. And then follows the one-up-man-ship drama between Guru and Prasad leading to an interesting climax. TECHNICAL EXPERTISE: The story seems to have drawn its inspiration from an old MGR hit, Ninaippadhai Mudippavan and ace filmmaker Bharathan makes the proceedings interesting with his crisp and witty dialogue. Vijay played the hero as well as the anti-hero to the hilt offering total entertainment. Shreya makes good contribution while Namita donned a special appearance. Super Subbarayan’s action blocks allure especially when the two Vijay’s fight with each other. A. R. Rahman’s music is a major asset for the movie.

Where Mr. Handsome scores - The Hindu's Review of ATM

sprightly steps From Azhagiya Tamizh Magan

Azhagiya Tamizh Magan
Genre Romance
Director Bharathan
Cast Vijay, Shriya, Namita
Storyline The hero is caught napping and his look-alike usurps his place in his lover’s heart Bottomline Surely Bharathan could have thought of a better climax!

Mind blowing footwork, well-maintained physique, interesting histrionics and uninhibited romantic interludes — Vijay lives up to the title throughout his latest offering, Swargachitra’s Azhagiya Tamizh Magan (U). At his handsome best, it’s a new avatar that the hero sports in ATM, which is a little like Uthama Puthiran modernised manifold. If after all this, the climax is a dampener you can’t blame the hero for it, can you?

Without even an iota of change in appearance, Vijay actually manages to show differences between the roles he plays as Guru and Prasad. The eyes of the villainous Vijay spew venom, and his voice modulation and manner of speaking are distinct. But as always, heroine Abhi (Shriya) is unable to spot the fake. In fact, a few other characters are inane too. Neither his friends nor his would-be pa-in-law (Ashish Vidyarthi) can distinguish between Guru and Prasad!

Who is this Prem Rakshit? The ace choreographer has done a splendid job for the song ‘Ella Pugazhum …’ The excellent execution of the dance master’s steps speaks volumes for Vijay’s skill as a dancer. The suppleness of his body is simply stunning! Together with the vibrant voice of A. R. Rahman and the lyrical lure of Vaali, the sequence is an awesome aspect of ATM. The ‘Sahana …’ (Sivaji) song-like music in the romantic moments involving Shriya, and the different arrangement (re-recording) in fight sequences are Rahman’s high points in ATM.

Guru (Vijay), an ace sprinter, and Abhi (Shriya) are lovers. Everything is hunky dory till Guru realises he has the power to foresee tragic events. The Extra Sensory Perception syndrome agonises him. And when he sees himself thrusting a knife into his beloved’s chest in the near future, he’s too scared to stay near her and moves to Mumbai. But danger lurks in the guise of Guru’s look alike, Prasad…

The svelte Shriya emotes well. Namita’s inclusion in the cast is obvious, but she vamooses midway and surfaces only at the end with a bulging tummy. She’s expecting! And instead of being livid with Prasad for her plight, she coyly tells him that it is his twins she’s bearing! You feel sorry for Vidyarthi. What is he supposed to be doing in ATM? But at least he’s not a caricature like Sayaji Shinde is made out to be! Sad that the man who played Subramanya Bharati is reduced to such clichéd roles.

Bright colour schemes dominate Maniraj’s sets. Vijay’s costume (Nalini Sriram, Rajendran) spell class. ‘Fefsi’ Vijayan’s action choreography is noteworthy and Balasubramaniam’s canning of these sequences warrants mention. Bharathan’s racy screenplay and peppy dialogue and Antony’s crisp editing help ATM speed ahead. But Bharathan gets stuck towards the end and beats a hasty retreat to take an anti-climactic course that’s thoroughly contrived.

MALATHI RANGARAJAN

ATM REVIEW BY AYNGARAN

Cast: Vijay , Shreya

Director: Bharhathan
Music: A.R.Rahman
Production: Swargachitra Productions

Vijay has reached a new milestone in his career by acting in dual roles in this diwali release “Azhagiya Tamizh Magan” the story is penned down by S.K Jeeva and directed by debutant director Bharathan. Music is scored by A.R rahman.Balasubramanian has handled the camera and Anthony is the editor.

Gurumoorthy (Vijay), is a student who is an athlete. He leads a fun filled life with his friends. Guru meets Abhi (Shriya) who is one among the richest man’s daughter and its love at first sight, Abhi also falls in love with him, realizing guru’s soft natured character ,duo start seeing each other, their love leads to wedding with their parent’s permission.

The actual plot begins when guru starts envisaging dangerous incidents in his mind, such incidents starts coming true, in one such situation he sees himself killing Abhi .so to avoid such a hazardous situation guru exiles himself to Mumbai. There he notices someone who replicates his physical appearance exactly and he is involved in a street brawl. Now he realizes that he is the one who tries to kill Abhi.when he tries to cross the road to meet him, he is bumped off by a vehicle that puts him in coma. Meanwhile the one he saw in Mumbai is called Prasad; Prasad is on his way to Chennai. Fate brings him to Abhi and he acts as guru hiding his true identity. For beauty and money Prasad starts to enjoy his new identity when things seem to go well for him, guru returns to save Abhi. From this point it’s all about how well he succeeds in saving his lady love and himself from the situation.

The cast includes Vijay and shriya in the lead, Namitha, Geetha, Aashish Vidyathi, Shayaji Shinde, Santhanam and other.

Vijay has performed well in a dual role, especially the Character of Prasad, Which has lot of negative shades and then Gurumoorthy who is a hero image, Shriya has oozed out good performance and glamour ,Namitha has shook her legs for a sensuous song number and also comes for one scene ,Santhanam tries comedy which is energetic.

A.R Rahman’s music is the biggest highlight in the movie, whether it is a folk song or a duet, Rahman has handled it very well. The Remix of “Pon Magal Vandhal” is simply superb. The movie is a good entertainer and an awesome Deepavali treat.

அழகிய தமிழ் மகன் - Tamil Cinema Review

ஏறத்தாழ 5000 அடி படம். மராத்தான் ரேசில் ஓடிய களைப்பை ஏற்படுத்த வேண்டிய ஃபுட்டேஜ். ஆனாலும் விஜய் ஏறியிருக்கும் இந்த இரட்டை குதிரை சவாரி 'பலே வெள்ளையத்தேவா' ரகம்! மகளின் காதலுக்கு 'ஊஹ§ம்' சொல்வாரென்று எதிர்பார்த்தால் 'ம்' சொல்கிறார் ஸ்ரேவின் அப்பா ஆசிஷ்வித்யார்த்தி. வில்லன் இல்லாத காதலில் சுவாரஸ்யம் ஏது? வில்லனாக வருகிறார் இன்னொரு விஜய். இருவருக்கும் நடக்கிற எசகுபிசகான யுத்தத்தின் முடிவு என்ன? இதில் ஈ.எஸ்.பி என்ற புதிய சமாச்சாரத்தையும் கலந்து அழகிய திரை மகனை தந்திருக்கிறார் புதுமுக இயக்குனர் பரதன். திடீரென்று கைகள் உதற, எதிர்கால பயங்கரங்களை உணருகிறார் விஜய். அவர் உணர்வது போலவே அடுத்தடுத்த பயங்கரங்களும் நிகழ்கிறது. ஒரு சந்தர்பத்தில் தான் நேசிக்கிற காதலியை தானே கொல்வது போலவும் உணருகிறார். அருகில் இருந்தால்தானே அந்த கொலை நிகழும்? மும்பைக்கு பறக்கிறார். அங்கே...? இன்னொரு விஜய்! அதிர்ச்சிக்குள்ளாகும் அவர் சுதாரிப்பதற்குள் ஒரு விபத்து. மீண்டும் அவர் கண்விழிக்கும் ஒரு மாதத்திற்குள் என்னென்னவோ நடந்துவிடுகிறது. பதறியடித்துக் கொண்டு சென்னைக்கு திரும்பும் விஜய், வில்லன் விஜயோடு மோதும்போதுதான் கனவில் உணர்ந்த அந்த சம்பவம் நடந்தேறுகிறது. அட தேவுடா..! பிழைத்தாரா ஸ்ரே? இருக்கையின் நுனிக்கு தள்ளி சுபம் போடுகிறார்கள். கள் குடித்த காளை மாதிரி, ச்சும்மா தூள் கிளப்பியிருக்கிறார் வில்லன் விஜய். சிகரெட்டை எடுக்கிற ஸ்டைலும், அதை பற்ற வைக்கிற அழகும், 'என்னென்னவோ செய்றோம், இதை செய்ய மாட்டோமா?' என்ற பஞ்ச் டயலாக்கும், விஜய் வருகிற போதெல்லாம் திமிலோகப்படுகிறது தியேட்டர். போகிற போக்கில் ஒரு காதல் குழியை வெட்டி, அதில் நமீதா என்ற புள்ளி மானையும் தள்ளிவிட்டு போகிற அலட்சியம் இருக்கிறதே, ஒயிலாட்டம், சிலம்பாட்டம் மாதிரி இது விஜயாட்டம்! மற்றொரு விஜய்க்கு, காதலியையும், தன் காதலையும் காப்பாற்றியாக வேண்டிய கட்டாயம். எந்த காயை நகர்த்தினாலும், அங்கே ஒரு 'செக்' வைக்கிறார் வில்லன் விஜய். எப்படிப்பா இதெல்லாம் என்று யோசிக்கிற நேரத்தில், விஜயின் டைரியை படித்துவிட்டுதான் அதெல்லாம் என்று முடிச்சை அவிழ்க்கிறார் இயக்குனர். இரண்டு விஜய்களில் யார் உண்மையான காதலர் என்பதை ஸ்ரேயா அடையாளம் கண்டு கொள்கிறபோது பதற்றம் தொற்றிக் கொள்கிறது கதையில்! ஸ்ரேயாவுக்கு டூயட் ஆட மட்டுமல்ல. நடிக்கவும் சிறிது வாய்ப்பளித்திருக்கிறார்கள். வாழ்க! தணிகலபரணியை மடக்குகிற ஸ்ரேயா, கீதாவின் முன், குத்துவிளக்காக பளபளப்பது அழகு! ஒரு பாடலுக்கு விஜய்க்கு கம்பெனி கொடுத்து, கடைசியில் வயிற்றை தள்ளி கொண்டு வந்து நிற்கிறார் நமீதா. சில காட்சிகளே வந்தாலும் கஞ்சா கருப்புவின் காமெடி 'போதை'தான்! படம் முழுக்க 'ஒளி'வீசுவது கேமிராமேன் பாலசுப்ரமணியெம்தான்! இரண்டு விஜய்களையும் மோத விடுகிறபோது வித்தை காட்டுகிற கேமிரா, சண்டை காட்சிகளின் பயங்கரங்களை அப்படியே உள்வாங்கியிருக்கிறது. ரஹ்மானின் இசையில் 'பொன்மகள் வந்தாள்' ரீமிக்சும், 'மதுரைக்கு போகாதடி' பாடலும் மனசை விட்டு அகல சில மாதங்கள் பிடிக்கும். ஒரு விஜய் இருந்தாலே உரியடி திருவிழா! இங்கே இரண்டு விஜய்..! கேட்கவேண்டுமா? கிடாவெட்டி பொங்கலே வைத்திருக்கிறார்கள்! -ஆர்.எஸ்.அந்தணன்

Azhagiya Tamil Magan-Review

By: Settu Shankar
Friday, November 09, 2007

Link: OneIndia

It's double dhamaka for all Vijay fans! If you are ready to enjoy a movie without any logic, ATM is a must see. Of course Azhagiya Tamil Magan is a new effort from Vijay and his team and the young box office prince has delivered well being seen in novel getups in the film. He is looking very smart and fresh in his first ever dual role performance. His stylish and comical mannerism in ATM steels the show and scores well for him. Director Bharathan has well exploited the actor's strength and style in most parts of the film.

We only knew that Vijay is the hero of the movie. But what surprised the viewers is his villain role! Yes, he is playing both the hero and villain role. However, the director (Bharathan, a debutant) seems not to be bothered about the story as it is wafer thin, and in the climax he seems to be unable to how to end the film well Among the major drawbacks of the film is its length – almost three hours. It needs a good trimming mainly in the first half which is too long and at times sags.

We must say that ESP is not a proven scientific fact and hence the director putting it as a matter of fact is wrong. This could have been digested if the director had presented it in a different way without saying that it was scientific.

Guru (Vijay) is an athlete and a business management student who always seen with his two friends Santhanam and Sathyan. They reside in a house owned by sex bomb Shakeela (she appears as herself) in a colony. Abhinaya (Shreya) is the daughter of a business baron (Ashish Vidyarthi). They happen to meet and fall in love. Both parents accept their relationship.

Suddenly Guru starts seeing things that are going to happen in the immediate future. The doctors say he has Extra Sensory Perception (ESP). He has two bitter experiences, which may be the cause of it. Just before Guru and Abhinaya are to be engaged, Guru gets a very disturbing ESP, of him killing Abhinaya. A shattered Guru distances himself from Abhinaya and goes away to Mumbai.

In Mumbai he stumbles upon a person, who looks like him. This adds a twist to the tale of the ESP he had about Abhinaya. Before catching the man, played by Vijay himself, Guru has an accident and the new man moves to Chennai where he is mistaken to be Guru. The stylish and care free Prasad (the villain), the look alike Guru, is a greedy person, who would do anything to earn money and enjoy life. Abhinaya mistakes him for Guru and invites him to her house.

Understanding what he has got into, Prasad decides to act as Guru and marry the rich Abhinaya. He proposes that they get engaged and she accepts. Guru, then sensing trouble returns back to Chennai to set thing right with his love.

Vijay plays the role with much ease and outstanding style. His comic timing, impeccable dancing abilities (particularly in the title song) make his performance simply outstanding. In the negative character Prasad's role, he is the veritable scene stealer. No doubt, Vijay is the strength of the movie. Shreya is another sweet surprise in the movie. She is not appearing as a glamour doll, but performs well in a meaty role on par with the hero. Particularly in the climax, Shreya proves her acting agility.

There is nothing special in Namitha's role. The director has used her effectively for a scintillating song. Santhanam plays the hero's friend well and raises the comedy bar to a new level. The major plus of the film is AR Rehman"s catchy tunes and cool background score. Nee Marliyn Monroe... is an item number shot with Vijay and Namitha in Phuket islands. But in many shots of the song, one can easily find the censor officer's work too.

Maduraikku Pogathadi and Valayapatti Thavile are other two foot tapping numbers. However the remix of Ponmagal Vandhal is not a pleasant one for the ardent lovers of original song. Balasubramaniyan's camera work is another asset. The film"s foreseeable problem is the climax, which is undigestable for the masses. Over all, the film has many drawbacks in its script but Vijay neutralizes all of these with his outstanding performance!!

Verdict: Above average

Credits:

Cast: Vijay, Shreya, Namitha, Ashish Vidhyarthy
Music: AR Rahman
Direction: Bharathan
Production: Swargachitra Appachan

Azhagiya Thamizh Magan - The Review

There is always an opinion that all Vijay films look same and he does the same thing in all films. If you have taken his films in the recent past, they all had a happy-go-lucky person with rugged characteristics with romance, sentiments, comedy and action aplenty, not to forget well choreographed songs. But the role of Vijay was just an entertainer who delivers a power packed performance with punch. Of course, he has set the cash registers ringing with such films in the past. But “Azhagiya Thamizh Magan” is not a typical entertainer-Vijay film; it is a film of actor Vijay – and that too for the first time in a double role- with entertainment.

Spoiler alert: The plot or story line follows next. Please avoid this marked section if you have not yet seen the film.

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The film revolves around Guru (Vijay), a character who is good at heart and is in love with Shriya. The first half of the film is about how they fall in love and how they convince their parents for marriage. One gets to see lot of Vijay’s usual elements here including a well choreographed intro song. Then comes the ESP (Extra Sensory Perception) of Vijay by which he visualizes few things happening in future. It troubles him a lot and before he gets over the shock of it, he visualizes himself killing Shriya. This makes him move away from her to Mumbai. There he meets Prasad (Vijay again) whose passions are money and honey (read girls). Guru now chases Prasad to prevent him from killing Shriya. The rest of the film takes us through a roller-coaster ride of thrills and twists that leaves you entertained till the end.

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The USP of ATM is Vijay. With a performance like never before, he takes up the burden of the entire film on his shoulders and delivers it impressively. He pleases you as Guru in the first half and stuns you as Prasad in the second half. As Guru, his comedy timing, dance and action are very good as usual. He is the mass hero that we are used to seeing in his previous films. The intro logo of Vijay has changes in this film and its nice to see “INIYA THALAPATHY-IDHAYA THALAPATHY-ILAYA THALAPATHY”.

But it’s the villain Prasad character in which Vijay stands out in a never seen before performance. With a rocking intro and a clear difference against Guru in body language and voice modulation, Vijay slowly builds up this character taking it to greater heights with a towering performance at the climax. The previous role of Vijay in grey shades was in Priyamudan, but it was just few years after his entry into cinema when he had neither experience nor expertise to perform a negative role like this. Now he has well seasoned as an artist and it clearly shows up in ATM. His dialogue delivery is impressive in places like “Evlavo pannraom idha panna maatoma” “Naanum pokkiri thaan da” etc

Shriya has more-than-enough of a role in a hero oriented film and has footage throughout the film. She looks gorgeous, emotes adequately and dances gracefully. She has performed really well in dance sequences. The Vijay-Shriya pair has a natural chemistry to it and the duo look really cute on screen. Namitha as such had nothing to do except for dancing in skimpy clothes in a glamorous song. The film could really have done without her character. Santhanam has evoked a few laughters in a decent and clean comedy track. All other supporting cast has done adequately, though few good actors are wasted in insignificant roles. Special mentions to Shayaji Shinde and Geetha, who got a good scope to perform in their scenes.

Thumbs Up:

The major advantage of the film is the brilliant music of A.R. Rahman which has been transformed visually into well choreographed songs. All songs are a visual treat and Vijay is brilliant as always in all the songs. Lawrence’s work in the “Ella pugazhum” song is brilliant and Vijay takes the song to greater heights with his dance. “Kelaamal Kaiyile” is a visual treat. “Madhuraiku pogadhadi” and “Valayapatti” are rich and colorful. “Nee Marilyn Monroe” is cool and sexy.

The outstanding one is however “Ponmagal Vandhal” remix which has been very well shot and edited, and comes at the right situation in the film. Another plus is the camera work of Balasubramaniyem, which has given the film the right look and feel. The visual effects are mostly well done, special mention to the double act scenes and the climax fight. Editing by Antony is crisp and brilliant, not to forget his work in Ponmagal song. The rerecording by ARR is also good.

Thumbs down:

Coming to the drawbacks, the film has a few scenes with poor visual effects, especially in the chasing scene before climax, which is very overdone. The screenplay sags in some places, a few scenes that are inspired from Hollywood flicks and there are a few logical loopholes which are obvious.

But before one blames Bharathan for these, he has done one thing which was not tried by any of the directors till now. He has extracted a performance of the career till now from Vijay which by itself is a credit for him. Let anything be the films’ result but it is a milestone role in Vijay’s film career and his first attempt towards answering his critics.

When you come out of the movie, nothing but Vijay fills your mind which atleast was a strange feel for me. I am sure that Vijay has done his job very well to silence his critics and its upto Vijay fans to accept his venture and support him for such different attempts. So one can forget all the other short falls and for a debutant, Bharathan has tried his best to give a clean entertainer suited for all audience.

In short: A great entertainer with Vijay all the way.

Verdict: Very Very Good

Rating: 85/100

Azhagiya Tamil Magan - Movie Review from IndiaGlitz

Azhagiya Tamil Magan - Vijay show
IndiaGlitz [Thursday, November 08, 2007]

‘Azhagiya Tamil Magan’ banks heavily on Vijay’s charm and performance. The Ilaya Thalapathy has lived up to the challenge created by the huge success of ‘Pokkiri’. He looks stylish and handsome. He lights up the screen by his dynamic performance.

Director Bharathan has exploited Vijay’s strengths well. He has provided a perfect entertainer for Vijay fans by giving ample chance, including dual role, to Vijay to come up with a stylish, action packed, romantic heroism.

Vijay plays both hero and villain. The first half is filled with romance and a mystery surrounding Vijay’s Extra Sensory Perception (ESP), while the second half is dominated by the tug of war between the two Vijays.

Let us first look at the storyline. Guru (Vijay) is an athlete and business management student. Abhinaya (Shreya) is the daughter of a business baron (Ashish Vidyarthi). They meet and, what else, fall in love.

The movie goes on to show how the lovers manage to get the permission of the parents. In the meantime, you get to see a different dimension in the tale while the romantic drama is unfolding. Vijay visualizes some bizarre scenes inside his mind. The scenes are disturbing and worse, they become true in the real life.

A psychiatrist (played by Dr. Rudran, a professional psychiatrist) confirms that it is ESP power and says that the imageries visualized by Guru would actually happen sooner or later. Unfortunately Guru visualizes another scene which he would never like to see happening. Sensing a danger to his sweetheart, he runs away to Mumbai from her to save her.

In Mumbai he stumbles upon a person, who looks alike himself. This gives him a different meaning of the horrible incident visualized by him. Before catching the man, played by Vijay again, Guru gets into an accident and the new man moves to Chennai where he is mistaken as Guru.

Stylish and care free Prasad, the look alike Guru, is a greedy person, who would do anything to earn money and enjoy life. Abinaya mistakes him for Guru and gets him to her house. Sensing his strength, Prasad decides to act as Guru and marry the rich Abhi.

The real Guru comes back and tells everyone the truth. But no one is ready to believe him, as he is outplayed by the wicked Prasad in each and every move. Finally the truth prevails but not before the tensed battle between the two with lot of twists and actions.

Before going in to details we must say that ESP is not a proven scientific fact and hence the director putting it as a matter of fact is unacceptable. We could have digested it if the director had presented it in a different manner without pretending to be scientific.

Coming back to the script, the director has come up with a new idea in form of ESP to provide twist in the tale. Though the idea of double role is not new, Bharathan had made the tough of war between the two interesting by conceiving a few interesting sequences.

The first half however, is dragging too much to the comfort of the audience. The efforts to convince the father and mother, one by one, play as speed breakers. The way the girl falls for the hero lacks imagination. The ESP imageries and Vijay fighting with Vijay have been executed well.

The director has done well in presenting Vijay - the USP of the film. The hero looks handsome, and stylish. The second Vijay in particular, is simply awesome in his styles. Vijay has presented a virtual treat for his fans by his mannerisms, actions, voice modulations, and body language.

Shreya, arguably possessing the most stunning and sexy figure among today’s heroines is simply ravishing. She and the director, of course, pretty well know that acting is not her forte and hence bank on her USP, which is her curvaceous body, to make the proceedings, especially the songs attractive. Namitha is effectively used for a scintillating song.

Santhanam as Guru’s friend doesn’t go overboard and provides some comical relief. Good performers like Sayaji Shinde and Ashish Vidyarthi are wasted in insignificant roles.

A.R. Rahman’s music is outstanding. In fact that songs sound better when heard – and seen – in the movie. ‘Maduraiku Pokaathey’ and ‘Valaiyapatti’ are quite attractive. The remix version is more convincing when seen in the context. The background score is effective in the scenes when Guru gets ESP images.

Balasubramaniam’s camera work is spectacular, especially in song sequences. The scenic beauty of Phuket Island and other locations are amazingly captured. Larencce has made wonders in choreographing. Vijay’s dancing movements are quite stylish. Overall, ‘Azhagiya Tamil Magan’ has nothing new to offer but the movie definitely entertains.

Azhagiya Tamil Magan- Review from Sify

Moviebuzz

Movie Azhagiya Tamil Magan Director Barathan Producer Swagachitra Appachan Music A R Rahman Cast Vijay, Shriya, Ashish Vidyarthi, Sayaji Shinde, Geeta

By Moviebuzz

Three Cheers! Ilayathalapathy Vijay has delivered something different from his usual formula films. The most refreshing thing about Azhagiya Tamil Magan, is that it combines mainstream Tamil film aesthetics with all Vijay image props. What sails the film through is its sense of humour. The gags are funny and so are the one-liners, and debutant writer – director Barathan makes it work due to smart packaging. ATM may not be palatable to everyone, but for those who suck up this brand of humour with a straw, it’s plenty tickling. Leave your logical mind at home, crank up that sense of humour, and it’s a roller coaster ride of pure unadulterated masala. However, the director is not bothered about the story as it is wafer thin, and in the climax he just cannot fathom how to end the film. The highlight here is that there are two Vijay’s- a good guy and the bad guy. Barathan has tried out a new format, where both the hero and the villain entertain the audiences with howlarious moments, that brings the house down. Vijay makes it work and believable as he melds effortlessly from casual sang froid to utter seriousness. Guru (Vijay) a business management student is an ace sprinter, who lives with his friends (Santhanam and Sathyan) in a house owned by former sex- bomb Shakeela (Shakeela in a cameo as herself!) rented house in a colony. He is a good guy and a favourite with his friends and neighbours, and is close to his father and mother (Geeta) who lives in a village near Madurai. One day he meets Abhinaya (Shreya), a rich girl and daughter of a tycoon (Ashish Vidyarti) who slowly falls in love with him due to his good nature. After some running around, both the parents agree for their marriage. Suddenly Guru starts seeing things that are going to happen in the immediate future! The doctors say he has Extra-Sensory Perception (ESP), and he has two bitter experiences regarding it. Just before Guru and Abhi are to be engaged, Guru gets a very disturbing ESP, of him killing Abhinaya! A shattered Guru distances himself from Abhi and goes away to Mumbai. Meanwhile, Prasad (Vijay),a spitting image of Guru, a financier and loan shark comes to Chennai and accidentally bumps into Abhi who mistakes him for Guru! Prasad, a mercenary makes merry with Abhi and soon gets engaged to her. Meanwhile Guru sensing trouble, comes back to Chennai to save his lady love, which leads to the final twist in the climax. The hilarious bickering and bonding between Shriya and Vijay, the scene where they first meet in the temple, stays with you. The bad guy Prasad reciting Tamil poem in college function to felicitate Guru is hilarious. Shriya has a meaty role and has as much footage as the hero and her character is the crux around which ATM revolves. She is pure eye candy and emotes sufficiently well, especially in the crucial climax scene. Santhanam as hero’s side kick is a revelation and raises the comedy bar to a new level. Ashish Vidyarti, Geeta and Ganja Karuppu has small roles. At the centre of all this mirth is the magical Vijay in a dual role. His terrific comic timing, his ability to mock and lampoon makes his performance absolutely knockout. In the negative character Prasad’s role he is the veritable scene stealer. He has dubbed impressively modulating his voice for both the characters, and the way he dances in the introductory title song is amazing. No two ways about it, Vijay is the heart and soul of ATM! Count among the high points- A.R Rahman’s chic score, with the opening song Ella Puzhal…. rendered by him being the pick of the lot, the remix Ponmagal Vanthal… is an energetic song done beautifully in a studio set. Nee Marliyn Monroe… an item number picturised on Vijay and Namitha in Phuket islands (has been butchered by the censors!) However the song that is going to be popular with the masses is the folk number Maduraikke Poggathadi, again picturised to give the Tamil nativity feel. Cinematographer Balasubramanian has been able to create breathtaking images along with stunning DI work. Among the major drawback is its length- 2 hours and 51 minutes! It needs urgent trimming mainly in the first half which is too long and at times sags. All Hyderabad locations seen in various Mahesh Babu films have been used and passed off as Chennai! The film has a problem in its climax, as mass audiences will not able to digest it. However, if you are looking for some clean fun filled time go for ATM. The one-man entertainment troupe Vijay will make your day! Verdict: Masala Entertainer