'Kullanari Koottam' (Tamil, Romantic Comedy)
Director - Sri Balaji
Cast - Vishnu, Ramya Nambeeshan, Suri, Appukutty, Ilango, Aiyappan
The plot centers on a youth who goes the whole length to get the girl he loves. Caught between his father’s aversion for cops, and his future father-in-laws insistence that he join the police force if he wanted to marry his daughter, Vetri goes through various hurdles to achieve his goal.
Debutant director Sri Balaji (assistant to Suseendiran) keeps the narration light and humorous, his dialogue the mainstay of his narration. The earlier part is set in Madurai where romance blossoms between Vetri and Priya. A mix–up of numbers while recharging his mobile phone, had brought Vetri in contact with Priya.
It is instant attraction, and a speedy blossoming of the affair. The director laces these scenes with humour, the lead pair Vishnu and Ramya fitting in adequately. The second half shifts to Chennai where Vetri goes for the police selection interview, and strikes friendship with some other aspirants (the Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu cast). With corrupt elements in the police force making job-for-cash deals, Vetri and team hatch up a plan to trap and expose them.
The staging of the scenes and the continuous use of one –liners, make us feel like we are watching a stage play.
The film could have done with more style. Also, the way Vetri and gang expose the corrupt cops is juvenile, and far removed from the ‘cunning’ suggested by the title. The film is mildly engaging, and a clean wholesome entertainer.