A skillfully etched screenplay with a judicious blend of humour, sentiment and heart thumping action; a racy narrative that rarely slackens in pace; some fine performances by actors suitably cast; makes ‘Nadodigal’ scripted and directed by Samuthirakani, a refreshing and exciting experience.
It’s the teaming together of directors-actors Samuthirakani and Sasikumar. The former had essayed a crucial character in the latter’s ‘Subramaniapuram’. And in a quid pro quo, it’s now Sasikumar who enacts the lead role in Samuthirakani’s third directorial venture. Playing with understanding Karuna, who would go an extra mile for the sake of friendship, Sasikumar brings in sensitivity and an emotional feel to his character. The script opens on three friends, Karuna, Pandi and Chandru. Leading a carefree existence, the trio hopes to fulfill their aspirations some day. Enter into their lives Saravanan an old buddy of Karuna. And soon the trio find themselves embarking on a trip to set right Saravanan’s love life that had gone awry, thanks to parental opposition. The three buddies are joined by a reluctant fourth friend Mariappan (a delightful Kanja Karuppu). It’s an adventure that would bring them back home battered and bruised, their personal lives in shambles. Yet, their spirits were held high on the success
their venture. But was all their effort and trouble worth the cause? They would find out soon.
The director while weaving in the happenings in a realistic manner has made sure that the interest and pace is maintained throughout. The hiccups are minor, and do not mar the smooth flow. The scene of a kidnapping that comes right before the intermission is an adrenalin pumping one. Some slick editing (Ramesh), the judicious re-recording and a stimulating background score with the ‘Shambo Shiva Shambo…’ song in the backdrop, adds to the tension, excitement and the thrilling edge-of-the-seat feel. It’s excellent work from composer Sunder C Babu here, with Kathir’s splendid cinematography enhancing the mood.
Most of the films end at the point when the central issue is solved. But the unique feature here is that the script goes a step further. It takes an unexpected twist in the tale, the foursome finding themselves in what was like, a re-lap of their earlier adventure trip. The lines sparkle with wit and humour. It takes a jab at the younger generation, for it’s hasty impulsive moves related to love and marriage. The closing scene will bring a smile to your lips.
The actors all fit in suitably. Bharani (of ‘Kalloori’) as Pandi, and Vijay (Chennai-28’) as Chandru are amusing and endearing. The debutante heroines Ananya as Karuna’s love interest, and Abhinaya (a differently abled girl, the director projecting her suitably), as Karuna’s sister are comely and sprightly. Roped in is Jayaprabha a yesteryears heroine, in a fiery portrayal as the woman fuming at her son’s love affair with her political rival’s daughter. There is Jaiprakash as the girl’s father, an actor who has grown from strength to strength through his various portrayals, as a character actor to reckon with.
With its insightful take on friendship and love, the film carries a relevant message for the younger generation. A laudable effort from the producer and director team of Michael Rayappan and Samuthirakani respectively, ‘Nadodigal’ provides great entertainment, without losing out on the realistic feel. It’s a film you wouldn’t want to miss!