'Isakki' (Tamil)

Set against a rural backdrop, Isakki is about love, parental opposition and its repercussions on a couple. The film is fairly neatly worked out, with the narrative flowing smooth. But the screenplay lacks the punch and fizz to sustain viewer interest. The director attempts to bring in some turns and twists. But a couple of them defy logic and are far from convincing.

The film opens with Isakki, the driver of a businessman, on a trip to Madurai. Attracted by Nandini, a girl he encounters there, he hounds her to express his love. The girl’s influential father has his goons teach him a lesson, but to no avail. And when Isakki learns that Nandini was betrothed to Mari, a jailbird (Yogiram fits in suitably), he makes his move. With Nandini’s fiance released from jail, Isakki’s real motive and identity are revealed. It’s flashback-time for the audience, as the director takes a trip down memory lane to the happenings in the village — of Isakki’s relationship with Nandini and her family, and of Mari’s part in it. Sharan as Isakki gets to sport two different looks, and has put in a good effort. But Isakki’s miraculous transformation from an uncouth moronic duffer to a gutsy guy is far from convincing. Ashrita makes a promising debut as the feisty girl who resists her father’s intimidating tactics to marry the wealthy debauched Mari.

Isakki doesn’t offer much to a viewer by way of novelty, excitement or entertainment.

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