Change Your Image
nandhini-06574
Reviews
Kaththi (2014)
Vijay and AR Murugadoss take on capitalism!
In a stunning second parter to the Vijay-ARM combination, in Kaththi, Murugadoss constructs a hero steeped in grey shades. Kathiresan, a common crook and convict crosses paths into a journey that will draw out the best in him. But the star of this epic isn't Kathiresan, but it is Vijay's underplayed, subtle portrayal of Jeevanandham, a mild mannered social activist who's moral core drives this narrative and the agendas of those around him. For the first time in a very long time, Vijay plays a hero who cries openly on screen, who is hurt, who is helpless. The screenplay is tight. Samantha does little more than serve as eye candy. But the movie is heartwarming. The message of protecting our natural resources from rampant capitalism resonates. So does the myopic view of the press and the media. It's a story that needs to be told, even with vijay's commercial masala elements. And he does justice to Jeevanandham who is the real hero of the story. But kathiresan does linger in the heartstrings enough that when KJ Yesudhas croons "Yaar petra magano" in the last beats of the film, you don't quite know if it is Kathir or Jeeva that it applies to. Like the last time Vijay played a mild mannered character named Jeeva in Kadhalukku Mariadhai, this movie is a winner.
Poove Unakkaga (1996)
One of the family films that catapulted Vijay to stardom.
At a time when Vijay needed a hit, at a time when he needed a way to be recognized by women and children, for him to reach households, Vikraman came along and cast him in this family entertainer. Overnight, Poore Unakkaga catapulted Vijay into being the face of a new age lover: a man who instead of drinking and bemoaning his spurned love, decides to help the girl of his heart build a life that she wants.
This family entertainer with stellar performances from Sangeeta, MN Nambiar, Nagesh and others is sure to tug on your heartstrings. The music is also compelling. "Anandham" and "Sollamale" are beautiful numbers. Watch for the entertainment and the soulful music and to see how the roots of Vijay's present stardom began.