Thursday, 27 June 2013

'Kuttipuli' is a saga of vendetta and violence with blood flowing freely




Debutant Muthiah opens his innings as a director with a story based on a real life character named ‘Kuttipuli,’ whom he admired during his growing years.
A lot of expectations rode on this film with actor-director-producer Sasi Kumar donning the titular role, but the story is a let- down.
With its backdrop in Srivelliputhur, near Madurai, the story opens with blood-shed when Arjunan,( Lal) leading a group of men brandishing aruvaals (a knife) kills a man from a neighbouring village for insulting a woman from their village. Mission accomplished, the group manages to escape except for Arjunan, who is caught while climbing over the wall. In order to protect his identity Arjunan orders his friends to behead him. And, there is more blood spilt.
His widow ( Saranya Ponvannan) is determined that their only son Kuttipuli (Sasi Kumar) will not follow his father’s path of violence but Kuttipuli often gets involved in brawls earning himself more enemies.  His mother hopes to tie him down by way of marriage but Kuttipuli resists marriage as he does not want another woman to suffer like his mother.
But then, how long can Kuttipuli remain single? Muthiah introduces us to Bharti, (Lakshmi Menon) who moves into their neighbourhood.  And, it does not take long for Cupid to strike arrows between the two. She finds Kuttipuli to be a good soul beneath that hard exterior. Predictable right?
Being in love is reason enough for Kuttipuli to turn over a new leaf.  However,
baying for Kuttipuli’s blood is the local goon who has been publically humiliated by our hero. Muthiah now tips in mother sentiment, an emotion most exploited in Indian cinema. And Kuttipuli’s mother will leave no stone unturned to protect her dear son, even if it means spilling more blood.
Where is the Sasi Kumar who debuted with an impressive story in ‘Subramaniapuram?’ which despite its violence carried a social message and was supported with a convincing story? Not to forget its wonderful music by James Vasanthan.
Where is the Sasi Kumar of ‘Nadodigal,’ another good commercial entertainer with a beautiful message?
And who can forget ‘Easan,’ an urban story speaking on the corrupt system? ‘Kuttipuli,’is not a good choice for the actor.  Saranya Ponvannan is getting too repetitive in her roles and as the suffering mother, she no longer surprises. Lakshmi Menon had very little to do besides smiling coyly at Kuttipuli. 
Kuttipuli lacks a convincing story, the music fails to impress. What is passed off as humour involving a group of young men plotting to win Bharti’s heart is hardly worth a chuckle? Drenched in blood and gore, ‘Kuttipuli’ disappoints. Certainly not a film you would want to watch with the family. 

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