‘Soodhu Kavvum’ a dark comedy that leaves you in splits

Nalan Kumarasamy who won the top prize at ‘Naalaya Iyakunar,’ a television show of Kalaignar TV makes his onscreen debut with ‘Soodhu Kavvum.’
That Vijay Sethupathy trusts his instincts with the script is clear from the word go.
In this story he plays a forty year-old kidnapper, Das (Vijay Sethupathy). But then he is not your usual criminal. This kidnapper follows certain rules with regard to his profession and Das always ends up sharing a few notes from the ransom money with his victim. Das also seems to be suffering from some kind of schizophrenia as we understand from his conversations with lover, Shallu who is not visible to others around.
Friendship strikes during a chance encounter between Das and three friends, Sekhar, Pagalvan and Kesavan, who have lost their jobs. In no time, they become Das’ accomplices and making money never seemed easier until a local Minister’s son becomes their next target.
A dark comedy is seldom seen in Tamil cinema and ‘Soodhu Kavvum,’ belongs to this genre. With an unpredictable story that keeps viewers engaged and chuckling with its clean humour.
Vijay Sethupathy in a role that belies his age lives his character, once again proving his mettle as an actor. A stark contrast to the Vijay we saw in ‘Naduvala Konjam Pakkatha Kannom,’ a film that earned him laurels, the recent one at Norway Tamil Film Festival.
Sanchita Shetty as his cute moll pitches in a brilliant performance on her debut into Tamil cinema. Her expressions are cute. After a long time, we see comedian M.S. Bhaskar in a significant role as an upright politician who will not succumb to anything, not even when his only son is kidnapped for ransom. Bhaskar shines in his role. Karunakaran plays his son, Arumai Prakasam and effectively portrays the dumb son, who is actually not that dumb.
The first half of the film is hilarious. Post interval, though a bit disconnected at parts, it picks steam with the arrival of cop Brahma, the tough guy who cannot be bought. Essaying this role is Yog Japee, who enacts solely with his eyes and cool demeanour, without uttering a single word.
Nalan has fleshed out each character well, be it the car driver working in a star hotel, who longs to drive a Jaguar, the engineer working in a Corporate being seduced by a coworker and the Nayanthara fan with acting dreams. And, the new actors have not let him down.  
‘Soodhu Kavvum’ signs off as a satire on the political system and society around.
In the music section by composer Santosh Narayanan, the song, ‘Mama Douser’ is a delightful number, but what was the need for the gana, ‘Kasu Panam,’ you wonder when it intruded into the nice flow of story.
Nalan on his debut joins the growing list of young film makers who are busting the norms of Tamil cinema with unusual story lines and unique presentation. 
‘Soodhu Kavvum’ promises an evening of laughter with family.