‘Puli’ fails to make the roar one expected from a Vijay film
Weak script, poor
characterization and bad editing makes ‘Puli’ a big disappointment
For all the noise it made, ‘Puli’
fails to make the leap into viewers’ hearts.
Chimbu Devan’s script was well loaded for a Vijay fan: Marundheeran, a larger than life hero, his beautiful lover, Pavazhamalli, (Shruthi Haasan) two side –kicks (Thambi Ramiah and Satyan) to become the butt of the hero’s jokes and a villain, Thalapathy Jalatharangan (Sudeep) to egg Marundheeran into action duels. Besides, there is Bollywood’s diva, Sridevi making a comeback into Tamil cinema, in a queen’s role and the glamorous Hansika Motwani her daughter. Yet ‘Puli’ fell down like a pack of cards.
Devan’s story touted as a fantasy tale for children lacked conviction. After all children ask questions mind you.
Marundheeran who is introduced as a simple guy and not a bravado to take on the powerful Vedhalams, (a clan of people with super human powers) saves his people from their tyranny by merely holding tightly onto a Vedhalam chief’s leg. How ridiculous can that get?
And when Marundheeran’s lover, Pavazhamalli is abducted by the Vedhalams, he risks his life to find her. Of course he will eventually (remember this is a Vijay film) but before that he has to cross an ardous path and the guide on this journey is a huge turtle known for his wisdom.
‘Puli’ reminds viewers of ‘Bahubali,’ in many ways. The story opens with a baby floating down the river and is rescued by a villager. And he turns out to be the rightful heir to a kingdom which has been confiscated by an evil chieftain. So that brings Vijay in a double role (more treat for fans). But the actor fails to impress in this role. His poor character sketch and bad hairdo a big letdown.
Just how much of a children’s film is ‘Puli’ you wonder. The nuptial night jokes centred around Thambi Ramiah’s character is certainly not for little ones. What’s funny about licking the back of a frog now and then?
After waiting eagerly for Sridevi, the actress makes an appearance in the second half. She plays a queen under the spell of her chieftain. Sudeep as the baddie is ok. ‘Puli’ drags real slow. The editing could have been crisper. Except for the ‘Yendi Yendi’ song sung by Vijay and Shruthi Haasan, none of the songs linger in the mind.
What you will love though in ‘Puli’ is the breathtaking visuals shot by cinematographer
Nataraj Subramaniam. The colour palette is vibrant. T. Muthuraj’s sets are a
pretty picture too. In the special effects section the turtle and the bird
Soora are a delight. If only Soora had a more chirpy voice and less adult
sounding.Chimbu Devan’s script was well loaded for a Vijay fan: Marundheeran, a larger than life hero, his beautiful lover, Pavazhamalli, (Shruthi Haasan) two side –kicks (Thambi Ramiah and Satyan) to become the butt of the hero’s jokes and a villain, Thalapathy Jalatharangan (Sudeep) to egg Marundheeran into action duels. Besides, there is Bollywood’s diva, Sridevi making a comeback into Tamil cinema, in a queen’s role and the glamorous Hansika Motwani her daughter. Yet ‘Puli’ fell down like a pack of cards.
Devan’s story touted as a fantasy tale for children lacked conviction. After all children ask questions mind you.
Marundheeran who is introduced as a simple guy and not a bravado to take on the powerful Vedhalams, (a clan of people with super human powers) saves his people from their tyranny by merely holding tightly onto a Vedhalam chief’s leg. How ridiculous can that get?
And when Marundheeran’s lover, Pavazhamalli is abducted by the Vedhalams, he risks his life to find her. Of course he will eventually (remember this is a Vijay film) but before that he has to cross an ardous path and the guide on this journey is a huge turtle known for his wisdom.
‘Puli’ reminds viewers of ‘Bahubali,’ in many ways. The story opens with a baby floating down the river and is rescued by a villager. And he turns out to be the rightful heir to a kingdom which has been confiscated by an evil chieftain. So that brings Vijay in a double role (more treat for fans). But the actor fails to impress in this role. His poor character sketch and bad hairdo a big letdown.
Just how much of a children’s film is ‘Puli’ you wonder. The nuptial night jokes centred around Thambi Ramiah’s character is certainly not for little ones. What’s funny about licking the back of a frog now and then?
After waiting eagerly for Sridevi, the actress makes an appearance in the second half. She plays a queen under the spell of her chieftain. Sudeep as the baddie is ok. ‘Puli’ drags real slow. The editing could have been crisper. Except for the ‘Yendi Yendi’ song sung by Vijay and Shruthi Haasan, none of the songs linger in the mind.
