Sketch-an action drama set in North Madras

Sketch-an action drama that does not impress

Old wine in a new bottle best describes this Vikram starrer.
Vijay Chandra, who last directed ‘Vaalu’ returns with a story set in north Chennai-a neighbourhood known in Tamil cinema for its goon culture.

Jeeva, (Vikram) better known as Sketch is an uneducated tough guy working under Settu, (played by Malayalam actor Hareesh Peradi),  a loan financier for cars. When the owners default on their EMI payments, it’s Sketch’s job to lift the car. Sketch prides on his ability to do a thorough job and he can never go wrong with a ‘sketch’ he has planned.  No wonder the name!

Settu also manages a garage and car servicing unit where he employs young boys.  Settu, however has an old score to settle with a ruthless gangster Royapuram Kumar (Malayalam actor Baburaj). So he instructs Sketch to lift Kumar’s favourite car-an archaic red Fiat car.

Sketch succeeds in his mission earning Kumar’s wrath in the process. Sketch and his friends become Kumar’s targets to kill.

There is nothing new about Vikram’s character here.
‘Sketch’ with a larger than life portrayal of his role, indulges  completely to his star image.  As for the romance in the story, you don’t have to guess. It’s the routine stalking by the hero of his lady love, Amuthavalli (Tamannah) -the college going young woman, who inevitably falls for his tough exterior looks that seemingly hide his soft nature. 

Isn’t it time to let go off this obsession for a fair skinned lover and glorifying it? Not to forget that in our cinema love blossoms with ease between an educated woman and an uneducated  rowdie. Amuthavalli is brazen about her choice.
Tamannah is mere eye candy here while ‘Sketch’ is all about wooing Vikram’s fans. And what was that inane comedy track with Soori? His jokes fell flat.

What makes one sit up and ponder awhile is the unexpected twist in the climax. With a message on juvenile criminals delivered ‘Sketch’ could have been a sensible story.
For now, ‘Sketch’ remains a mere sketch which needs a better screenplay and less frills.
And, I couldn’t help missing Vikram, the intense performer of ‘Anniyan’ and ‘Pithamagan,’ to mention some of the feathers in the actor’s cap.