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Thursday, April 25, 2024
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TAMIL MANDHIRA PUNNAGAI
EDITOR'S PICK
Ratings:***
Karu Pazhaniyappan, who has made reasonably thought-provoking films like
"Parthiban Kanavu" and "Pirivom Sandhippom", turns hero with
"Mandhira Punnagai". After exploring human relationships in his first
two directorial ventures, Palaniyappan attempts to look into human lives
psychologically.
In the movie, Kathir (Karu Palaniappan) is a talented architect known for his
creativity. His straight and direct attitude in life fetches him respect and
contempt as well. But he lives a carefree life complete with wine and women.
Then Nandini (Meenakshi), an executive in a car showroom, enters his life and
things change.
Kathir works out the architectural plan for Nandini`s office and impresses her
with his work and attitude. Kathir sees shades of his mother in Nandini. Love
blossoms between them but Kathir`s father warns him against trusting the girl.
The father feels there could be another side to her character as she loves
Kathir despite knowing the kind of life he led.
Kathir starts believing his father and starts behaving in a bizarre manner with
Nandini. A twist takes place just before intermission and the rest of the movie
deals with Kathir`s past and future.
Unlike in Bollywood, it`s a rarity in the Tamil film industry to see a flawed
personality as the protagonist in a movie. The director portrays the delusion of
the protagonist really well. The mystery behind his behaviour too has been
brought out well.
The problem with the narrative is that it takes quite some time to take off and
more time to wind up. Palaniappan fails to tell his story in a gripping manner,
especially in the second half.
Palaniappan and Meenakshi fit into their roles perfectly. Like we have seen in
Palaniappan`s earlier films, the heroine gets a meaty role and in this case,
Meenakshi meets the challenge despite being known only for glamourous roles till
now.
Palaniappan, as the caustic Kathir, is perfect but he is not convincing enough
in emotional sequences.
Santhanam, as Kathir`s friend, provides some much-needed comic relief. But some
of the humour can be embarassing for audiences.
Bhaskar Shakthi deserves to be lauded for his sharp dialogues characterizing the
protagonist.
However, Vidyasagar`s music is not up to the mark.
"Mandhira Punnagai" is a bold attempt to view a man`s life from a
psychological perspective. It would have been a far better movie if the director
had concentrated more on the script in the second half.
Mandhira Punnagai Audio Launch 