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Friday, April 25, 2025
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TAMIL MOODAR KOODAM
EDITOR'S PICK
`Moodar
Koodam`: Fools who make your jaw drop
Rating: ***1/2
The success of films such as Soodhu Kavvum, Pizza ,Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom and
Neram has proved
that Tamil cinema doesn't rely anymore on hero-worshipping, big ticket films.
Debutant Naveen's "Moodar Koodam" (MK), which revolves around four
unemployed wastrels, is the latest addition to that list of Tamil films that
have managed to impress cinemagoers even with an unknown lead cast.
The premise of MK is based on the line - 'It's better well to travel well than
to arrive' - by Gautham Buddha.
Circumstances force four strangers Naveen, Vellaisamy, Sentrayan and Kuberan to
land in the same jail for minor offences, but they are released soon. An
unlikely friendship is born out of the short span they spend together behind
bars. Not sure how to earn the next meal of the day, the group decides to join
hands in robbery, swearing to lead an honest life from the proceeds.
They decide to rob Vellaisamy's uncle Bhaktavatsalan, who made millions with an
initial investment loaned by Vellaisamy's father many years ago. Bhaktavatsalan
refuses to help Vellaisamy when in dire need, hence the plan to rob him to
recover money that he has earned by cheating hundreds of innocent people.
As one of the group members tries to pick the lock of the supposedly empty
house, the door is opened by the mistress of the house. A series of events
follow that force the four to handle the situation in the most unbelievable yet
hilarious manner.
"Moodar Koodam" doesn't have a single dull moment thus making it the
twin of "Soodhu Kavvum", which happens to be one the funniest films of
the year. The film's tagline "Fool's Gathering" is akin to the theme
of the film, which in a way explains why almost every character in the film
reeks of foolishness.
There are far too many characters in the film, but it is the meeting of these
characters at regular intervals keeps us away from boredom.
Instead of introducing its characters, MK relies on narrating through
flashbacks, making us sitting through a laborious process. You initially enjoy
these flashbacks narrated through songs, but when you realize there is one for a
dog and even for a doll, which plays a crucial part, you lose interest in the
film. These unnecessary flashbacks result in extended running time clocking
little over two and a half hours.
The first half is a laugh riot, while the following part is dragged due to an
extended climax. Director Naveen, who also played one of main leads, packs some
powerful lines amidst all the humour in the film. For instance, a scene where he
explains the divide between rich and poor using a simple anecdote of a mango
tree deserves a loud applause.
The film steers away from all the common cliches associated with genre. The use
of situational comedy to perfection explains why most scenes are naturally
funny. Sample this scene - when Naveen tells Sentrayan to break anything that
looks like a cell phone in the house, the latter crushes to pieces a TV remote
because it has buttons and looks like a mobile phone. There are equally amusing
scenes in the film that will make your jaws drop.
Length is the only issue in what is otherwise a brilliantly written and
performed highly entertaining film. Here is another Tamil film assuring there
are better day ahead for this industry.
