Review Overview
Performances
Story & Narration
Technical Aspects & Music
A watchable dance film!
Lakshmi is a passable dance outing that will find it's fans with the kids and family audiences. Vijay does well as a director, but the writing definitely deserved more clarity.
Cast: Prabhudeva, Ditya, Aishwarya Rajesh, Kovai Sarala, Karunakaran, Salman Yusuf Khan & others
Cinematography: Nirav Shah
Music: Sam CS
Editing: Anthony
Choreography: Paresh Shirodkar & Ruel Dausan Varindani
Stunts: Silva
Written & Directed by: Vijay
Produced by: Pramod Films & Trident Arts
Release Date: 24-08-2018
Run Time: 02:07:00
Director Vijay, who seems to be coming up with a new film every 6 months now has Lakshmi – a genuine dance film that is formulaic yet has the chance to keep you engaged. Despite the normal nature of the story, there are two factors that help it stand out – Ditya and the dance.
The film starts off with little Ditya finding herself in a spot of bother, as she wishes to dive deeper into the world of dance but is stopped by her mother Aishwarya Rajesh – for some unknown reason. Slowly, Ditya gets help in the form of Prabhu Deva and sets her feet in motion, only to give way to more reveals later. Vijay’s strengths displayed in his earlier films such as the characterisation of his women and kids along with the emotional weight that he carries, helps the film along in the first half. It is only in the second half that the film plays to the gallery and gets predictable from point to point.
This film would be remembered for the terrific debutant Ditya, who makes a mark right from the first frame. It would not be wrong to say that the kid throws a challenge to Prabhu Deva himself at places, and it’s a treat to watch her dance. Along with the team of kids who are equally impressive, she becomes the numero uno factor of the film. Even an actor like PD has to play second fiddle here, but for the dance that he does. Aishwarya Rajesh has a rather one-toned role but does it to perfection.
Nirav Shah’s cinematography gives the film a rich and glossy feel. The dance portions are sure to be a treat to the eyes, but it would have been greater if it had more connect to the film. Sam CS’ music is a just on the line, adequate.
Toting up, Lakshmi is a passable dance outing that will find it’s fans with the kids and family audiences. Vijay does well as a director, but the writing definitely deserved more clarity.