Tenaliraman – Movie Review

Tenaliraman brings back memories of your bed time stories filled with a fantasy narration of comedy and emotions pinned together. Vadivelu hiatus has been put to an end by bringing back his quintessential wits and cleverness onscreen. The movie revolves on a simple plot with Vadivel and Meenakshi Dixit with a periodic back drop.

Period film is not a new business for Vadivelu as he has excelled in his previous outings with genre in films like Pulikesi and Indiralogathil Na Alagappan. So, Tenaliraman will of course find the obvious comparisons with the other two. Tenaliraman is a revolutionist who joins the the empire to take a revenge to kill the king whose administration is pathetic with his corrupted ministries. As planned Vadivelu as Tenaliraman enters the palace and joins as one of the ministers in the king’s empire through a funny/brainy Q&A interview. Vadivelu in dual role, one played as the innocent king and other as Tenaliraman who is clever, brave and bowls everyone over with his wits. He has definitely shown character and looks more matured and certainly looks eager to make a strong comeback.

The king’s innocence and ignorance are completely utilized by the ministers of the royal court which makes people’s life miserable where even the survival gets tough due to business ties with Chinese government. The Chinese counterparts enter the daily market and slowly exploit the lives of the common people. Tenaliraman as one of the ministers comes in a quick time understands the underplay of the ministers and takes initiative to make the king understand the value of life and his rule.

The king leaves his palace taking advice from Tenaliraman, joins the common people to see their life style but suffers for food, shelter and gets to know the truth from his people. He comes back to the throne after learning his greatest lesson and Tenaliraman is all about fulfilling people’s desires.

The technical aspects of the film need a certain mention, be it the art department, the way periodic sets are staged, cinematography and the CG, everything looks apt for a periodic film. The narration though misses elements to make Tenaliraman a complete entertaining package. Imman’s BGM has made wonders and songs don’t impress the common audience.

Vadivelu’s performance is good and he has done a fairly good job. Radharavi’s onscreeen persona is rare and he has made his contribution count. There are many other known faces like Manobala, Mansoor Ali Khan, Santhana Barathi, Rajesh, Devadarshini who have justified their roles. Tenaliraman has some really good dialogues that match the current political scenario which bring giggles at regular intervals.