Vallavanukku Pullum Aayudham – Movie Review

Cast : Santhanam, Ashna Zaveri, Rajakumaran, Mirchi Senthil, Nagineedu, VTV Ganesh, Swarnmalya & Others.

Music : Siddharth Vipin

Cinematography : Shakthi – Richard M Nathan

Editing: Saikanth

Directed by : Srinath

Produced by : Prasad V Potluri & Santhanam 

Banner : PVP Cinema & Handmade Films

Distribution : Studio Green 

Run Time : 02:28:00

Release Date : 10-05-2014

Being the remake of a blockbuster film like Maryada Ramanna directed by ace filmmaker SS Rajamouli, Vallavanukku Pullum Aayudham had a lot of reputation at stake. The film which marks Santhanam’s debut as a lead hero adequately succeeds in what it sets out to do, which is to entertain the audiences and leave us all in splits.

A family conflict leaves Nagineedu’s brother and Santhanam’s father die in a brawl in a fictitious village named Arayangaadu. Santhanam’s mother brings him to Chennai to stay away from the family feud. Nagineedu takes a vow and wants to avenge for his brother’s death. The clock moves forward to 27 years, we have a self-piteous Santhanam riding a sapless cycle delivering water cans on the streets of Chennai. He is drummed out of the job with a demand from his owner to buy a carriage auto to make the goods reach on time for customers in order to keep his job. Santhanam’s acquaintance tells him that he has 5 acres of land in his native Arayangaadu. Santhanam embarks on a journey to sell the land and come back to Chennai.

Santhanam reaches Arayangaadu and confides in Nagineedu, the village head to sell the land. Nagineedu is a staunch believer in family traditions and considers his home as sanctimonious above all. After a while, Nagineedu comes to know that Santhanam’s father is the reason behind his brother’s death. A furious Nagineedu waits for Santhanam to step out of his home to avenge for his brother’s death. Santhanam learns about this conspiracy and also understands that they will never kill him inside home. A cat and mouse race ensues between Santhanam who plots to continue staying in home, Nagineedu and his sons. Will Santhanam survive in the enmity-filled home or not?

The film not only marks Santhanam’s debut as a lead hero but his hands at slapstick comedy. Santhanam who has always thrived on witty remarks and jests somewhat succeeds in slapstick humor too. The first half explicitly thrives on Santhanam’s quips with his trademark one-liners which leave the audiences in splits. The gagster Santhanam is a scream in the sequences involving him and a three-member gang in the train (which also includes Siddharth Vipin’s cameo appearance). The second half stumbles with repetitions, predictable writing and  the most cliched climax.

The songs understandably spoil the momentum, especially the last song ‘Otrai Devathai’ is nothing but banality at its peak. Why not, for once, instead of convincing the song-craving audience, give in to the genuine moviegoers?  Why not, for once, ponder over the old adage ‘Please all and you will please none’? A schmaltzy song towards the end and an insincerely emotional climax are utterly disappointing. Also, the thought that a family which is so rooted in revenge and bloodbath considers home as pious lacks conviction.

Santhanam sizzles on screen and his attempt at slapstick humor is a success. Barring the opening song and few deliberately written dialogues to enhance his image makeover, he perfectly fits the bill for this role.

Siddharth Vipin’s background score manages to support the narrative throughout the film. The second half could have been clipped  a little for a better running time. If you love Santhanam’s antics and gags, go for the movie but beware of the melodramatic last forty five minutes or so which would challenge your patience.

Vallavanukku Pullum Aayudham Movie Review Rating: 2.75/5

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