February 17th, 2009
Director Vincent Selvah and Sundar C have combined to render a racy and an action-packed entertainer with ‘Perumal’. The movie on drug mafia begins on a brisk note, which takes twists and turns only to end on a predictable fare with nothing much to rejoice for film-buffs. It is a thriller which had the potential to become an engrossing flick. Unfortunately, the screenplay and the sequence of events belies the expectations.
Vincent Selvah, who had worked with the likes of Vijay before, has taken a commercial route, lacing elements that would entertain masses in the right mix. You have Namitha oozing glamour and Vivek with his oneliners evoking laughter.
Sundar C's movie set in rural themes (be it director or actor) never fails to strike a chord with the audience. It had an earthy feel that was entertaining. However, ‘Perumal’ seems to be a conscious attempt by Sundar C to try establish himself as a macho-man in Kollywood. He plays a good Samaritan, who fights for the cause of women in distress. He is there literally fighting out a gang of baddies.
Namitha serves the purpose for which she is cast in the movie. She plays a cat stealer, who runs across Sundar C. She in her usual skimpy costumes provides a 'glam show' on screen. Meenakshi plays a young woman in distress. She looks fresh and her character is neatly etched.
Vivek's comedy is entertaining in patches. He is rusty to begin with but gathers pace and momentum as he progresses. It is a typical Kota Sreenivasa Rao in the movie. As a baddie, he moans and groans on screen.
The movie begins in a hospital, where a mafia is involved in adulterating drugs. Unfortunately, a junior doctor (Meenakshi) manages to stumble upon their anti-social act. To safeguard themselves, the gang sets out to wipe out the junior doctor.
She meets Perumal (Sundar C), a petty thief who does the job of recovering loan for an agency. He eventually vows to protect the junior doctor from her distress by putting an end to the gang and their atrocities.
The movie begins on a promising note. But the scenes and narration of events are cliched. Technically, it could have been made more richer too. As usual Srikanth Deva has come up with some racy number and the highlight being the remix number ‘Kadhal Vaibhogame’ sung by Arivunidhi, grandson of Chief Minister M Karunanidhi.
It is a movie sure to appease action-buffs. Had Vinecent Selvah concentrated more on screenplay and ensured that more suspense elements are attached, this Perumal would have blessed his devotees ardently. Missing the bus this time is Sundar C.
