Director Susi Ganesan’s “Kanthaswamy” is a typical commercial pot-boiler that has style and substance. Though the Robin Hood-like story is not new, Susi has presented it with trademark superhero-movie elements — flashy action scenes and stunning special effects.

Yet, it’s not the typical superhero film and therein lies the twist in the tale.

The movie begins with people flocking to a Murugan temple. All those who submit their woes as petitions to Lord Kanthaswamy (another name for Murugan) on a piece of paper and tie it to a tree in the temple find that their problems are all solved soon.

Meanwhile, superhero Kanthaswamy becomes a phenomenon — a caped crusader dressed as a rooster who takes up the grievances of ordinary people and resolves them. But the local police officer (Prabhu) suspects something fishy and pokes his nose in the matter.

On the other hand, brave CBI officer Kanthaswamy (Vikram) is on a mission to unearth black money and illegal wealth amassed by the rich and corrupt that lie stashed in foreign banks. He is in for a challenge when he raids the house of tycoon PPP (Ashish Vidyarthi).

When Kanthaswamy finds unaccounted cash and documents of various foreign deals worth over Rs.1,000 crore, PPP, the seasoned criminal, is not amused. At the same time, his only daughter Subbalakshmi (Shriya Saran) pretends to have fallen in love with Kanthaswamy in an effort to take revenge on him.

Watch the film to know the connection between the masked crusader and the CBI officer.

Susi Ganesan has presented the movie with a fast-paced and stylish narrative. He has conceived and executed many scenes well. He has tried to give the old story of robbing the rich to help the poor some logical elements. The twists in the tale are interesting.

The fight sequences, especially the blind-folded action scenes in Mexico, are breathtaking. The innovative camera angles and lighting by cinematographer N.K. Ekambaram make the film visually stunning. Thotta Dharani’s art work is also awesome.

On the flip side, Susi’s story is disappointing. While he has worked hard to make the film stylish and sleek, one wishes he had worked harder to come up with something new.

We have seen powerful ‘Good Samaritans’ like Kanthaswamy in films like “Gentleman” and “Indian”. We have also seen an ‘alien’ with extraordinary powers to eliminate the baddies in “Anniyan” and an intelligent hero diverting the black money to good causes in “Sivaji”.

The major problem with the script is the length. The director could have avoided a couple of songs and halved the comedy track by Vadivelu.

Devi Sri Prasad’s music goes with the movie’s mood. Two of the six songs — “Excuse me Mr. Kandasamy” and “Yen Peru Meenakumari” — are picturised well.

Vikram comes out with flying colours. His dedicated efforts have given an extra-dimension to the character. Very few people in Indian cinema could portray the larger-than-life fantasy character as easily as Vikram. His body language when he appears with a mask and wings is amazing.

Shriya sizzles in her glamorous appearance and charming acting. Prabhu renders a neat performance but he is fast becoming predictable in the role of an investigative cop. The characterization of villains leaves much to be desired. Vadivelu’s comedy track passes muster.

“Kanthaswamy” is for those looking for sheer entertainment.

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Anuya (of Siva Manasula Sakthi fame) is the second heroine. Yureka a famous lyricist, has penned more than thirty film songs and would be writing the lyrics for Madurai Sambavam. Shooting is slated to happen in and around Madurai.

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Mari works in a crackers factory while Thenkarasa, pursues engineering in Chennai. Thenkarasa’s father, a bullock cart owner and a hard working soul nurtures aspirations for his son.

Mari often dreams of a life with Thenkarasa, but is tongue tied when she meets him. Egged by her friend, Cheeni (Inbanila), she tries to speak of her love to him, but fails. As for Thenkarasa, she is just his childhood friend until his classmate Uttara opens his eyes to Mari’s feelings for him. But his father’s aspirations force him to marry a rich man’s daughter.

Although Mari is disappointed, she continues to love him. Unlike other love stories, Poo scores with its unselfish love. A subtle message is also sent across about the price one has to pay in a consanguineous marriage.

On her debut, Parvathy Menon has done a remarkable job as the village girl in love. In this role, she exudes a grace and coyness unseen today in the women of other love stories. Srikanth’s role is small yet significant.

Inbanila as Mari’s friend shows plenty of potential. Ramu in the role of Srikanth’s father puts up a good performance and so does the actress as Mari’s mother. Yet, the love story fails to touch you. And the story could have been edited.

However the visuals are stunning and is a neat and clean movie that can be watched with the family. If you are looking for a fresh breath of air, watch Poo.

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‘Puratchi Thalaivan’ would be directed by Venky Baboo and produced by Sridevi Rao. A team of 3D animators would indulge themselves in the job of recreating the magic of MGR on screen.

One wonders who the animated heroine of the film would be. Would it be Saroja Devi or Jayalalitha. Who knows….the think tank behind MGR might prefer newer heroines like Trisha, Shriya or Nayantara.

  

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The film shot in a rustic background stars Srikanth and Parvathy. Based on the short story ‘Veyyilodu Poi’, the film is expected to contain a heart warming story. Sasi who has churned out ‘Sollamale’, Rojakootam’ and ‘Dishyum’ earlier, has a penchant for realistic human emotions.

Poo’s music album by S. S. Kumaran has already become popular with its mellifluous tunes oozing with the ‘native feel’.

‘Poo’ sure has all the makings of a healthy entertainer with abundance of realism packed in it. Something audiences would love.

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