REVIEW

A month after the crime thriller Puriyatha Puthir, Makkal Selvan Vijay Sethupathi is back to the silver screen with Karuppan, a rural entertainer. Paneerselvam, who is known for critically acclaimed ‘Renigunda’ is the director of Karuppan, while A. M. Rathnam (Presenter) & S. Aishwarya are producing the film under the banner, Shri Sai Raam Creations. The film starring Vijay Sethupathi, Bobby Simha and Tanya in the leading roles. Veteran actor Ravichandran’s granddaughter Tanya plays the romantic interest of Vijay Sethupathi, while Bobby Simha plays the antagonist. The film also has ‘Aadukalam’ Kishore, Pasupathy, Singampuli and Sarath Lohitaswa in pivotal characters. The soundtrack is composed by D. Imman.

STORY

Vijay Sethupathi plays the titular character, a happy-go-lucky villager who is a do-gooder at heart, even though he ruffles feathers with his ruffian-ish behaviour. Maayi (Pasupathy, solid as ever), a respected figure in the neighbouring village accepts a challenge to marry off his sister Anbu (Tanya, holding her ground against Vijay Sethupathi) to Karuppan, if he tames his bull. Karuppan does, but this doesn't go down well with Kathir (Bobby Simhaa, good), the brother of Maayi's wife, who had been hoping to marry the girl. So, he starts to plot against the couple, hoping to create a rift between them forever.

PERFORMANCE

Vijay Sethupathi proves again he is an effortless performer, who easily fits in any given role. Karuppan character looks tailor-made for Makkal Selvan, who makes no mistake in delivering it.   Tanya looks realistic, bubbly and perfectly justifies her role. Pasupathi and Bobby Simha too shine in their respective characters. After a long time, Singam Puli shines in the comical uncle of Vijay Sethupathi.

Imman's songs are not up to the level but the composer scores with the rerecording. Sakthivel's camera authentically captured the village locales and VT Vijayan's editing is flawless.

Where Karuppan scores is how it caters to its target audience — the family crowd. There are the moments between Karuppan and Anbu that are sure to strike a chord among couples; then we have the brother-sister angle between Anbu and Maayi; there is also mother sentiment — Karuppan's mother (Renuka) is mentally challenged and he dotes on her. In fact, Panneer Selvam uses this to make the Karuppan-Anbu relationship stronger, as Anbu's attitude towards his mother plays a huge role in Karuppan loving his wife more.

What doesn’t work for Karuppan is the screenplay which lingers at places more than necessary. Some nifty editing and fewer songs could have fastened the movie’s pace.

PLUS

Vijay Sethupathi performances

Realistic village based story

Comedy & sentimental Touch

MINUS

Predictable story

Slow screenplay

Songs

Verdict : A Typical 80's Rural Entertainer.!

Stars : 3/5