While there are many films that hit screens today, Mahabalipuram has got the maximum count and it has definitely piqued the curiosity of moviegoers since it promises to be a fun-filled entertainer from the first look promos featuring Karunakaran, Vinayak, RJ Ramesh in important roles. How has the film turned out to be?

Plot

Five friends from the tourist and heritage town Mahabalipuram play pathfinders (guide) to foreigners and earn money for their living. They also remain loyal to the local chieftain Durai played by Jayakumar of Thegidi fame for the hopes that he will reciprocate with some help or opportunities latter. When everything goes well, an unexpected double-suicide shatters the friends and they decide go after the haunting mystery behind it and find themselves entangled in the harsh proceedings that follow.

Plus

The positive of the film is the last half an hour which moves at a swift pace and keeps us hooked throughout. Both the female leads Virthika and Angana have played their roles well though they don't command adequate screen time. K's background score is the pinnacle of the narrative. He has provided life to the mawkish storyline with his brilliant score. 

Minus

The overall happenings in the first half is tiresome and worrying. The monotonous first half with a tepid romance track is a let down and tests the patience of viewers. The main protagonist Vinayak's acting looks quite amateurish and he needs to brush up his acting skills before donning the greasepaint for his next, one feels. The film has got a substandard editing work which spoils the flow at many crucial junctures.

Bottom-line

Mahabalipuram is a kitschy drama that offers middling fun and saccharine emotions acted out snappily.

Verdict : A kitschy emotional drama

Stars : 2.5/5