Time and again, Hari films don’t boast about some unconventional storylines, but he is so sure that he is a filmmaker who can entertain audiences with usual stories, but with special treatment of narration. Glimpse upon his every film and you’ll find the formulas existing to be the same. His Diwali release ‘Poojai’ in no way proves to be different. But it doesn’t mean this is a stereotypical film. There is something different on his attempt to add so many characterisations to his film and bringing up a new-fangled story pattern.

Story

There are there parallel tracks of tale. The first one is about Vishal who rules the market with his money lending business and his love for Shruthi Haasan. He has a hidden past with that keeps him away from his family Then there is a contact killer Mukesh Tiwari, who hails from Patna and is considered as the most powerful assassin with a network of murderers all over India. Police commissioner Sathyaraj is attempted on murder by Mukesh Tiwari and they both have some scores to be settled. The complete story is about how these people get interwoven in the tale of action and emotions.

Plus

As mentioned earlier, the story is so simple and it could be narrated in just few lines, but the most proficient part is the storytelling method of Hari is what it makes the film completely entertaining. Moreover, Hari has stepped out of his usual plots and involves the script with different characterisations. It’s almost like a triangular action story and fast-paced narration, especially during second half becomes the major strength of this film.

The major plus of this film is screenplay followed by stark characterisations. Although, there is less scope for romance in this film, the director has made sure of letting Shruthi Haasan travel throughout the script.

Minus

Too many action sequences with lots of heavy sound might not be preferred by female centric audiences. But when the emotions of mother-son and family relationship dominate, it is surely to attract the cohort. Hari usually doesn’t prefer add too many double entendre comedy lines, but this one is bound to over-dosage. One is that Soori speaking to Prathap Pothen as ‘Anti-Virus’, ‘Long sight ungalukku, appo chinnadhaathaan Theriyum’ and immediately, Prathap swears into Soori’s ears. What follows next is Banana used as a metaphorical vulgarity. Shruthi Haasan’s voice is a huge drawback in this film and her dancing is too acrobatic style. Maybe, she is too lean that her role as Tamil girl doesn’t fit so much.

Performance

Vishal has been trying his hand of experiment in different roles and genre of movies. He is back as an action hero and succeeds well. Although, his role is too much bound to action sequences, he scores well in other aspects of romance and sentiments as well. Shruthi Haasan gets a meaty role unlike her previous films. Sathyaraj scores brownie points with his role. He gets more footage during second half and his confrontations for the sake of Vishal during climax sequence are a great factor. Soori tries something different on humour, but could have avoided the double entendre ones. Jayaprakash is good. Radhika Sarathkumar is best. Thalaivasal Vijay appears and has no dialogues. Renuka is okay. Aishwarya as Sathyaraj’s wife appears and disappears. Mukesh Tiwari as baddie steals the show. Black Pandi and Imman Annachi as sidekicks to Soori are okay.

On the whole, Poojai can be watched once for the sake of entertainment. If you’re thoroughly someone, who doesn’t look up so too many logics and if your motto is just ‘sit back and enjoy the next 3 hours’, Poojai can be your preference indeed.

Verdict : Overdose of action, good emotions and moderate entertainer…

Stars : 2/5