A father who always comments on his unemployed status, a comforting mother, a brother who has a successful career and is already a proud owner of a car, next door lass Amala Paul, surround the chaotic world of our hero VIP Dhanush. The first half is a laugh riot.

After the interlude the movie turns serious when Dhanush’s mother dies and as a result the hero gets a job where he is to spearhead a government project as an engineer. Now the villain group tries to intervene in the affairs of Dhanush. How are they eliminated with the help of VIP force and commoners is told in a predictable manner in the second half.

Dhanush is one actor who is not bothered about image and punch dialogues. In this movie he acts as a carefree unemployed youth who even though is treated shabbily is unperturbed and takes it in his stride. The first half is filled with crackling comedy supported by sharp dialogues that goes to entertain the audience.

The story gets stuck after the first ten minutes, till the interlude it is just unpleasant comments from his father, running around in a long discontinued model motorcycle and trying to entice the heroine after a chaotic first meet.

After a long time we get to see Dhanush in his comfort zone as a take-it-easy youth. Though punch dialogues surface in one or two scenes after which he walks away in slow motion, Dhanush is definitely worth watching. Amala Paul has done her part as the girl next door with élan. Samuthirakani and Saranya have done complete justice to their characters.

Anirudh’s music has delivered some toe-tapping songs. Editing, camera and other technical aspects are commendable.

Comedy in the first half is a plus for the movie, but the dramatic second half is a weakness.

Verdict : Velai Illa Pattathari is a ray of hope

Stars : 3/5