'Puli' movie review: Vijay’s film is a visual treat, but the screenplay is disappointing

Film: Puli
Director: Chimbu Deven
Starring: Vijay, Sridevi, Sudeep, Shruti Haasan, Hansika Motwani
Rating: 2.5/5

What’s it about:
This movie is a departure for Ilayathalapathy Vijay because it’s in the historical-fantasy genre which he has never attempted before in his career. Why he chose this particular subject and script is a question only the actor can answer, but fantasy is apparently director Chimbu Deven’s favourite genre.
The movie starts off talking about a village in a period when this fantasy world is still ruled by kings and queens. There’s a baby that is found in the river by Prabhu (leader of sorts of this village) who brings the child up as his own son, Marundheeran (Vijay). The boy grows up to be the saviour of the people in the village and protects them from the Vedhalams. The Vedhalams are said to possess superpowers and belong to the Vedhalam kingdom that is ruled by Sridevi and her evil commander Sudeep. Marundheeran’s childhood sweetheart is Pavazhamalli (Shruti Haasan) who gets kidnapped by the Vedhalams. How does Marundheeran rescue her? Where does he meet the Queen’s daughter (Hansika Motwani)? What happens to the Queen and her evil minister? Who is Marundheeran? All this forms the rest of the story.

What’s hot:
The cinematography in the film deserves to be mentioned first, because it is extremely good. Visually, the movie is a treat and cinematographer Natarajan Subramaniam (Natty) has done a splendid job. The star of the movie is Vijay and he has been given action, song-and-dance sequences to prove his mettle. And he excels as always. Sridevi’s performance as the evil queen is very convincing and her outfits and eye make-up also convey her character beautifully. She has dubbed for herself in the movie and the audience will find it quite interesting, hearing her voice after so many years in Tamil cinema. Sudeep too has delivered a performance that is befitting a star of his stature. As the evil commander, he conveys powerful emotions through his eyes. Shruti Haasan and Hansika Motwani are the glamour elements in the film and are apt for their roles. Director Chimbu Deven has written and directed a fantasy film which is different for Tamil cinema.

What’s not:
While the genre of Puli many be new to Tamil cinema, the screenplay by director Chimbu Devenis a big let-down. The story is not something new and it moves at such a slow pace that it gets tiring to watch in places. We have seen Vijay in similar roles earlier, except that it wasn’t in the fantasy genre. Despite the fact that we have people like Thambi Ramaiah in the film, the laughs are very few. Puli is touted to be an action entertainer, but other than a few twists in the plot, it doesn’t excite the audience. Chimbu Deven has wonderful actors in the film but he hasn’t used them to their full potential. Despite the fact that the director’s favourite genre is fantasy, this film is predictable and ordinary.
As for Devi Sri Prasad’s music, the songs are nothing to rave about and neither is the background music. The only saving grace is the 'Yendi Yendi' song sung by Shruti Haasan and Vijay. While Shruti’s voice sounds great in the song, she could have avoided dubbing for the film.

What to do:
Watch the film if you have nothing better to do this long weekend!

Watch Trailer: 

Also Read: 'Puli' director Chimbu Devan reveals why Vijay, Sudeep and Sridevi are true stars