'Theri' review: Vijay fans might find this film 'Theri'-fic

Releasing a movie during Tamil New Year is a huge moment not just for the star in the film but also the audience. In Tamil cinema, it's usually films of top stars that are released on April 14 and Diwali. Ilayathalapathy Vijay's Theri has created a lot of buzz over the last year because of the stellar star cast, producer Kalaipuli Thanu and director Atlee.

What it's about:

Vijay features as a cop in the film and this increased expectations among the audience that it will be an action-packed romantic flick. The movie starts with introducing us to Joseph (Vijay) and Nainika who are living in Kerala. Joseph runs a bakery and the father and daughter lead a happy-go-lucky life with their dog Tiger and man Friday Rajendran (Mottai Rajendran). Anna (Amy Jackson) is Nainika's teacher and Joseph ends up meeting her as he seems to have some poor parenting skills. An accident takes place and Nainika is injured. It is now that we realise that Joseph had a past and he is actually a top cop called Vijaykumar. Who caused the accident? Who is Vijaykumar? Why did he change his identity? What happened to Nainika's mother?

What's good:

Vijay essays his roles as Joseph and Vijaykumar with ease. He has played a cop before and this time, too he excels as a cop. In fact, his cop moments in the film have been well executed. He's an excellent dancer and the movie has ample moments to showcase this as well as his singing skills.

Samantha looks pretty as always and has dubbed for herself in the film. She has done an incredible job in dubbing as she is spot on with a range of emotions. Atlee has given her numerous shades - doctor, lover, mother - and she shines. Amy Jackson is cast as a Malayalee school teacher and she does what is required for the role.

Director Atlee has ensured that the movie has a good star cast and also a good technical crew. The cinematographer George C Williams has given the audience stunning visuals, especially in the song sequences.

The surprise and delight of the movie is cute Nainika. She essays her role beautifully as Vijay's daughter and whoever wrote the dialogues for her deserves a pat on the back. She evoked a lot of love and laughter among the audience. Director Mahendran as the villain shows that Tamil cinema should have brought him in front of camera years ago. He was perfect as the villain, underplaying his role.

What's not:

A lot was expected from director Atlee but he has fallen short in this Vijay film. Having a star like Vijay he should have made maximum use of his talent, skills, and popularity. But he didn't. The story is very slow (especially in the first half) with many scenes that don't add value to the film. In the second half, the pace picks up but the 'Theri' moments in the film are few and far between. Casting Vijay as a cop is a coupe and Atlee could have taken this movie to another level if he had cut down on the heavy, constant sentiment that bogs down the film.

The songs by G V Prakash are also disappointing. They don't lift the movie at all. Vijay's films are meant for the masses but these songs didn't have that mass element. You don't remember a single tune when you walk out of the theatre.

What to do:  

This is a film that only Vijay fans will possibly find 'Theri'-fic.

Movie:  Theri
Cast: Vijay, Samantha, Amy Jackson, Mahendran, Nainika
Director: Atlee
Rating: 2.5/5