Plot:

A young police officer is targeted by an unknown gang. He has to react fast to saved his loved ones. And his biggest weapon to counter his enemies is his German Shepherd.(Subramani)

Interesting Casting:

The casting of Naaigal Jaakirathai is quite spot on. Sibiraj’s name appears second in the credits following the trained canine!!! His last two films (Lee and Naanayam) were interesting choices too. He fits the bill as the cop. He still seems to be a little apprehensive and this shows up particularly in the more lively scenes. Balaji as the menacing villain is an exciting choice. In a role that is daringly different from the  kind of roles that he has been doing he shines. That we get tuned to his characterization without a hitch is testimony to his performance.

Hits:

There are quite a few clichés that are put to rest in Naaigal Jaakirathai. You do not have many films where the screen age of the heroine is 32. The initial portions that track the bonding of Sibiraj and his new pet are mildly amusing but nothing that really excites you. The film does suck you in with the onset of a serious danger that Sibi’s wife is put in. The looming danger, the authoritative narration at this point with a sadistic villain and the hero on the backfoot sets the ball rolling for Naaigal Jaakirathai. This most happening and interesting phase occurs when the focus is not on the canine (Subramani). Not a complaint as such but definitely an irony. Dharan’s score is an asset for the film.

Misses:

After all the hype given, the villain bites the dust pretty easily. The strong olfactory sense of Subramani is what is actually shown as helping in the nabbing of the culprits. But the first time the canine sees Balaji through a window it immediately recognizes that he is the nemesis of Sibi. Definitely a lot more care could have been taken to lend more credence. While the reason for Balaji’s anger on Sibi is shown what was the motive behind the other sadistic murders?

Sensitivity and our films:

An elderly Keralite passes and the hero comments ‘Puttu Puttukucha’. When will our makers learn to be more sensitive? More than a couple of laughs (if at all) these dialogues might bring to a few, they actually show our films in poor light.

Bottomline:

An interesting premise and a definite welcome addition to the diverse nature of films that has been hitting the screens recently. A little more tightening of the screws and the bark would have been more loud and clear.

Rating:2.75/5