Sundarapandian is about "Friends and Foes"

by Bharath Vijayakumar 

Company Production's latest offering Sundarapandian marks the debut of another promising film maker from the school of Sasikumar. The erstwhile assistant of the movie's leading man has given an engaging family entertainer with ample dosage of comedy. As promised by Sasikumar in some interviews, violence takes the backseat in Sundarapandian. It does show its head in the climax but thankfully the gruesomeness is within tolerable limits.

Plot

Sundarapandian is basically about its leading man and the part love and friendship plays in his life. The narration follows a linear path with some twists thrown towards the end that work well. Of course cinematic liberties have been taken in the climax. But on the whole the movie treads the middle ground between realistic and commercial cinema.

Cast

Looks like Sasikumar thoroughly enjoys playing the lead role. His role is more like an extension of the character he played in Nadodigal with more flamboyance thrown in. Despite certain limitations, he seems to have a unique charisma that connects with the audience. Lakshmi Menon the teenager, debuting as the heroine does a neat job. She should probably join the short list of heroines who can emote well on screen. With Kumki in the pipeline she surely is a talent to watch out for. Just when you think that Appu Kutty’s role is more like a caricature the director throws in a surprise in the interval block. Soori is slowly carving a niche for himself and Sundarapandian should be another feather in the cap for this talented comedian. Humour is the USP of the movie and Soori is responsible for most of the laughs. All the actors irrespective of the duration of their screen presence have done well.

Crew

Dialogues are a strongpoint in Sundara Pandian. They are crisp and to the point.  Ragunandan’s background score is adequate and his songs pass muster. They never hinder the flow of narration and the director should take credit for his choice in the placement of songs. Cinematographer Premkumar’s work is appreciable, in particular the clarity of scenes inside the crowded bus. The climatic sequence in the deserted landscape has also been captured well.

Bottomline

Despite working under Sasikumar, Prabhakaran the debutant director reminds us more about Samuthirakani's style of presentation. Sundarapandian is a worthy debut that should work well with the audience.

Verdict: Good Time pass