A sentiment that had prevailed in many of the yesteryear films was to have a positive opening dialogue. Debutant Vallikanth seems to follow this when his film Sema opens up with the auspicious phrase “Nalla Kaalam Porakkudhu”. And true to the feel of the phrase, Sema gives you a jolly good time at the theatre.

The Gudu Gudu Pandi almost tells the story in the opening frame and we wonder how the treatment is going to be when the director has laid all his cards in the first few minutes of the film. But Vallikanth has deftly woven an engaging, fun filled, steady paced, light hearted entertainer with a neat narrative.

In terms of storyline, there is nothing new, but the way the screenplay is done is interesting and keeps the audience engaged. 

Dialogues are by Pandiraj which become the major highlight of the film. They are sharp, witty and topical, the best being Cauvery water and tomatoes. GV Prakash and Yogi Babu combination is lively, with most of the latter’s one-liners bringing the roof down. Yogi Babu delivers a cool and a nonchalant performance. His popularity can be felt by the hoots and whistles from the audience. Post interval his stint with the MLA’s son’s phone brings loud cheer.

GV Prakash fits well as the semi urban Kuzhandhai who goes about his motions with a lot of ease and confidence. Ardhana Binu looks cute and does what is expected out of her character. While the first half is mostly dominated by Sujatha, the latter half has been taken over by Mansoor Ali Khan and Kovai Sarala. The gossipy lady in the village strikes you for her natural performance.

The entire movie travels on a light hearted feel barring just a few scenes. The first half is steady paced while the middle of the second half lags just a little only to pick up momentum towards the end. There are no major complaints, with the film achieving what it is set out for.

GV Prakash has done the music also and Sandaalee gets a thunderous response. Uruttu Kannalae is decent and perhaps will get more popular with the film’s release. The songs are not force-fitted and sync well with the narration.

Bottom-line

Sema strikes you as a simple story told decently with all the necessary entertaining quotients well in place. A jolly good ride for summer vacation.

Rating 2.75