Thillu Mullu Review - Pales In Comparison

by Bharath Vijayakumar

The makers of Thillu Mullu should have very well known that they are entering a dangerous territory. Remaking a classic is a gamble as you cannot escape comparisons. More so in this case as the yesteryear classic is still enjoyed on TV and can give contemporary films a run for their money.

Plot

The plot is very much the same except for some minor changes in the sequences. It is all about a youngster who manages to make a fool out of his boss by saying the most absurd of lies. The moustache in the original is replaced by contact lenses!

Cast

You just cannot replace anyone from the original. The good thing about Thillu Mullu is that almost no one has tried to imitate the mannerisms from the 1981 version. Shiva has gone about on his own way without reminding us of the superstar. He manages to bring about a few laughs with his one liners that he delivers with his trademark nonchalant attitude.

But the variations between the two characters in the original is sorely missing here. Prakash Raj does a neat job. But even he pales in comparison with what 'Thengai Srinivasan' brought to the table then . Isha Talwar looks out of place. The rest of the cast do not stay in your mind. And this despite the fact that there are some well known faces in the film.

Music and Direction

The two songs that are retained from the original are enjoyable. But the placing of 'Raagangal Padhinaru' just before the climax is a dampener. Badri has stayed true to the original without any major changes. The problem is, that despite trying to keep your mind away from the original you are just not able to do so. It almost seems impossible to view this as a standalone film. Each character in the original had a uniqueness. The small boy who works in Nagesh's office and apes Rajini's mannerisms is one such. While the original was understated brilliance at the very best Badri's version is too loud at times.

Bottomline

Director Badri's recycled version is nowhere near the original. It works in parts mainly due to Shiva's one liners. You might enjoy it if you have absolutely no idea of the original.

Rating - 2.25 / 5