Tenali Raman Review - Return of Vadivelu

PUBLISHED DATE : 18/Apr/2014

Tenali Raman Review - Return of Vadivelu

TenaliRaman FDFS Review - Return of Vadivelu 


After a 3 year break, Vadivelu is back with Tenali Raman surviving a number of controversies and political hurdles. Vadivelu's comeback is much anticipated as audience is beginning to miss the comedian's signature style slapstick comedy. The movie has also garnered good level of interest since Tenaliraman's  posters and images evoke the memories of Vadivelu's biggest hit as a full-fledged hero, Imsai Arasan 23am Pulikesi

 

Plot and Story


Vadivelu plays the dual role of a court jester and a king. The story is about a common man and rebel named Tenaliraman who gets close to the kind-hearted king who is married with 36 wives and 52 children. Tenaliraman earns the trust and helps the king see his own shortcomings, evil plans of his ministers around him and comes to realization of the plight of his people in his kingdom.

 

Vadivelu keeps his form!


Vadivelu was pushed out of film industry right after the Tamil Nadu election and came back just in time for the general election. The story of Tenaliraman could not have been more relevant and timely. The choice of Vadivelu loosely playing the role of famous court jester who is known for his wit and presence of mind is also perfect. Vadivelu appears in almost every scene in the movie. For most part, Vadivelu enacts his role perfectly and maintains his good form throughout the movie. However, the spontaneity and energy level of Vadivelu may be a bit lacking in certain scenes. 

 

Story and Direction


The story is simple and screenplay is written with a couple of flashbacks to keep the narration interesting and less monotonous. In fact, the story and situations in the second half is almost similar to 'Imsai Arasan' as it explores familiar political topics. Fitting the theme and title of the movie, the comedy lines are intelligent and will make you think. However, the biggest shortcoming is that scenes do not have 'roll on the floor' laughing moments. Also, the dialogues are long and a number of situations such as the one involving the cannibals are lengthy and do not engage you as much.

 

The director also conveniently makes the recent government policies of FDI and globalization as villains so that the makers do not have to antagonize anybody in India. There are subtle yet obvious references to the in-fighting currently happening within the famous political family. Also, there are some scenes with a few well-intentioned advice dished out to our political leaders seeking good governance, just in time for elections.

 

Casting


Meenaxi Dixit as princess sparkles and emotes well within the typical range seen among commercial heroines. The voice dubbing and hand movements of Meenaxi appear to be a bit off sometimes. The movie has a line-up of character artists such as Mano Bala, Radha Ravi, Rajesh, Mansoor Ali Khan, Santhanabarathi and Devadarshini with limited roles to play. There are a host of other Chinese characters who are conveniently portrayed as villains.

 

Technical Values


D. Imman's background score is apt and shows a lot of maturity in enhancing the scenes. However, the songs in the second half and the way it is picturized act as speed breakers. The art direction and set properties sufficiently suggest the historical era while the budget constraints are evident. The lighting and cinematography could have been better in making the art director's work look better. The editing is leisurely and the dance choreography is limited to Vadivelu's capabilities.

 

Verdict : Cautiously Witty Tenali Raman 


 Tenaliraman is mounted on a political platform and successfully gets away without setting off land mines. However, Tenali Raman looks like a poor cousin of Imsai Arasan and lacks some genuinely interesting moments and necessary sting that is quintessential to political satires. Nevertheless, Tenaliraman is watchable only for Vadivelu!

 

Rating : 2.75/5

Related Links :  Thenali Raman User Rating 

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