Character List

Analysis

Vijay as Panchavan "Pari" Pariventhan

(Originally played by Aamir Khan as Ranchhoddas "Rancho" Shamaldas Chanchad)

Vijay as Pari is one of the wisest choice of Shankar as the actor easily settles on the role. He brings out the charm and liveliness of the character by the energetic dialogue delivery. His timing and expressions creates the desired effect. Vijay adds on his own style to character but sometimes, subconscious or consciously imitates Aamir Kahn at some scenes. But to look at it in another view, this can be a decision by the team not lose the flavour of the already famous character. In Overall, Vijay is given a chance to boast his versatility in this film and have grabbed it firmly.

Srikanth as Venkat Ramakrishnan

(Originally played by R.Madhavan as Farhan Qureshi)

Srikanth is the second most experienced actor among the three and have stamped his comeback hard with this film. He does justice to the character of a student who is stuck in between parent’s desires and his own ambition. He does exceptionally well during the scenes where he convinces his father. What makes the character unique is the own rendition and style he added. However one could miss the innocence and sympathetic look carried by Madhavan in the original. In overall Srikanth is an apt choice.

Jeeva as Sevarkodi Senthil

(Originally played by Sharman Joshi as Raju Rastogi)

Jeeva is the most look-alike cast from the original and a great choice by Shankar. Jeeva does a great job and his comic timing is excellent. He is convincing for the role and surprisingly, he looks more convincing in many scenes than what was done in the original by Sharman Joshi. In overall the best casting among the trio.

Sathyaraj as Virumandi Santhanam (Virus)

(Originally played by Boman Irani as Viru Sahastrabudhhe (Virus) )

Sathyaraj easily shows his experience by his dynamic presence who believes that life is a race and getting good marks/grades is the only victory in life. His looks are the major plus point of the character and Shankar has creatively designed him to get the desired effect. His combination with Vijay is enjoyable. However he imitates Boman Irani at many place and his natural looks get lost in this. That could be avoided as a veteran like him could have easily managed to bring in the desired impact with his own style. But in overall, Sathyaraj impresses!

Sathyan as Srivatsan (Silencer)

(Originally played by Omi Vaidya as Chatur Ramalingam (Silencer))

This is a cast which Shankar took almost 3 months to decide and was even at the verge to cast Omi Vaidya from the original. But the search was worth it as Sathyan impresses and one could wonder where this talent was all this years. His English renditions and voice add value to the character. This is the only character probably in the film which is not very close to the original and was allowed to experiment by the actor. Especially in the stage speech scene, Sathyan steals the show. In overall, Sathyan has crushed all the questions raised by skeptics.

Ileana D'Cruz as Ria Santhanam

(Originally played by Kareena Kapoor as as Pia Sahastrabudhhe)

Illeana after a 5 year break (last seen in Kedi) have returned back with this prestigious project to make her presence felt. She excels well with the right charm and bubbliness which the original character has. Special mention to actress Andrea for dubbing for her. Her chemistry with Vijay is excellent and adds value through a competent performance. However her performance in the climax scenes did not match Kareena Kapoor, which brings her down a little in comparison. Besides these small slip-ups, Illeana is just fine.

S.J. Suryah as Panchavan "Pari" Pariventhan

(Javed Jaffrey as The real Ranchoddas Shamaldas Chanchad)

S.J. Suryah, complex look and comical dialogue delivery have always been criticized by many but Shankar has turned this to qualities favouring the role. He impresses with his sympathetic look and animated body language. He does look more comic relief than the original character and of course underplays too which creates a good impact. In overall a good choice for even a brief role.