Mathapoo

My review: Mathapoo

"Dhinanthorum" Nagaraj's "Mathapoo" has a neat story, uncomplicated screenplay, good acting from the cast, soothing background score yet it is lost in the time warp. Movie might have worked well may be ten years back, but everything in the movie looks out of place, not in sync with the contemporary. As a result though the story keeps you engaged somehow you tend to aspire for something better. One can only wish that such talented person like Nagaraj should come out of his comfort zone and explore more. The movie and its making is redundant though it is not totally farcical either. 

Story is simple has interesting moments, screenplay moves at a pace which is consistent, neither too fast nor too slow. Nagaraj is known for his witticism which is evident in his dialogues. Except for the songs, movie is realistic, almost. Some of the characters are fresh especially Sithara's is one of the most delightful "chittis" in recent times. Some scenes show the alertness and acumen of the director. Especially the one towards the climax when Sithara impulsively slaps Gayathri, then just about noticing her father standing nearby and instinctively apologizing to him by gesture. So casually and effortlessly done both by the performers and the director. There are quiet a few such well thought about sequences in the movie.

Jeyan is the new find who fits the bill as a happy-go-lucky youngster who is behind Gayathri. Except in the few emotional sequences towards the end where he is totally at sea, by and large he is confident on screen. Gayathri is one of the most talented and promising youngsters in recent times who has performed well in almost all her movie so far. She continues in that vein this time too. Movie boasts of a strong support cast led by Sithara, Geetha, Kitty, Renuka and Ilavarasu. The humongous experience these names bring along with them is evident on screen. Even few melodramatic scenes are gracefully enacted by them.

Debutant Velayutham's musical score is below average. None of the songs stay in your mind. However Sabesh-Murali have done the background score very well. It is soothing and consistent with the mood the movie. 

On the whole, "Mathapoo", you would not regret watching this movie in theater. 

Bottomline: Ten years too late. 

3/5