Ponniyin Selvan Tamil Movie

Feature Film | 2005
Critics:
Jul 1, 2005 By P.V.Sathish Kumar


The familiar theme of "Love thy people who love you for what you are" is played out in this tale of young Venu who longs to see himself normal without his scar in his face. What makes it a great deal more enjoyable to watch is its combined effect of humour, tenderness, love, beauty, and oodles of messages.


The story goes…Venu (Ravi Krishna) hailing from a bourgeoisie class lives hand-to-mouth existence along with his mother Ponniyammal (Revathy). He ekes out a living by working in a factory, and leads a very peaceful life in spite of his ugly scar on his face.


Venu's world revolves around his mother, Idhayakani (Gopika), a girl who lives next-door, Guru (Prakash Raj) his friend, philosopher and guide and also his senior in the factory, and his two jobless friends. For advice he goes to Guru, for solace he goes to his mother. Kani sympathizes and supports Venu but within she develops a sly love for him.


Ever since his face was disfigured by an accident in his childhood, Venu grows up taking in his stride all the scorns, bitter comments and tantrums heaped on him by people on seeing his scar. But his amicable life is disquieted when his friends urge him to undergo a plastic surgery to remove his scar and become handsome again.


Venu seeks doctor's advice. Doctor assures him that the scar can be removed and make him look normal again. But that would cost Venu Rs 1.5 lakh, which is beyound, his means. From thereon, Venu embarks on the job to get this operation done.


Will Venu succeed in his resolve? The remaining story unfolds the unexpected climax, which definitely holds the audience in its grip.


The end result is neatly polished; it's certainly a more real and an honest endeavor. Director Radha Mohan is able to convey his story on a grassroots level for more convincingly. His taut story and narrative rhythm has to be commended stylistically.


Confident camera work and editing give the film a professional edge that otherwise it would not have had succeeded.


The young casts are well suited to the film with not unattractive Ravi Krishna giving a central performance that belies his lack of experience. Gopika as his love interest has done her role to the T. Prakashraj and Revathi has given a mature performance though only in a throw away roles. Vidyasagar's music is adorable.


You cannot go without appreciating this sentimental family entertainer for it speaks volumes with efficiency, simplicity, and lucidity.


P.V.Sathish Kumar

   

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