Chennai - 600028 Tamil Movie

Feature Film | 2007
Critics:
Audience:
May 27, 2007 By Mythily Ramachandran


Venkat Prabhu son of Gangai Amaran makes his debut as a director with the film, 'Chennai 600028'-enge area ulle varathe, a catch line that follows the title. And this catch line eggs the story ahead.


This film has been running to packed houses proving that for a film to be successful at the box office, all you need is a simple story that the audience can connect with. In a country obsessed with cricket, this story revolving around gully cricket is most welcome.


Set in Chennai's R.A.Puram, which got a pin code 600028, it talks about two cricket teams 'Sharks' and 'Rockers.' For the fourth consecutive year 'Sharks' lose to the ''Rockers.'


The Sharks team members include Karthik, the captain, Pazhani the key batsman, Arvind the wicket keeper and Seenu known more for his clumsiness on the ground.


The story picks steam when Raghu, a member of the Rocker team moves into their area due to family circumstances. The Sharks give him that look which seems to say, 'enge area ulle varathe'.


As the story unwinds, his friendship with Kalaiselvi, Pazhani's sister poses a threat to Karthik who is in love with Kalaiselvi. Karthik's love for Kalaiselvi sours his friendship with Pazhani.


Looming ahead is the Radio Mirchi Cup Finals. Will the Sharks lose again at the hands of the Rockers? As the day for the big match nears, the team is in a kind of disarray with Karthik and Pazhani not joining for practice. Does the team come together? What about Raghu and Kalaiselvi? Lending glamour to the story is Christina as Shwetha. Vijayalakshmi plays the role of Kalaiselvi.


A down to earth story that most youngsters will relate to and the fresh faces in the cast lends it credibility. Chennai 600028 may not be another 'Lagaan' or 'Iqbal' yet it succeeds for its simple story told sincerely.


It is difficult to single out any of the newcomers who were brilliant on screen. Mention must be made of Jai as Raghu, Siva of Radio Mirchi as Karthik and Premji as Seenu. Premji the director's younger brother kept the audience in chuckles with his spoof on 'Enna kodummai saar ithi (from the Rajnikanth starrer 'Chandramukhi'). And just when the ending looked so predictable, you are in for another surprise.


Watch Chennai 600028 with the family. It is youthful, fun and offers clean entertainment. This is Venkat Prabhu's first boundary or do we call it a sixer?


Mythily Ramachandran

   

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