Sandai Tamil Movie
As the title connotes, stunt scenes occupy most space with Sundar C playing the action hero. Director Shakthi Chidambaram has made a perceptible shift from his hackneyed formula and as a result, "Sandai" has a higher entertainment value than his earlier flicks. Action peppered with comedy makes the film exciting.
Here goes the story..
Thangalakshmi (Nadia) along with her daughter Abhi (Ragini) migrated to Bangkok 18 years ago. Now a multimillionaire, she comes to her native place, Kothamangalam near Coimbatore, to fix the alliance for Abhi with a boy from a rich family settled in Bangkok. In a twist, rowdies attempt to attack the mother and daughter. Following this incident, Thangalakshmi appoints a stranger, Kathi, (Sundar C) as a bodyguard and Mani (Vivek) as personal assistant to her daughter Abhi. Kathi and Mani plot the kidnap of the Bangkok groom. He disappears on the eve of the marriage. His family members are so scared that they call off the marriage and walk out. Fearing that no one else would come forward to marry her daughter, Thangalakshmi takes a decision on the spur of the moment. She asks Kathi to tie the 'thali' even without bothering to know about his family background. Only after the marriage, Kathi reveals to her that he is none other than her brother's son, Kathiresan. The revelation comes as a shock to Thangalakshmi who vowed to take revenge on the family of her brother (Lalu Alex) whom she believes to have killed her husband (Napoleon) when he was a district collector. Thangalakshmi feeling defeated decides to return to Bangkok with her daughter. Kathiresan implores her to send Abhi to his house for 10 days and if he fails to win her over, she is free to leave him. The tussle between the aunt and the nephew ensues.
Sundar C steals the show with his cheeky performance. He is at his best in stunt scenes. Every sequence after Nadia asks him to tie the knot is thrilling. Along side suspense, tension also mounts till the director reveals what is up his sleeve. Sundar is hitherto only known to 'walk' but in this movie, he also 'jigs'. He also joins inimitable Vivek and brings the house down.
Vivek plays a double role as "Nattamai" and son with yesteryear sex bomb Jyothilakshmi as his long lost mother. His taking the Bangkok boy on a ride, his pranks on Sundar and his lashing of Jyothilakshmi to make her dance are particularly hilarious. He is full of vim. Who says he is off colours?
Glamorous Nadia as the head-strong mother sets the screen on fire with fury when Sundar tell her "I am the morai Mappillai". One does not feel the absence of a villain. Nadia as arrogant mother-in-law fills this space with her superb body language and banters.
Namitha plays a 'Karagatakkari' out to seduce Sundar. She looks charming.
Ragini just goes through the motions. Glamour makes good her acting deficiency.
Napoleon makes a guest appearance as Collector.
Dhina's music is adequate.
Though some of the sequences are blatantly illogical, Director Shakthi Chidambaram seems to have decided that it is enough if the film humors the audience. And, he has succeeded.
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