Maruthu (Tamil, 2016)

A plot in Tamizh cinema which is set in motion by 3 ladies is a rarity. Writer-Director Muthiah needs to be lauded for creating such strong women characters who show a lot of courage & sensible thinking when dealing with adversity. There is also excellent layering in many scenes which he later comes back to effectively.

One should that in spite of being the prime antagonist, RK Suresh robs the limelight from Vishal. He spouts venom with his unique dialogue delivery and is stunningly imposing in the role of Rolex Pandian. Radharavi too in a short, pivotal role is highly effective.

Vishal as Maruthu looks convincing as the well-built labourer (in fact too convincing on some occasions :P). He does not quite cut it in the emotional/romantic scenes but makes up for it by excelling in the stunt sequences. Soori (who plays the role of Kokkarako) as ever looks to be a permanent fixture in village-based films. Though he sort of struggles with the emotional part of his role, his comic timing is impeccable.

Sri Divya is thankfully not a damsel-in-distress and she uses the opportunity well. Kulappuli Leela, who plays the role of Vishal’s grandmother, is effective in spite of the horrible lip-sync on many occasions. Aadhira Pandilakshmi (who plays Silambam Maariamma) totally captures our attention as the law-abiding socially conscious woman by being brave enough to take on the bad men verbally and smart enough to summon for help when needed. Even Rolex Pandian’s wife shows her mettle by refusing her husband’s diktat with supreme ease.

Velraj’s cinematography & Praveen’s editing are a major plus for the film. They play a vital part as there are many scenes Muthiah comes back to due to the multiple layers. Imman’s songs are average but the rip-roaring background score makes the drama riveting.

Post about 60% of the film, once the plot has been established there is an inevitability about how the film is going to play out. There are absolutely no surprises for the audience during this phase and this section looks extremely dated.

While the love-angle isn’t primary to the script, the stalking-approach has again been used by the hero to woo his lady love. The spunky lady too seems fine with this and keeps telling her idea of an apt husband to the hero.