As the title proclaims, four down-on-luck, unemployed guys with varied backgrounds are brought together by fate in Chennai and they decide to make a quick buck by breaking into a big bungalow. But, things get complicated in respect of unforeseen characters and situations. The ensuing pandemonium, which is stylishly shot, forms the crux of Moodar Koodam.
Language:
Tamil
Running Time:
155 mins
Rating:
U
Release date:
13 September 2013
Directed by:
Naveen
Produced by:
Pandiraj
Written by:
Naveen
Starring:
Naveen
Sentrayan
Rajaj
Oviya
Music by:
Natarajan Sankaran
Shot by:
Tony Chan
Editing by:
Athiyappan Siva
Distributed by:
Pasanga Productions

What’s Hot

  • It is a very ambitious and experimental attempt by director Naveen who also plays the leader of the pack. He is heavily influenced by black comedy aces, Guy Ritchie and Quentin Tarantino throughout the film especially in the BGM and screenplay. He is full of philosophical dialogues mouthing them in a monotone.
  • All of the Madcap characters contribute to the movie’s quirky humor in their own way. The comedy is unconventional, even riotous at times. Sample this, there is a guy practicing ping-pong just to save his life.
  • The BGM score by Natarajan Sankaran is a solid highlight and it will recur in your minds after the movie gets over. The narration of individual flashbacks through enjoyable montage songs is a brilliant innovation. The editing cuts by Athiyappan Siva are stylish.
  • The kids in the movie are truly adorable. The cute young girl and her chubby little brother are very natural. The kid talking over on the phone is an absolute delight too.
  • The likes of Jayaprakash, Anupama Kumar are apt for their roles. It is the big ensemble of unknown actors who make a mark, be it Don Salim Bhai and his assistant, the crazy thief called Mayils and the four main fools (Naveen, Sendrayan, Rajaji and Kuberan).

What’s Not

  • Tony Chan’s camera work is too ‘in your face’, jerky at times and the numerous tight close-ups prove unsettling beyond a point.
  • The type of bland humor shown in the film might not find favor with everyone.
  • The fact that the movie drags due to too many characters and too many ‘past stories’ can’t be disputed. Moodar Koodam could have offered much more with fewer characters and a shorter running time.
  • Although Naveen’s dialogues are well written, they get irritating at times because of his monotonous & robotic body language.

Badges

Verdict

Verdict Stamp

Definitely a cut above the 'run of the mill' films coming out every week and a good addition to the new 'indie' wave in Tamil cinema.