Movie: Alex Pandian
Directed by Suraj
Produced by K. E. Gnanavelraja
Starring Karthi as Alex Pandian, Anushka, Santhanam, Nikhita Thukral, Sanusha, Akanksha Puri, Milind Soman,Suman, Prathap Pothen, Shannon Elijah
Cinematography Saravanan
Editing by Praveen KL, NB Srikanth
Studio Studio Green
Alex Pandian is an upcoming Tamil action-masala film directed by Suraaj that features Karthi and Anushka in the lead roles, while Santhanam plays a pivotal supporting role.
Devi Sri Prasad composed the music. The film is scheduled to release for January 11th 2013.
The Telugu version, Bad Boy is scheduled to release on January 25, 2013.
Karthi‘s last movie Saguni had failed to impress the audience. Now, the actor has teamed up with Suraaj, who has the history of making mass-masala films and delivering hits. The director, in an interview recently, has claimed that his latest film Alex Pandian with the Paruthiveeran star is a perfect Pongal treat for Tamil audience since it’s an action-comedy film.
Expectations
Tamil movie audience in recent years have been expecting good storyline and do not entertain mindless scenes, comedies and regular masala tales anymore. They look for believable factors and do not appreciate the same old routine sequences or glorifying the heroism of a lead star unnecessarily. Well, the latest film, with its trailers and posters, appeared like a regular mass film but generated huge hype because of high-octane action sequences. Is their enough entertaining elements in Alex Pandian that would meet audience expectations? Read on to know…
Story
It has a stunning beginning with a much-talked train chase sequence. A group of thugs chase Anushka and Karthi comes to rescue her and bashes them up. The first 10 minutes is thrilling and the action sequence have been brilliantly shot, despite the fact that the audience can easily make out that the scenes have been choreographed on a still train at parts.
Immediately after the sequence, we are introduced to comedian Santhanam‘s family, which consists of his mother and three younger sisters. Alex Pandian settles down at his house in spite of stern opposition from Santhanam. The hero flirts with all his three sisters played by Nikita Thukral, Sanusha, and Akanksha Puri. The first half is full of comedy and a few fights.
The second half shows the true identity of Karthi and Anushka, the daughter of a Chief Minister. Alex has kidnapped Anushka and the orders are passed by Alvin Martin (Milind Soman) and Dr GKM (Sumanth). The baddies wants to sign a deal with the state government. As the Chief Minister refuses to sign, they give a contract to Karthi to abduct Anushka. What happens next should be seen on-screen.
The first half is completely entertaining and generates curiosity through suspense. Santhanam‘s comedy and Karthi‘s fights will be enjoyed by audience. Double entendres are also tolerable. But the second half lets you down. The director takes two much of time to wrap up the story and drags the tale. The expectations built in the first half will be shattered with a predictable ending.
Karthi and Anushka‘s love tale has been forcibly added to the main plot. Their chemistry too fails big time as they look more like siblings than a couple on-screen! Nikita would have been a better choice to play Karthi‘s leading lady. Milind Soman as a baddie has got nothing much to do except for a few round of gunfire in the film. The dubbing for his character is also poor.
However, Karthi is once again energetic and has given his best. He has done action sequences without using bodydouble and looks brilliant in stunts. And also he impresses us with his dance. Anushka is colourful. Santhanam is hilarious at parts and irritating at times due to some poorly written scenes.
Devi Sri Prasad‘s background score is appreciable and his songs are good. ‘Onnam Class‘, ‘Thakka Thayya‘ and ‘Bad Boy‘ are our picks. Cinematographer Sarvanan‘s photography stands out of all technical departments…especially, the train action sequence! Editing by Praveen-K.L. Srikanth is of average quality. Director Suraaj, who has also penned the dialogues get full marks in that department.
Alex Pandian is a typical masala film, which would work better in the Telugu market than among Tamil film goers. To be precise, it is a time-pass movie that can be watched for comedy and action sequences.
