Director Lingusamy, Subash Chandra Bose of Thirrupathi Brothers in collaboration with filmmaker Sargunam of Sargunam Cinemaz has produced ‘Manja Pai’ that marks the debut directorial of Naveen Raghavan, a former associate of Sargunam. The film stars Raj Kiran, Vemal and Lakshmi Menon in lead roles with N.R. Raghunanthan scoring music.
Story:
When the adoring grandpa (Raj Kiran) comes to Chennai to spend more time with his grandson Tamizh (Vemal) who is about to leave USA for job, the lives of many get changed.
Performance:
While the previous films of Vemal had portrayed him in the main lead, it’s glad to see him accept a role of miniscule importance. Although his name occurs first in the title credits, it is Raj Kiran ruling the show. The versatile actor has done a marvelous job and it’s really a disappointment to see that the directors are missing out a superstar in their films. Especially, the climax act where he never utters any dialogues, but causes our eyes imbibed to tears is a master performance. Lakshmi Menon has a middling importance in the script. Others in the cast including Kumki Ashwin do justice to their roles.
Story, screenplay, dialogues and direction:
The story sticks to the formula of usual Tamil cinema released before few decades that involves the emotional dramas. In this season of many looking up to action, suspense and mystery thrillers, Naveen Raghavan chooses a different path. But what happens to be a little disappointment is the sluggish screenplay and there is little dragging during the second half. The emotional scenes appeal to the senses, but after a certain extent, they become little dull. When the script is simple, the screenplay holds more responsibility to make it more engaging, but this is where the film slightly disappoints.
Technical department:
The songs by N.R. Raghunathan are just okay. The numbers Paathu Paathu and Sattena has an appealing effect. There is a sense of distortion with the cinematography in few places and editing is okay.
Final word
Manja Pai has more probabilities to click at sub-urban and rural areas. It has the kind of sentimental aspects that would go well with the audiences in this zone.
Verdict: Displays the essence of emotions with depth.
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