Kathakali review: Vishal's film is a good watch this Pongal

Movie: Kathakali
Cast: Vishal, Catherine Tresa
Director: Pandiraj
Rating:  3/5

What it's about:
Vishal starts 2016 with the release of his film which is director Pandiraj's first action thriller flick. The movie begins in Cuddalore with a fight between the fishermen of Cuddalore and Chennai over fishing rights. We are then introduced to Amudhan (Vishal) who returns to Cuddalore after five years from the US for his wedding. It's then we learn of his and his family's rivalry with a local gangster Thamba. Amudhan is getting ready for his marriage to Meenukutty (Catherine Tresa) when his brother asks him for Rs 2 Lakhs for something urgent. He then heads to Chennai to shop for the wedding and bring Meenukutty. During this time Thamba is murdered in Cuddalore. Thamba's men suspect it is Amudhan and his brother who are behind this and the police start investigating. Who really killed Thamba? How does Amudhan find the murderer?

What's good:
Director Pandiraj has delivered a thriller that is quite racy for the most part. As far as Vishal's role goes there are similarities with the roles he has essayed in some earlier films like Pandiyanadu. The actor has delivered a realistic performance in a role that shows a range of emotions from joy to sadness and anger. The actor seems to have mastered the angry young man role quite well now. The supporting cast has to be mentioned here as they all are a plus for the film.

Hip Hop Thamizha have done the music for the film. The BGM is peppy and makes the film more racy. The Kathakali music beats that they have added in the action scenes resonates with the title.

What's not:
The first half of the film is much slower than the second half. All the comedy and romance is packaged in the first half and the action and twists and turns in the second. It is post the interval that the movie really picks up. Catherine Tresa as Meenukutty doesn't have too much scope for performance in the film. The stilted way in which she speaks is also jarring.

There are just two songs in the film which come in the first half. The film doesn't really need the songs though. Hip Hop Aadhi should get new singers to sing as the way he sings is getting repetitive and monotonous in films now.

What to do:
This action thriller from Pandiraj and Vishal is a good watch this Pongal.