Director: Muthaiah
Cast: Vishal, Sri Divya, Soori, Kulapully Leela, RK Suresh
Director Muthaiah is known for his mass rural themes and has proved his mettle in his earlier films Kutti Puli and Komban. And this time around, he has joined hands with Vishal for Marudhu, which is set in the backdrop of Rajapalayam. Though it follows a standard template, it is packaged with enough doses of high-octane stunts, comedy, grandma-grandson sentiments, romance, good visuals and an overdose of violence.
Marudhu (Vishal) is a load man in Rajapalayam who is hugely attached to his grandma Mariamma (Kulapulli Leela) as she has brought him up from childhood after the demise of his parents. Marudhu is a man of virtues who can never tolerate any disrespect to women and his close buddy is Kokkarakko (Soori).
Bayilvan (Radha Ravi) the village big shot and his henchman Rolex Pandian (RK Suresh) an aspiring politician control the entire village with their nefarious activities. In the meantime, Bhagyam (Sri Divya) enters Marudhu’s life. Even as Bhagyam visits the local temple, impressed by her bold acts, Mariamma wants Marudhu to fall in love and marry her as she feels the former is the perfect match for him.
Bhagyam files a case against Rolex Pandian for committing the murder of her mother. As the case comes to a close, Pandian is all out to kill Bhagyam and her lawyer dad Sankarapandian (Marimuthu). How Marudhu saves them from Pandian forms the rest.
With his toned gym body, crew-cut, tattoos of lion and tigers on his forearm and chest, effortless dialogue delivery and nonchalant movements, Vishal shines and spearheads the film. Vishal is at his finest and versatile best. Sri Divya has a meaty role and the actress utilizes it well.
RK Suresh proves once again after Thaarai Thappatai that he is no flash in the pan. Soori’s comic liners are enjoyable and he is equally impressive in emotional scenes. It is Malayalam veteran actress Kulapulli Leela who steals the show with her wonderful feat although at times her lip-sync goes for a toss. Radha Ravi has nothing much to do. The first half is interesting despite the romantic portions marring the pace. Kudos to Muthaiah for portraying all the women characters in the film as strong and bold! All the same, he could have toned down the excessive violence.
When it comes to the technical stuff, Marudhu scores high. Velraj’s cinematography is irresistibly pleasant and arresting. Imman’s composition is a mixed bag: songs are functional and a bit too distracting. The background music though hits the mark.
