Every actor has a favorite genre that they like to play. Actor Sathyaraj’s favorite is the revolutionary genre. Taking on the system and that kind of stuffs. And hence the name Puratchi Tamilan. The actor who was last seen in a supporting role in MGR Magan is back on screens as a lead hero in Theerpugal Virkapadum. Director Dheeran seem to be a huge fan of the actor that he casts him as a lead hero once again after a long time. The film is about a father going after the perpetrators that destroyed his daughter’s life and managed to get away with it. So, how has actor Sathyaraj’s Theerpugal Virkapadum come out? Is it as gritty as the title sound? To know that let us get in to the movie review.
Theerpugal Virkapadum Movie Poster
Theerpugal Virkapadum revolves around Dr. Nalan Kumar’s family. Nalan Kumar is a virtuous and hardworking man who works as a chief gynecologist in the public hospital. He leads a simple life with his daughter Bharathi (Smruthi Venkat). Everything seems to be going smooth and fine for the them. But then, the fate decides to role its dice. It puts Bharathi in the path of the son of a wealthy businessman, Rudhravel (Madhusudhan Rao). Bharathi is assaulted by Rudhravel’s son. Nalan Kumar is crushed and devastated when the news reaches him. The agonized father takes the fight to the court hoping to put the offender behind the bars. But instead of justice all he gets at the hands of the authority is humiliation and mockery. He is dejected by the way he is treated. But understands that there is a game of influence at play behind the case and that it is difficult to win them judicially. So, he decides to turn vigilante.
He begins to tail Rudhravel’s son to figure out the right moment to bring him away from his father’s shadow to nab him. Opportunity presents itself. Rudhravel’s son’s 20th birthday arrives and he makes plans to go out and celebrate with his friends. The eagle that has been watching, and waiting patiently, swiftly makes its move and nabs its prey. Rudhravel gets a call from his son’s number. He picks up and wishes him a very happy birthday. Only to realize that his son is not at the other end of the line. Nalan Kumar tells Rudhravel that he has got to do what he asks him to do, failing which he will not be able to see his son again. Rudhravel agrees. He begins to do as he is instructed but the instructions never seem to stop and get complexes as it goes on. Rudhravel gets frustrated. He decides to go after Nalan Kumar and end it once for all.
Who will win the battle, will Nalan Kumar kill Rudhravel’s son or will he hand him over to the justice department, is what makes the rest of the flick.
At a time when the demand for fresh content is at its pinnacle in Tami cinema in comes Theerpugal Virkapadum acting as a resistance to the trend. The movie is a typical 80’s revenge angle drama. We have had so many films come in with the similar plot as of Theerpugal Virkapadum. If you had not had the opportunity to watch them all, watching Theerpugal Virkapadum is adequate. As the film has a good mixture of scenes from them. But to be fair, though the film is filled with cliches director Dheeran tries to inject some fresh air in to the plot. Unfortunately, nothing works. He brings in a medical angle that goes nowhere, he tries to make twist in the tale moments but we can see them coming when they miles away.
There is a major factor that separates Theerpugal Virkapadum from the cluster of the 80’s entertainers. To a large extent, those films were emotionally high pitched. Director Dheeran ditches that factor and tunes the entertainer in the right emotion quotient. This approach has bailed out the flick from becoming an awful watch. Apart from this, Theerpugal Virkapadum does not hold anything of substance and loses stream very quickly. Director Dheeran’s work is blatantly lethargic. The result is the plethora of plot holes that push us away from the drama every time when we make an effort to stay invested.
Veteran actor Sathyaraj is the cool dad of Kollywood at present. He fits the role of a doting father quite well. His stout physique helps when he takes on the vigilante path. He comes around delivering his trademark expressions. Actress Smruthi Venkat plays an extended cameo role. She has done justice to her part. Actor Harish Uthaman is effective as usual. Actor Madhusudhan Rao is adequate. Comedian George Maryan does not serve the purpose for why he was brought on board. The rest of the cast has delivered what was asked of them.
On the technical front, musician Prasad SN’s tracks do not last in our memory for too long. Even his background score is just too loud. Cinematographer Anji’s frames are quite average. Editor Noufal Abdullah’s cuts should have been a lot sharper.
On the whole, actor Sathyaraj’s Theerpugal Virkapadum does not have anything to hold the attention of the audience and is easily a film that is worth a miss.