Kanthasamy

Language : Tamil
Banner : V Creations
Director : Susi Ganesan
Producer : Kalaipuli S. Thanu
Cinematography : N.K Ekambaram
Story, Screenplay, Dialogue : Susi Ganesan
Art : Thotta Tharani
Stunts : ‘Chatrapathi’ Shakthi, Kanal Kannan
Editing : Praveen-Srikanth, Rajesh
Lyrics : Viveka
Music: Devi Sri Prasad
Release : 2009 August 09
Starring : Vikram, Shriya Saran, Krishna, Vadivelu, Prabhu, Ashish Vidhyarthy, Alex, Mukesh Tiwari, Mumaith Khan, Mansoor Ali Khan, Y.G.Mahendran

Kanthasamy. It is the buzz word in every mouth for the past few months. There was immense hype and hoopla around the movie. Touted to be Tamil cinema's ambitious project, the end-product can be described as a marvel on screen, oozing with style and substance.

The duo of Vikram and Susi Ganeshan have come out with a project (though far from logic) that is laced with all commercial ingredients at right mix. They have lived up to the faith imposed on them by producer Kalaipuli S Thanu.

Sending a message within commercial parameters is no easy task for any filmmaker. But kudos to Susi Ganeshan for achieving the same. Coming out with an unpretentious entertainer, Susi has ensured that he plays to the strength of Vikram. An action extravaganza with technical finesse was lacking in Tamil cinema. But Kanthasamy has filled the void now. The computer graphics and the breathtaking stunt sequences captured well by cinematographer Ekambaram has proved a point that Tamil cinema is no way behind when compared to Bollywood and Hollywood.

Very few actors in Tamil cinema mould themselves into character that they play. Leading the pack is Vikram. The actor, who enthralled audience playing out-of-the-box roles in Sethu, Pithamagan and Anniyan has gone several steps above in playing a suave cop and a lovable Robinhood in Kanthasamy.

The subtle variations in the body language and dialogue delivery is a treat to watch not just for Chiyaan fans but for film-lovers across all sections. He looks charming and young with stunning costumes. The singer in Vikram thrills the audience more. Songs featuring the actor crooning in his voice brings the roof down with screams, thanks to catchy and peppy tunes by Devi Sri Prasad.

As expected Kanthasamy is about a superman cleansing evil in the society. People throng a Murugan temple where they tie their wishes to a tree, after which all their prayers are fulfilled.

The Kanthasamy (one of the names of Lord Muruga) in the temple catches the rage of people. Soon a super hero Kanthasamy (Vikram) emerges to help people solve their problems. A modern day Robinhood, he provides them with money. Soon the growing name and fame of the temple and serious of events in the city results in a suspicion among police. A tough cop (Prabhu), who happens to be the DIG, starts investigating the issue.

Enters young CBI officer Kanthasamy (Vikram) with a zeal and dedication to bring out black money from rich and wealthy men. A man of great skills, he sets out on a mission. He comes across Ponnusamy called as PPP (Ashish Vidyarthi), a rich man in the town. He conducts a raid and unearths unaccounted cash and documents worth over Rs 1000 crore. In a bid to revenge Kanthasamy, PPP's daughter Subbulakshmi (Shriya ) pretends loving him. It is all but a cat and mouse game between PPP, a few other villains and Kanthasamy.

A fantasy film may seem to have a clichéd storyline. But it needs to be supported by a racy screenplay to sustain the interest of the audience. Susi Ganeshan has mastered this trick with Kanthasamy. He is at his best coming with a free flowing script that provides interesting moments in almost every scene (though apparently inspired by Shankar).

The movie reminds Amitabh Bachchan's ‘Shahenshah’ and the character that Vikram plays is more of ‘Anniyan’ meeting James Bond.

Shriya Saran, the cool cat, plays a perfect foil to Vikram in the film. She oozes with energy and is scene-stealer in songs. Prabhu is dignified as usual in his role while Vadivelu's comedies manage to evoke right humour. Ashish Vidyarthy, Rajmohan among others play typical villains of Tamil cinema.

Cinematographer N K Ekambaram, who enthralled the audience with a splendid work in ‘Iyarkkai’, comes up with a topnotch work. He captures the foreign isles and lush green locales of Mexico in colourful tones. Devi Sri Prasad's music is nothing but a bundle of energy. Excuse me Mr.Kanthasamy and En Peru Meena Kumari are picks of the lot.

Cutting-edge editing by Praveen K L adds more pep to the movie while costumes by Chaitanya Rao - is nothing but a carefully crafted expensive extravaganza (Rs. 3 crore was spent for costumes alone, according to reports). Kanal Kannan's stunts, including the blindfolded action scenes in Mexico and the police station scene are no doubt an asset for the film. Popular Radio Jockey cum singer Suchitra has lent her voice for Shriya’s character and the dubbing has come out well, adding liveliness to Shriya’s role.

In short, Kanthasamy is a roller coaster ride of pure unadulterated masala. So go ahead, make your matinee.

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