Thambi

Cast: Madhavan, Pooja, Biju Menon, Vadivelu and Manivannan
Language: Tamil
Director: Seeman
Producer: Dr. Murali Manohar
Camera: Balasubramaniyan
Story: Seeman
Screenplay: Seeman
Dialogue: Seeman
Lyrics: Vairamuthu, Na. Muthukumar
Music: Vidyasagar
Year: 2006

Seeman seems inspired by the latest cricket sensation Mahendra Singh Dhoni ---like the blasting batsman, Seeman gets his ideas with force and passion And in Madhavan, Seeman has found a willing partner, who is the flesh and blood of the movie, carrying the entire burden on his shoulders.

Seeman has made the story seemingly inspired by the Communist revolutionary Cheguvara. His love for poet Bharathy is also visible at many places where Madhavan's diction and body language reminds one of the poet, who is also known for his revolutionary thoughts on the society. All credit should go to Seeman for his not making any commercial compromise but at the same time making the movie engrossing and entertaining.

On the face of it, he seems inspired by typical Shankar formula screenplay: An individual fighting for the betterment of the society. But Seeman shrewdly brings in Communist philosophies here. Dialogues at certain places are very sharp and are sure to leave an impact on the audience.

Thambi Velu Thondaiman (Madhavan) is an angry youth who stands up against all the evils that he witness in the society in his everyday life. He takes on Sankara Pandian (Biju Menon), a local goonda, who unleashes violence in the city. The sight of fearless Thambi sends fear in the spines of Sanakara Pandian's gang. Thambi resolves to put an end to Sanakra Pandian's activities. He comes across Archana (Pooja), who initially mistakes him to be a gangster for she sees him fighting with a few goondas. Coming to know of his character, she falls for him.

Thambi with the help of a few like-minded friends thwarts the attempts of Sankara Pandian to unleash terror among people. Meanwhile, in a flashback, it is revealed that Thambi's family was killed by Sankara Pandian's gang for Thambi identifies the killer of a youth. The murderer happens to be none other than Sanakara Pandian's brother Shanmuga Pandian (Shanmuga Rajeswaran).

For political mileage, Shankara Pandian unleashes mob violence in the city and Thambi runs around to prevent the disaster. Thambi brings a change in Shankara Pandian's heart and mind. However, his brother, who comes out of prison, runs for Thambi's blood. The rest is all but a riveting climax, which ends on a positive note.

It's Maddy all the way. After a long time, one gets to see Madhavan performing with his expressive eyes. He seems to have put in hard work in his body language, diction and gets the emotions right. A refreshing Madhavan could be seen here. Equally impressive is Biju Menon. The Malluwood star has delivered the goods. Known hitherto as a character actor, he has proved that he can also do action scenes quite comfortably.

Pooja who plays Maddy's ladylove has enough opportunities on the screen and utilizes them well. The rest of the cast including Ilavarasu, Vadivelu, Manivannan and Manobala adds strength to the movie.

Vidyasagar's re-recording and the cinematography of Balasubramanyam are added values to the movie.

Seeman has succeeded in rendering a movie carrying a message that fits the contemporary society. A bold attempt worth watching. However, on the flip side, towards the second-half, few romantic sequences scenes involving Pooja and Madhavan puts brakes on the movie's pace.

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