Bommalattam (Puppet show) - the title calls to mind one of the oldest animated storytelling methods worldwide. Even today, this enjoyable and creative art form is practiced in some parts of rural India and provides livelihood to many traditional artists. However, Bommalattam the film displays life's unpredictability; all people are mere puppets dancing under the control of the master puppeteer.

Director Rana (Nana Patekar) is one of the most acclaimed directors in Kollywood. Recipient of many national and international awards, Rana's creativity is brilliant and unparalleled. However, he also displays violent mood swings. Actors who do not behave and perform to his exacting standards have to face his temper and ill-treatment. A heroine who displays fussy star-airs while on his sets is summarily dismissed.

Rana then calmly finds a suitable newcomer (Rukmini Vijayakumar), renames her Trishna, casts her as his heroine and continues the shoot. But, unlike his earlier behaviour of staying aloof from his cast, Rana moves very closely with Trishna and fiercely protects her from anybody who tries to harm her. The whole unit is shocked at the director's weird behaviour and begins to spin stories about them. Shockingly, anyone who tries to get close to Trishna gets murdered brutally.

As a result, his fans, followers and the general public, point an accusing finger at Rana. Media persons hound him for explanations and fill their gossip columns with spicy, fabricated stories about the talented director.

Reacting to the public outcry over these murders seemingly linked to Rana, the Intelligence department orders a detailed investigation. Vivek (Arjun) arrives to interrogate the prime suspect, director Rana. Only Rana's girlfriend, screen poet Anitha (Kajal Aggarwal) believes he is innocent. Anitha states that the supremely talented and dedicated director is incapable of committing murders. The investigation pulls Vivek into a huge web of deceit, at the centre of which lies the harrowing tale of a budding starlet. So, what are Vivek's findings? Who are the prime suspects? Is Rana one of the prime suspects? Watch Bommalattam to know!

Bommalattam's story is created around the movie industry. Each scene and character in highlights that the roads leading to showbiz success are danger-ridden and frequently misleading. Those who rise as top stars in the field must learn the tough art of survival. The movie is unlike director Bharathi Raja's usual style (revolving around the serenity and beauty of villages and villagers). Bommalattam has a lot of mystery and thrill in it, yet it also carries the director's signature imprint. In fact, audiences see a lot of Bharathi Raja in the ill-tempered perfectionist Rana; the character gels well with Nana Patekar's looks and personality. Most of the time, the scorching fury and the disappointment get communicated through this supreme performer's eyes.

For Arjun too, this is a different role. All his blazing stunts and punches are absent in Bommalattam. Yet the depth of his portrayal and the way he underplays his role suffice to provide some impressive fireworks. Kajal Aggarwal, the bubbly, emotional heroine, gives her best performances in the scenes where she defends her favourite and skilled creator, ridiculing all notoriety surrounding him. Vivek's comedy in the movie also has a filmy link.

B. Kannan, one of Bharathi Raja's camp constants, impresses with his camerawork. Himesh Reshammiya's music is another plus point in the movie.