What are the ingredients of a good commercial film? Action, romance, comedy, suspense, glamour, fast paced story and of course an item song! So does Mutthirai have all the elements? Let us check it out!

THE CHARACTERS

Azhagu (Daniel Balaji) and Sathya (Nithin Sathya) are two crooks, who claim to be modern day robinhoods with a twist; they take from the rich and spend the money on the poor- that is themselves. Each of the two guys has a love interest; Kavyanjali (Lakshmi Rai), a bar dancer with a heart of gold and Arthi (Manjaree Fadnis), a college student. The somewhat docile existence of these four is sent into a frenzy, thanks to the murder of the chief minister (Saravanan), allegedly by his own brother (Anand). But just like all murder stories and political crimes, this is just the tip of the iceberg.

THE PLOT

Azhagu and Sathya, who are happy doing ATM robberies and passport thefts, land themselves into poice trouble when their neighbour Krishna becomes the target of the police commissioner (Kishore). Before Krishna is killed in an encounter, Azhagu and Sathya become custodians of his secret, thus the target of the police and CM in waiting Aadikesavan (Ponvannan). What is the secret that is wanted by both parties? Do the conmen get away or get conned? This cat and mouse chase forms rest of the story.

THE TECHNIQUE

Camera: Saleem
This is Saleem's first film as cinematographer, but he has lots of experiemce working with the late director Jeeva. And his work shows that his mentor taught him well. The songs are beautifully picturised, the actions scenes well shot and the chases eventful.

Action: Stun Siva, Rajasekar
Be it the fight sequence in the rain or the toppling of cars or the mid air jumps, none of the fights and scenes are over the top. The stunt direcors have resisted using too much of special effects, which seem to be the norm of the day. This has resulted in some clean and real action scenes. A job well done!

Art: Thotta Tharani
Be it the village set or Azhagu's apartment or the night club where Rakhi Sawant performs, the veteran craftsman has maintained simplicity, thus making it attractive and pleasing. No jarring colours or over the top sets!

Music: Yuvanshankar Raja
The pick of the tracks is July Madhathil, a foot-tapping and hummable number. The item song featuring Rakhi Sawant is also good. All in all a good album.

Editing: Antony
Editing is top notch. The first half could have done with a little more chopping, but the second half is fast paced and takes the story forward smoothly.

Story: Anees Jeeva
An interesting story told in an effective manner. Though this is very different from Jeeva's kind of films, it is interesting to see such a commercial and action packed story come from woman. Kudos Anees!

Direction: Srinath
This is the debut venture of this Jeeva associate and coming from a first timer, Mutthirai is indeed a commendable film. The elements may be commercial, but Srinath, along with Anees' creative direction, has given an entertaining and interesting film.

Performances:
We all remember him as the psycho killer from Vettaiyadu Vilayaadu, but Daniel Balaji proves that he can do romance as well! He may not have the conventional looks of the hero, but as Azhagu, the love he feels for Kavya is well expressed. And when it is time to be bad, he is in his element
Nitin Sathya does his job well, adding the comedy element to the story. His goofy character, non stop jabbering, his innocence all add charm to the character of Sathya.
Lakshmi Rai sizzles as Kavya. Simple and glamorous at the same, she is a treat to the eyes.
Manjaree Fadnis makes her debut in Tamil and plays the bubbly girl well.
Ponvannan and Kishore along with rest of the cast have provided able support.

VERDICT:
If you are looking for a complete masala entertainer, has a politcal backdrop but is not preachy, at the same time tells a staight forward, yet interesting story, then Mutthirai is definitely worth a watch.

Review by Padma Iyer