Thottal Poo Malarum by veteran director P. Vasu and his son Sakthi as hero is getting abundant and intense publicity. Vasu's effort in bringing his son to the limelight piqued at everyone's curiosity as this movie is the next after his recent Kollywood blockbuster, Chandramukhi, starring the Superstar.

Though Thottal Poo Malarum has all other required components such an attractive hero and heroine, and a band of established actors the storyline is not unusual and it continues in a rut created by many previous flicks.

Ravi (Sakthi), son of a tutorial college professor Thyagarajan (Nasser), is a typical middle class hero. He falls for Anjali (Gowri Munjal), daughter of a rich temperamental widow Periya Nayagi (Sukanya). As love blossoms between Ravi and Anjali, the pesky mom bundles her daughter to her brother Varadaraja Vaandiyar's (Raj Kiran) house in Mumbai. The plot then elaborates on the ways and means Ravi has to adopt to reunite with his ladylove.

Thottaal... still appeals for entertainment and Sakthi shines as the original Kollywood hero, particularly in the action scenes. There are also interesting sequences in the love scenes between hero and heroine.

Competing with and complementing each other in acting are Sukanya, Raj Kiran and Nasser. Gowri Munjal has done her bit well. Comedy by Santhanam is enjoyable and Vadivelu has done his usual best.

Aagash Ashok Kumar has done a good job in cinematography. Raju Sundaram, D.K.S. Babu, Noble and Bhasker have choreographed all the songs with a collective youthful spirit. Yuvan Shankar Raja has again composed some bubbly numbers.

Sakthi, with the film gene in his blood, shows promise in his debut film. He humbly gives all credit for his good acting to his father. (Sakthi says his dad is like a dictator on sets, scolding all actors impartially.) He should have a long and successful innings in his career. He should be able to get many promising offers to emerge as one of the top heroes in Kollywood.