Movies like Paruthiveeran and Subramaniapuram created a trend of realism in Tamil cinema, but that doesn't mean a story on the same trend (but without a strong script) can repeat the same magic. Naai kutty is yet another movie based on the life of a slum dweller.

The Characters

Naai kutty (Selvin) is abandoned by his mother in a roadside dust bin along with a group of puppies. A rickshaw puller spots the baby, names him Naai kutty and raises him. Kutty, as everyone calls him, is in love with Malli (Nicole) daughter of a flower vendor. The story revolves about the different happenings in their lives.

The Plot

Naai kutty is raised by a rickshaw puller in Dombikuppam. Due to situations and surroundings, he grows up as an irresponsible drunkard. His foster father dies leaving behind a rickshaw as his only asset. With no choice, Naai kutty decides to ply the same rickshaw with his best friend Mari (Suri), [remember the Paratha seller in Vennila Kabadi kuzhu?] to earn a livelihood. Kutty finally ends up plying his vehicle for Reddy (Jai Kumar), who runs a sex trade.

Kutty earns enough to buy a new auto, but all the while, Malli is not happy with his new method of earning money. Meanwhile, Kutty's best friend Mari falls in love with Malli's friend Ammu (Sasha Sri). Later, Kutty and Reddy turn rivals to save Ammu (whose father sells her for Rs. 30,000 to Reddy). The rest of the story is about Reddy's revenge against Kutty and Malli.

The Perfomances

Produced by V.A. Durai of Pithamagan fame, this movie is directed by Sathaji who has also penned some lyrics.

Newcomers Selvin and Nicole are good, but not up to the mark.

Music

Music is by Kannada music director Vijay Bharathi, who debuts in Tamil with this film. There are six songs in the album. This album doesn't shout from the roof-tops, of course. But it is pleasant, neat and functional, probably falling well in line with the storyline.

It does have a slightly dated feel about it. We welcome Vijay Bharathi. Certain songs could have been chopped to improve the pace.

The Verdict

The script seems to have lost its goal somewhere down the line. The main plot depicting the life of a rickshaw puller in a Chennai slum is impressive but as a whole, when put together, the X factor seems to be missing.