Pudhu Pettai (2006) :
Brief Review -
Surely among the Top 5 Best Gangster Films ever made in India. Dhanush and Selvaraguavan both have outdone themselves. When i look back at my list of Best Gangster/Crime dramas, i find Classics like Nayakan, Keeridam, Thalapathi, Spadikam ruling the top spots and then there are many others following the decreasing ratio of quality till 2020. That includes Dhanush's own Vada Chennai too, which, i feel is overrated and looking at Pudhu Pettai it's definitely Overrated! I don't care about others, but this is The Best Gangster Flick i have seen in this millenium. What Bollywood couldn't do in 90s and 00s decade even after making good gangster flicks like Satya and OUTIM, that full proof "Classic" tag was missed but Pudhu Pettai has it in 2006 when Gangster flicks were craving for masala elements. After running away from his home teenager Kumar falls in with a gang and slowly rises through the ranks of the Criminal Underworld. His new identity is Kokki Kumar, the Don and wanna be MLA whom everyone fears. You know the basic formula of gangster dramas that no matter how courageous, fearless, reckless the guy is, he must commit a blunder to cause his downfall and with Pudhu Pettai everything is top notch. And it's pleasantly surprisingly because it doesn't look typical. I wanted Kumar to do a blunder and he does exactly at the interval point. That entire idea of two marriages was such a new experience to see in Indian Gangster dramas. And when i wanted him to go through torment, he does and even that part was so intelligently crafted. Performance wise, Dhanush has outdone himself. I'm Speechless. Supporting cast is excellent too. Selavaraghavan does wonders at director's chair with his amazing talent. What a fabulous framework and what a gripping narrative it was. Three hours into crime world and i never felt bored, courtesy team Pudhu Pettai. Overall, an absolute Classic that shouldn't be missed at all.
RATING - 8/10*
By - #samthebestest.