"Pathu Thala" A Hattrick Victory for Simbu (STR)
Review by M. Siraj
As we know South Indian film indusdtries have no dearth of movies that depict the enmity between a callous cop and a feared gangster but what really keep this" Pathu Thala" stand out in this style are the events and incidents that unfold, bringing the audience closer to the characters' world and constantly engaging the audience throughout the film.
An undercover cop (Goutham Karthik) goes into the big bad world in Kanyakumari which is run by a feared don STR a powerful gangster who rules the government at the flick of a finger, to investigate the disappearance of the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
His world that is filled with blood and carnage ensures he finally gets to meet the don once he proves his worth. As the cop works to gain STR" s trust, he uncovers disgusting revelations that shake his tenacity. STR is facing his life under threat by Police as well as from Gautham Vasudev Menon, a politician who wants power and does conspiracies and his abettors betray him.
As a hattrick victory from Maanadu, Venthu Thaninthathu Kaadu, followed by Pathu Thalai, Simbu as usual adds strength to the film with his performance. From showing anger to enemies, longing to talk to her sister, and fighting scenes, he gives fans the expected treat. Understanding the depth of the story, Simbu has big heart to give enough screen space to Karthik Goutham, despite having a very limited screen time, really shines in a role that he strongly elevates just with his presence, and gripping moments. Even though STR appears just one minute before the interval at a critical point in the narrative and with his swagger and body language, he predominantly occupies the second half where the narrative becomes tighter and more engaging as the soul of the film lies in the post-interval sequences, as the strong pillar of the film, STR delivered a standout performance with ample bloodshed in the film. Obvious reason for STR to turn against government and form his own administration for people is because of his frustration at the functioning of the government. The plot rounds, STR has a fond sister who is not speaking for the stern decision of her brother. In the fake medicine case, he kills his own greedy brother-in-law. That is the reason for his sister to become quiet for a long time. Director cleverly handles the situations and it is close affinity for brother and sister.
The film has the needed mass introductions and fights, as Goutham Karthik shines in a role that he hasn't played before. He gets a massy introduction sequence which is another highlight of the film and he in the first half wins convincingly for his action, with minimum of dialogues for his composed performance, he succeeded well in his comeback. Gautham Karthik's character comes across as stiff and stern throughout the film.
STR and Goutham Karthik makes their roles with an equally stylish, where two stars are pitted against each other as an underworld don and a cop.
Gautham Vasudev Menon's performance as the deputy Chief minister is commendable, but give a feel that, he is not up to the level of a Villain for STR.
The climactic fight sequence is accompanied by an effective background score by AR Rahman, which strikes a chord with the audience and elevates its impact, is another major highlight of the film and admirable to the way it's shot and presented.
Forgetting some minor mistakes, like showing a Goods Train where Goutham Karthik is stealing the money, is running without a Guard Van, but in overall, Pathu Thala is worth watching for STR" exuberant screen presence and acting.
"Pathu Thala" Review by M. Siraj.
