Pathu Thala

"Pathu Thala" is a Tamil action thriller film released in 2023, which is an adaptation of the Kannada film "Mufti". The cast of the film includes STR, Gautham Karthik, Priya Bhavani Shankar, Gautham Vasudev Menon, and Santhosh Prathap. The title "Pathu Thala" translates to "ten heads" in reference to Ravana, a character from Hindu mythology.

The film is impressive, with a notable performance by STR on screen. The background music (BGM) by A. R. Rahman brings the film to life. Gautham Karthik's acting is also incredible. The climax fight scene is particularly immersive and deserves to be seen in theaters. The songs and music videos are also of high quality, with a special mention for the song "Nee Singam Dhan", where STR is particularly remarkable.

However, the film also has some weaknesses, particularly at the beginning with some dull scenes and some special effects that could be improved.

In conclusion, "Pathu Thala" is a film that deserves to be watched in theaters, with an impressive performance by STR and excellent music. I give this film a rating of 8.5/10.

A bit of prolonged narrative, yet the screenplay assembles every string right into one place and delivers satisfiable amount of exciting & entertaining sequences throughout the runtime, and the entire setup for the main plot is wonderfully done..

STR's character establishment and buildups by other actors throughout the first half stimulates the thrilling factor for audience!! His on-screen presence is magnetic, and his performance elevates the overall film. The storyline, combined with the captivating visuals, keeps the audience hooked from start to finish.

This film exceeded expectations at so many levels (except for the last 2 mins of how the story ends)- story, plot twists, music (just got goosebumps with the bgm, it was so good), cinematography, casting and each of the actors trying to deliver their best performance.

Definitely one of the best political crime dramas we've ever witnessed!!

A bit of prolonged narrative, yet the screenplay assembles every string right into one place and delivers satisfiable amount of exciting & entertaining sequences throughout the runtime, And the entire setup for the main plot is wonderfully done... STR's character establishment and buildups by other actors throughout the first half stimulates the thrilling factor for audience!!

Furthermore, after the enthralling interval block the movie paces up in the second half and proceeds towards the main plot with uplifting conflict point!!

Simbu's Brother-Sister bond worked big time emotionally!!

And character progression among other lead roles is quite fascinating... Every production member that has involved gave their A-level contribution to the climax portion set!!

"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.

The role performed by STR is something that some elder actor must've done since it has such significance and requires someone at a superstar level to do this role but when STR does it, it just brings down the movie and doesn't add anything to the film at all. STR could be saved only if he comes down from the thinking that he's one of the biggest actors, IMO he's not even among the third-tier list of actors, his movies are talked about just because of his gossip, they run not for content but just for the gossip.

The Gautham Karthik role was an apt one and the overall plot though resembles the Pokiri movie, still works with decent characterisation and the evolution of the scenes as the film runs with a nice screenplay, this film probably would've given a break to the actors but I feel the spotlight was stolen by STR and not given to this actor, probably if the STR role would've been performed by someone like Rajkiran, then would've become a good one, yet it is still a one-time watchable one for sure.