I thought hard, and couldn't find a unforgivable flaw.. This film is thoroughly enjoyable. This film is strictly for the Bachelors, as usual with the Bachelor party films... Venkat Prabhu comedy lovers will also enjoy this, with many funny yet trendier scenes like in "Goa"/"Chennai 600028"
The film has enough twists and turns to keep one entertained, some surprise you well although you were expecting something alike to come about.. The flow feels organic and nothing feels stuffed or insulting.. The chemistry with the boys and the trouble with the local goon villains, all happen within the realms of reality. Seeing so much drama happen around us, having laughs often is a big boon. The characterisations are unique for the huge cast and deep enough to present an incredible kaleidoscope to entertain us. The story is deep enough for a comedy film and keeps us stay glued till the end.
The cricket scenes have heavy references to real life history.. Rockers 'Rajagopalan' is the Kapil Dev of the final match. Much like in history, he bowls incredibly tight and runs in the deep for very long to pull-off an unbelievable catch which turns the course of the match. Apart from the motivational speech which has the shades of this '83 World Cup final (defending a low total), the effort the actors have put in towards the game is admirable. We have seen actors and celebrities play the worst kind of cricket in old "Sun TV" games. Yet, you see all classic IPL style batting strokes and physical effort in great fielding (gully bowling too). Some Goa style dialogues are also pleasant ("Athu athu than. Ithu thu than" vs "Athu vera ithu vera").
As the "boys" from "Chennai 60028" have graduated to another level of life now, we have a 'mature' script.. Especially, if you have faced personal/social-media troubles after drinking with friends, you will love this for the catharsis and good times. We have other 'mature' elements in this film, especially with the 'Soppani sundari' plot-line. With India coming out of the Victorian-era prudery, we totally can admire such efforts. Since the 60s, mature themes have been present under-cover in Tamil films, so I do not understand why some might object now.. (Except ultra-orthodox, delusional people who misunderstand Indian culture to be as conservative as now).
The highlight of the film is Shiva's side-business of YouTube reviews (doubles as a side-track of comedy here). Bringing an online YouTuber to be in a few scenes was quite cool and we have a nice dig at him too (Small uncles vs Big uncle). The small boys playing cricket are grating enough to act as small villains and the "Theni family" also act as a medium-grade villan gang. While maintaining a taught screenplay, the director is creative enough to insert a few sodakku-balls into the game/film too. The Aravind's uncle character in the village is very entertaining, setting a great party mood although he comes in a few and impactful scenes. The surprises involving the cops and minister are extremely amusing. The tournament might have been dropped, yet "Chennai Sharks" have truly won the series!! Hope we have a "part 3" where the team visits Europe for an away series next! (Eurotrip?!) Having a "Hangover" x "Chennai 28" crossover would truly be epic!!!
