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Actress Rakul Preet Singh, who was recently seen in the Nikhil Mahajan-directorial ‘I Love You’, has spoken about her upcoming sci-fi film ‘Ayalaan’, which she went on to call a ‘once in a lifetime experience’.

‘Ayalaan’, which is directed by Tamil filmmaker R Ravi Kumar is a sci-fi-extraterrestrial-comedy film which employs a great deal of VFX and high-quality CGI. While using CGI in Indian films is nothing new, having a movie with more than 4,500 CGI shots is a new one.

Talking about the film, the actress said: “Oh, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Because there is an extraterrestrial in the picture, and you know there isn’t one when you’re shooting, but you’re assuming there is. You must shoot it in such a way that people believe the film has an actual alien.”

“You’re reacting to a prop, you’re reacting to nothing, and you have to do it convincingly.

Actress Rakul Preet Singh, who was recently seen in the Nikhil Mahajan-directorial ‘I Love You’, has spoken about her upcoming sci-fi film ‘Ayalaan’, which she went on to call a ‘once in a lifetime experience’.

‘Ayalaan’, which is directed by Tamil filmmaker R Ravi Kumar is a sci-fi-extraterrestrial-comedy film which employs a great deal of VFX and high-quality CGI. While using CGI in Indian films is nothing new, having a movie with more than 4,500 CGI shots is a new one.

Talking about the film, the actress said: “Oh, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Because there is an extraterrestrial in the picture, and you know there isn’t one when you’re shooting, but you’re assuming there is. You must shoot it in such a way that people believe the film has an actual alien.”

“You’re reacting to a prop, you’re reacting to nothing, and you have to do it convincingly.

Criminal is an upcoming Tamil action thriller film directed by Dhakshina Moorthy Ramar and produced by P.R.Meenakshi Sundaram & Ib. Karthikeyan. The film stars Gautham Karthik and Sarathkumar in the lead roles, along with Priya Anand, Karunakaran, Bala Saravanan, and Aadukalam Naren in supporting roles. The music for the film is composed by Sam Cs, while the cinematography is handled by Prasanna Kumar and the editing by Manikanda Balaji.

The film was announced in February 2020 and the shooting began in March 2020. However, the filming was halted due to the Covid-19 pandemic and resumed in December 2020. The film is expected to release in 2023.

Criminal First Look

The makers of the film have recently unveiled a new poster featuring Gautham Karthik and Sarathkumar in a stylish and intense look. The poster also reveals that the teaser and audio of the film will be released soon. The poster has created a lot of buzz...

KollywoodHelmed by Anudeep Kv, the Tamil-Telugu bilingual stars Ukrainian actor Maria Ryaboshapka in a significant role. Tnm StaffTwitter/ Sivakarthikeyan The title and first look poster of actor Sivakarthikeyan’s upcoming film, tentatively titled SK20, was unveiled on June 9. Extensively filmed in Puducherry and London, the shoot of Sivakarthikeyan and director Anudeep Kv's Telugu-Tamil bilingual movie is in its final stages. Prince is the title locked for the movie and Sivakarthikeyan appears like a character who preaches peace in the poster, as he is seen wearing white shirt and white pants, along with a globe in his hand. The hands of others in the backdrop are painted with country maps. Sivakarthikeyan is also seen with a globe in his hands and a dove, which is the symbol of peace. As per reports, the film will be releasing on August 31, marking the occasion of Vinayaka Chaturthi. It will be released in both Tamil and Telugu.

KollywoodHelmed by debutant filmmaker Cibi Chakaravarthi, the film has music by composer Anirudh.Tnm StaffScreengrab/ YouTubeThe trailer of actor Sivakarthikeyan’s upcoming film Don was unveiled at the pre-release event which took place on May 6. Helmed by debutant Cibi Chakaravarthi, Don stars Priyanka Arul Mohan opposite Sivakarthikeyan. The trailer features Sivakarthikeyan as an intimidating student to his teachers in school and college. Priyanka appears as Sivakarthikeyan’s love interest. The trailer hints at an entertaining college drama. Debutante filmmaker Cibi Chakaravarthi has reportedly worked as an associate director with filmmaker Atlee. The star cast includes actors Soori, Samuthirakani, Vijay TV fame Sivangi, Munishkanth, Bala Saravanan, Kaali Venkat and Rj Vijay among others. Anirudh Ravichander is on board as the music composer for the project. Sivakarthikeyan and Anirudh are collaborating for the seventh time. The college drama is bankrolled by Lyca Productions, while it is co-produced by actor Sivakarthikeyan under his home banner Sk Productions.

KollywoodBilled as a college drama, ‘Don’ also stars actor Sj Suryah in a significant role.Tnm StaffSivakarthikeyan/ TwitterActor Sivakarthikeyan, who is gearing up for the release of his upcoming film Don, announced on Wednesday, March 2 that the film is set to release in theatres on May 13. Sivakarthikeyan also revealed that he enjoyed working with his co-star Sj Suriya for the film. Announcing the news, Sivakarthikeyan tweeted, “Thoroughly enjoyed working with @iam_SJSuryah sir and his energy was infectious. See you in theatres. #DONfromMay13.” Helmed by debutant Cibi Chakaravarthi, who has reportedly worked as an associate director with filmmaker Atlee, Don stars Priyanka Arul Mohan opposite Sivakarthikeyan. The cast of Don includes actors Soori, Samuthirakani, Vijay TV fame Sivangi, Munishkanth, Bala Saravanan, Kaali Venkat and Rj Vijay among others. The film has music by composer Anirudh, who is teaming up with Sivakarthikeyan for the seventh time. Touted to be a college drama,...

Review‘Vilangu’ makes for a gripping watch because it downplays its surprises intelligently, and doesn’t fall back on flashy, unrealistic reveals that revolve around a hero cop.Sowmya RajendranFacebook/Zee5 TamilAfter Zee5’s middling Tamil web series Auto Shankar, the Over-the-Top (Ott) platform has come up with another crime thriller, Vilangu, directed by Prasanth Pandiyaraj. Crime thrillers, in general, tend to be set in urban areas in mainstream cinema. However, Ott platforms have increasingly been turning to small-town mysteries, probably because they offer a departure from the routine fare and also stand a chance to attract new audiences from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Vilangu, which takes us through the twists and turns in a murder case, revolves around the Vembur police station, with Si Paruthi (Vemal) leading the investigation. The seven-episode series begins with a policeman noticing a flashlight in the jungle. But though he doesn’t find anyone,...

Kollywood Helmed by debutant Cibi Chakaravarthi, ‘Don’ stars Priyanka Arul Mohan opposite Sivakarthikeyan. Tnm StaffTwitter/ Sivakarthikeyan Actor Sivakarthikeyan’s upcoming film Don, which is billed as an entertainer, is set to hit the big screens on March 25 this year. Starring actor Priyanka Arul Mohan opposite Sivakarthikeyan Don is helmed by debutant Cibi Chakaravarthi, who has reportedly worked as an associate director with filmmaker Atlee. Sharing the announcement with fans, Sivakarthikeyan shared a video where he is seen dancing. The cast of Don includes actors Soori, Samuthirakani, Vijay TV fame Sivangi, Munishkanth, Bala Saravanan, Kaali Venkat and Rj Vijay among others. The film has music by composer Anirudh, who is teaming up with Sivakarthikeyan for the seventh time. Touted to be a college drama, Don is backed by Lyca Productions. The film is co-produced by Sivakarthikeyan's home banner Sk Productions. The film has cinematography by Km Bhaskaran and editing by Nagooran.

KollywoodThe movie also stars actors Varalaxmi Sarathkumar and Raiza Wilson in pivotal roles. Tnm StaffThe title and first look poster of actor Prabhu Deva’s next film with director Santhosh P Jayakumar, were released on Wednesday. The movie has been titled Poikkal Kuthirai. The first look features a wounded Prabhu Deva, who is covered in blood and is seen with an artificial limb. He is seen carrying a child on one hand and a large spanner in the other. Sharing the poster, Prabhu Deva wrote: “Here’s the First Look of #PoikkalKuthirai, a gripping story of grit!” The film also stars actors Varalaxmi Sarathkumar and Raiza Wilson in pivotal roles. The cast includes actors Prakash Raj, Samuthirakani and John Kokken. The project is bankrolled under the banners of Darkroom Pictures and Mini Studio. Poikkal Kuthirai has music by Imman. According to reports, the team is likely to wrap up shooting...

KollywoodDirected by Suseenthiran and starring Nidhhi Agerwal and Nanditha Shwetha as the female leads, ‘Eeswaran’ hit the big screen on January 14 this year.Tnm StaffActor Silambarasan’s fans who are eagerly waiting for the release of his upcoming political thriller Maanaadu have a new reason to rejoice. The makers of his latest film, Eeswaran, recently announced that the movie will be streaming on Over-the-top platform Disney + Hotstar from June 12. “Eeswaran has arrived. Check out Silmbarasan’s game that is a hit everywhere,” the Tamil translation of Hotstar’s tweet read. Along with the tweet, Hotstar also posted a motion poster where Simbu is spotted with a king cobra wrapped around his neck. Eeswaran, directed by Suseenthiran and bankrolled by Balaji Kapa under the production banner Madhav Media, hit the big screens on January 14 this year. The rural drama stars Nidhhi Agerwal and Nanditha Shwetha as the female leads. Popular music composer Thaman,...

KollywoodActors Priyanka Arul Mohan and Soori will be part of this upcoming film.Digital NativeActor Sivakarthikeyan recently announced his new project, which will be bankrolled by Subaskaran of Lyca Productions and co-produced by Sivakarthikeyan's home banner Sk Productions. The film has been titled Don, and it will mark the directorial debut of Cibi Chakaravarthi, a former associate of Atlee. The film has been officially launched on Thursday in Coimbatore in a pooja ceremony. According to sources, the team would be shooting for the first schedule at a college in Coimbatore for forty days. Tipped to be a campus-based romantic drama, Sivakarthikeyan recently took to Twitter to announce that actors Priyanka Arul Mohan and Soori will be part of his upcoming film. Priyanka plays the female lead and it will be her second successive project with Sivakarthikeyan after Doctor. The makers have also roped in Munishkanth, Samuthirakani, Sj Suryah, Bala Saravanan,...

EntertainmentShe will act opposite Joju George in the film, directed by Zanfeer K.Digital NativeRemya Nambeesan is upbeat about her role in the upcoming film Peace. According to the actor, she plays a cold-hearted delivery person in it. In an interview to the Times of India, Remya said, “I haven’t done a lot of such roles and it’s after a long time, probably after Left Right Left in 2013, that I am playing a character with dark shades again. I don’t have many combinations with the other cast members of the movie, and my scenes were shot in the last schedule of the film, which has a rooted-to-reality story and a vibrant script.” Sharing screen space with Remya in Peace is Joju George. Incidentally, the two had worked together in Virus which went on to become a big hit. Peace, directed by Zanfeer K, features Asha Sharath, Aditi Ravi,...

KOLLYWOODThe duo has teamed up twice so far, for ‘Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya’ and ‘Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada’.Digital NativeDigital NativeGautham Vasudev Menon and Silambarasan, who have teamed up before for hits like Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya and Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada, are all set to join hands for the third time, for a project that will be bankrolled by Vels Film International. The production house posted a picture of producer Ishari K Ganesh with Silabarasan and his mother Usha Rajendar to announce the project. The tweet also mentioned that the filming will commence soon. It read, "On this auspicious Day, #VelsFilmInternational Elated to announce a collaboration with dear. @SilambarasanTR_ & director @menongautham for a film beginning very soon from a really brilliant script. More exciting details will follow. #PositiveVibes #SilambarasanTR47 @IshariKGanesh" On this auspicious Day, #VelsFilmInternational Elated to announce a collaboration with dear @SilambarasanTR_ & director @menongautham for a film beginning very soon from a really brilliant script.

Kollywood'Eeswaran' stars Silambarasan in the lead, with Nidhi Agarwal and Nanditha Shwetha.Digital NativeDigital NativeActor Silambarasan's Eeswaran, that hit the screens on Wednesday, ran into trouble with theatre owners in Tamil Nadu recently. The owners on Tuesday refused to release the film, as the makers announced that they would release Eeswaran on an Ott platform for viewing in foreign countries before it hit theatres here. However, later, the makers announced that they are holding back the Ott release. Later in a media interaction, actor-producer and Silambarasan's father T Rajendar claimed that a few filmmakers were trying to stop the release of Eeswaran because he was the opponent to the winning party in the recently held elections for the Tamil Film Producers Council. He also said some were even trying to disrupt the release of the film due to a dispute regarding the losses sustained by Silambarasan's other film Aaa. He...

Kollywood Samyuktha will also be seen in the Vijay Sethupathi film 'Tuglaq Durbar'.Digital NativeGautham Karthik will soon be teaming up with director Badri Venkatesh for a film. Reports are that it is an action entertainer for which the director has roped in Sri Divya to play the female lead. According to the latest reports, Samyuktha Karthik of the Bigg Boss season 4 Tamil fame has been signed up to play an important role in this flick. Samyuktha, after making a mark in the Bigg Boss show, has been bagging some good roles. She has also inked the deal to star in the Vijay Sethupathi starrer Tuglaq Darbar. Speaking about his film, which has not been titled yet, Badri Venkatesh has said in an interview that the film’s story is set in north Madras and Gautham Karthik plays a boy living in Triplicane while Sri Divya plays a physiotherapist operating her clinic in north Madras.

Kollywood The trailer ends with Simbu’s punch dialogue: ‘If you’re an asuran who has come to destroy, I’m a god who has come to protect.’ Tnm StaffThe trailer of the Simbu starrer Eeswaran released on Friday. The film is hitting the screens along with Vijay and Vijay Sethupathi’s Master for Pongal. Suitably, the trailer begins with a reference to the harvest festival and jallikattu. There are plenty of action scenes, with Simbu playing a young man who defends his family. The clip ends with Simbu’s punch dialogue: “If you’re an asuran who has come to destroy, I’m a god [Eeswaran] who has come to protect.” Directed by Susienthiran, Eeswaran also stars Nidhi Agarwal and Nanditha Shwetha. During the audio launch of the film, Susienthiran put Nidhi in an uncomfortable position, insisting that she says ‘Simbu mama, I love you’ onstage. Nidhi was clearly resisting...

KollywoodSimbu’s 'Easwaran' is all set to release on January 14.Digital NativeActor Silambarasan, whose Easwaran is set to hit the screens on January 14 for Pongal, has requested his fans to watch Vijay’s Master, which will release on the previous day. In a statement, he urged fans to watch Master and Easwaran in theatres, thereby bringing the audience back to cinema theatres that had remained close for a good part of 2020. "My film Easwaran is slated to hit the screens for the Pongal festival. Easwaran was wrapped up at breakneck speed. With Master and Easwaran hitting the screens for Pongal Festival it will reopen the doors and prosperity in Tamil Film Industry,” he wrote. Adding that Vijay had completed shooting for Master a year ago and was patient enough to ensure that the film gets a theatrical release, Silambarasan said “He would have easily opted in for an Ott release...

KollywoodThe film's audio is releasing on January 2, 2021.Digital NativeWith Thalapathy Vijay's Master set to release on January 13, Silambarasan starrer Eeswaran may also be a Pongal release. The film's audio is releasing on January 2 and rumours that the film may hit the screens on January 14 has got the fans elated. Directed by Suseendiran, the first look poster of Eeswaran grabbed the attention of the movie buffs. Simbu's fans raved over his new look in this film. Known for making projects at breakneck speed, Suseenthiran is said to have completed the film in record time. Starring Nidhi Agarwal and Nanditha Shwetha, Eeswaran has music by S Thaman. Veteran director Bharathiraja and Bala Saravanan have been roped in for pivotal roles in the film as well. The film is produced by KVDurai's D Company in association with Mdm Sharfudden. It may be noted that the first-look poster release got into controversy when an...

KollywoodA new photo of Simbu with Nidhhi Agerwal was released and it revealed the leading lady’s first look from the film.Digital NativeStills from director Suseenthiran’s upcoming film Eeswaran starring Silambarasan aka Simbu was released and has gone viral. A new photo of Simbu with Nidhhi Agerwal was released and it revealed the leading lady’s first look from the film. Simbu recently finished his work for Suseenthiran directorial Eeswaran, and the actor's pace has surprised many. While the teaser of the film is set to be released for Deepavali, the film is slated to be released for Pongal 2021. Simbu took to his Twitter page and announced that the shooting process of the film was wrapped up and that the film’s teaser will be released on soon. Simbu also thanked the cast and crew of the film who helped with the shooting process. Known for making projects at breakneck speed,...

KollywoodThe actor just wrapped up 'Eeswaran' and is all set to join the sets of 'Maanaadu'.Digital NativeThere’s finally some good news on Venkat Prabhu’s Maanaadu, which has resumed its third schedule on Monday in Pondicherry. Simbu took to Twitter to announce that he’s joining the sets in Pondicherry and that he plays a character called Abdul Khaaliq. After being announced nearly two years ago, the film went on the floors earlier this year in February. Maanaadu, a political thriller, marks the first-time collaboration of actor Simbu and filmmaker Venkat Prabhu. The project, after being announced with much fanfare in 2018, was shelved a few months ago after fallout between Simbu and producer Suresh Kamatchi. The project was supposed to go on the floors last July after being deferred multiple times. When Simbu couldn’t take out time as promised, Suresh had to go ahead and drop the...

KollywoodCaarthick Raju who is making 'Soorpanagai' with Regina Cassandra is directing this film. Digital NativeDirector Caarthick Raju of Thirudan Police fame's next Tamil-Telugu bilingual Soorpanagai which went on floors earlier this year with Regina Cassandra is nearing completion. With the director waiting for the release of his film, he has completed shooting for his next, an emotional thriller with Raiza Wilson and Harish Uthaman in the lead. This film has been shot during the lockdown period. In an interview to Times of India, the director was quoted saying, "Velraj sir (cinematographer), Dhilip Subbarayan (action choreographer), Sam Cs (music composer), Sabu Joseph (editor) and I were getting bored at home. We sought permission to shoot with a limited crew and got the required go-ahead. Rajsekhar Varma, who backed my Soorpanagai, is producing this one as well.” The director also added that the film was shot in a span of 28 days at Sirumalai in Dindigul.

KollywoodSeenu Ramasamy congratulated Sivakarthikeyan on his growth in the film industry over the years.Digital NativeAward winning filmmaker Seenu Ramasamy has lauded actor Sivakarthikeyan for his inspiring growth in the film industry. Taking to Twitter, Seenu Ramasamy wrote, “Started as a small screener to Silver screen star @Siva_Kartikeyan you also inspiring entertaining mostly giving opportunity for new comers and friends in your own ground like @msdhoni. From bottom you both blossomed.” The director put out this message after Sivakarthikeyan posted a farewell message to the Indian Cricket team captain Ms Dhoni on his retirement. Siva Karthikeyan’s tweet on Ms Dhoni’s retirement had read: “Big thanks to you for inspiring and entertaining us to the max.. you are always an amazing Leader dear @msdhoni ..I’m sure u wil hv different strategies to amaze us.. waiting for ur next helicopter shot.” Started as a small screener to Silver...

Entertainment‘Oh! Baby’, ‘Kanaa’ and ‘Nerkonda Paarvai’ are some of the other popular films that will be telecast on Tamil TV channels.Tnm StaffLike all quiet and modest festival celebrations that were observed these past few weeks, Tamil New Year and Vishu festivals, which fall on Tuesday, too will begin on a low key in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. However, one can celebrate the dawn of a new year with family at home and if you’ve got the time, here’s a list of new films you can tune into on television channels on April 14. Sun TV Kaappaan – 12.30 pm This Suriya, Mohanlal and Arya starrer was directed by Kv Anand. The thriller received poor response upon release. Dagaalty – 3.30 pm Starring Santhanam in the lead, Dagaalty was rated poorly by critics. The film also stars Rittika Sen and Yogi Babu and was released in January this year. Darbar – 6.30 pm This...

Entertainment‘Oh! Baby’, ‘Kanaa’ and ‘Nerkonda Paarvai’ are some of the other popular films that will be telecast on Tamil TV channels.Tnm StaffLike all quiet and modest festival celebrations that were observed these past few weeks, Tamil New Year and Vishu festivals, which fall on Tuesday, too will begin on a low key in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. However, one can celebrate the dawn of a new year with family at home and if you’ve got the time, here’s a list of new films you can tune into on television channels on April 14. Sun TV Kaappaan – 12.30 pm This Suriya, Mohanlal and Arya starrer was directed by Kv Anand. The thriller received poor response upon release. Dagaalty – 3.30 pm Starring Santhanam in the lead, Dagaalty was rated poorly by critics. The film also stars Rittika Sen and Yogi Babu and was released in January this year. Darbar – 6.30 pm This...

MollywoodThe shooting will begin in north Chennai and proceed to different parts of the country, we hear. Digital NativeDigital Native Badri Venkatesh will soon be wielding the megaphone for an untitled film that will have Rio Raj and Remya Nambeesan playing the lead pair. He is known for directing Baana Kaathadi and Semma Botha Aagathey, and Rio Raj had starred in Nenjamundu Nermaiyundu Odu Raja, which was produced by actor Siva Karthikeyan’s home banner. The director, before directing feature films, had directed the short film Vidiyalai Nokki, which won the National Film Award for Best Short Fiction Film and this was the first Tamil Short Fiction Film to win this accolade. On choosing Remya Nambeesan to play the female lead in his film, director Badri had told in an interview to the cinemaexpress, “I wanted a mature actor who can carry out a strong character who appears throughout the film.

KollywoodThe shooting of this action drama was completed a few days ago and it is currently in the post-production mode.Digital NativeKalathil Santhipom is an upcoming multi starrer that has Jiiva and Arulnithi playing the lead roles. Roped in to play the female leads in this film are Priya Bhavani Shankar and Manjima Mohan. Actor Radha Ravi will be seen in a pivotal role in this flick which also has Robo Shankar, Aadukalam Naren, Renuka and Bala Saravanan in the supporting roles. N Rajasekar is the director of this friendship-based film and Jiiva’s father and ace producer Rb Chaudhury is bankrolling it under his banner Super Good Films. Yuvan Shankar Raja is the music composer of Kalathil Santhipom with the rest of the technical crew comprising R Ashok for dialogues, Pa Vijay and Viveka for lyrics, Abinandhan Ramanujam for cinematography, Dinesh Ponraj for editing and M Murugan for art direction.

KollywoodDirector Sanjay Bharathi is son of veteran actor and director Santhana Bharathi.Digital NativeVeteran actor and director Santhana Bharathi’s son Sanjay Bharathi is all set to direct a film. Touted to be a film based on astrology, it will also have plenty of humour. Titled as Dhanusu Raasi Neyargale, the film will have Harish Kalyan playing the lead role. On the film, Sanjay said in an interview with the Deccan Chronicle, “The title is very relevant to the story. Harish plays an automobile guy who believes in astrology. He has certain goals in life and like how an arrow from the bow hits its target, he is very focused to achieve them. Apparently, he faces a few hitches and how he overcomes them forms the crux. Also, the zodiac sign for Dhanusu is bow and arrow. The movie is a hilarious family entertainer.” The film will have Ghibran scoring the music.

KollywoodThe film also stars Ma Ka Pa Anand and Bala Saravanan in important roles.Digital NativeDigital NativeBasking in the success of Pyaar Prema Kadhal, which has been received very well, actor Harish Kalyan is ready with his next film. The yet-untitled project will be directed by Ranjith Jeyakodi, who had previously directed the thriller Puriyatha Puthir with Vijay Sethupathi. According to a report by Times of India, Harish plays a biker as well as boxer in this film. The film has been extensively shot in Chennai and Ladakh, and it also stars Shilpa Manjunath as the leading lady. Talking to Times of India, Ranjith said: “My first film, Puriyatha Puthir, was a thriller. But this one is an out-and-out romantic project. However, I have not approached the film in a stereotypical manner. Doing away from his chocolate boy image, Harish plays a stubborn guy in this film. He is a boxer as well as biker.

KollywoodThe film's big plus is its ability to straddle comedy and suspense effectively.Sowmya RajendranMost times, the rowdy in Tamil cinema never registers as anything more than a screaming, aruval swinging character. He's a face in the crowd, someone we don't remember beyond the few minutes of screen time he gets. Occasionally though, we have films like Pudhupettai or Kadhalum Kadandhu Pogum which take the rowdy and give him an identity, a life. Caarthick Raju's Ulkuthu is an attempt in that direction. Attakathi Dinesh and Bala Saravanan who acted in the director's debut film Thirudan Police pair up once again in Ulkuthu. The first half hour of the film is impeded by slapstick humour with annoying background music cues for the jokes and an unnecessary romance track involving Nandita Swetha (is there any rule that one cannot release a film without a heroine?). However, the film piques our interest once the conflict is introduced. Dhilip Subbarayan as the egoistic son of a kandhuvetti local don named Kaka Mani (Sharath Lohitashwa) has plenty of screen presence and the stand-off between him and Dinesh, who plays Raja (one of his favourite songs incidentally is "Indha Raja kaiiya vacha") sets the stage for an interesting revenge thriller. Dinesh beautifully underplays his character and though it is surreal to see someone of his physical stature sending goons flying, the actor manages to make us root for him. There's a bit of mystery surrounding his true identity and you are led to believe that the flashback will reveal the secret of his superpowers. While it certainly gives him a motive, it offers no explanation for how he's able to handle hardened thugs with such ease. Ulkuthu has its moments. The high drama in some scenes, like the one when Raja is playing the innocent at a funeral, or the kabbadi game which is a strange mix of suspense and hilarity (thanks to Bala Saravanan), keeps you interested in the proceedings. This is actually the film's big plus – its ability to straddle comedy and violence and provide unexpected laughs. Bala Saravanan mumbles his lines, speaking in undertone most times, but he still manages to land the punches. "It's good that they beat you up in Visaranai," he tells Dinesh, in a fourth wall breaking line you'd expect in a star vehicle. Not all rowdies are the same and there's honour among rowdies, too, we learn through John Vijay's character. A nice touch to have a rowdy so enamoured by his wife (Chaya Singh who looks out of place as a flower seller) and with a healthy respect for women. However, Ulkuthu becomes tedious as it draws to a close. You lose count of the number of times people get slapped around and Kaka Mani's eyes threaten to pop out of his head. Raja delivers a "message" towards the end that looks forced and doesn't sit well with the rest of the film. Why do our filmmakers feel this deep urge to deliver a moral to the audience out of every tale, in Panchatantra fashion? Nevertheless, with convincing performances by the cast and an average plot, Ulkuthu is a decent effort. Moral: Watch it for Dinesh and Bala Saravanan. Disclaimer: This review was not paid for or commissioned by anyone associated with the film. Neither Tnm nor any of its reviewers have any sort of business relationship with the film's producers or any other members of its cast and crew.