Prashant's powerhouse performance

Pearl

It has been a rough patch for Prashant who hasn't seen BO success in recent times.

Perhaps Thamizh will be his redemption, thanks to director Hari who makes his debut here. In the film, Prashant plays Thamizh, a mild, easygoing person who detests trouble.

Prashant lives with his loving mother (played by Manorama), affectionate sister-in-law (Urvashi), niece and nephew. His brother (Livingstone) works in Kuwait, and the film opens with him returning to India. When big brother comes home, Prashant is away and the family is uncomfortable about disclosing his whereabouts.

A series of unfortunate incidences force Prashant, the pacifist, to turn to violence. And he is caught in the line of fire of the leaders of two rival gang leaders (played by Nasser and Ashish Vidyarthi). Vidyarthi is gunning for Prashant's blood. So Prashant joins Nasser to take on their mutual enemy.

Prashant sheds his squeaky clean, boyish image for the role. With his lean, gaunt look, the newly acquired beard and the cigarette, his performance as baddie is more convincing than his early Appu. As an actor, he has indeed mellowed and matured.

Simran is a treat, especially when she gets into her element in the dance numbers which have been captured exceptionally by cinematographer Priyan. Also Prashant's pairing with actress Simran is successful.

Director Hari, who began an assistant to director Sharan (whom he roped in as the film's overall supervisor), does a commendable job. This seems to be Bharadwaj's season and he deserves special mention.

However, some of the comedy is rather insipid. Vadivelu is cast more as the friend here, who repents when he has to betray Prashant, rather than as the comedian that he is.

Among the Tamil New Year releases this month, Thamizh with its storyline and family drama comes out on top. Prashant is the surprise package of the film.