An emerging problem with Tamil cinema of late is that moviemakers seem aware of the formulaic rut it is getting into; at some level they want to break out of it; but don't dare to go the whole hog.

The result of this dilemma is films like Thirumagan which, like most Tamil movies (with the exception of Ameer's recent Paruthiveeran) is placed in a rural setting, replete with all the stereotypes you would normally expect -- village elders, aggressive youth and demure belles.

Director Ratnakumar has made so many twists to the formula, and added so many dimensions to the characters, that the movie ultimately comes across as a hotchpotch, but with bursts of freshness here and there.

Thangapaandi (SJ Suryah with his makeover) is the son of Mannachaami, who is financially mediocre but well respected and loved in the Tirunelveli village.

Thangapaandi is immature and spends his time gallivanting about the village and dancing at temple functions, while failing his plus two examinations with regularity every year.

His niece Raasathi (Preethi Varma) is in love with him, as their parents have informally promised them to each other from childhood itself. However, Thangapaandi pursues his own agenda and falls for loud-mouthed orphan girl Ayyakka (Meera Jasmine), who makes and sells pots for a living.

Thangapaandi, despite his lack of a regular job or prospects, appears to be the most sought after bachelor in the village. In the midst of this love 'square' (which even becomes a love 'pentagon' briefly!), the elders add their own two cents of interference, causing more chaos. How Thangapaandi and his ladies deal with this is the fodder for the rest of the film.

Make no mistake about it, this movie has no aspirations towards the A centers, but is a decent timepass B/C flick. The jokes are full of sexual innuendo, and the entire movie is rife with gross phallic allusions (no surprise considering SJ Suryah's history of using crass humour) but on the whole, the comedy does manage to provoke a few laughs.

The musical score by Deva (who has worked with Suryah before in Vali and Kushi) is boring and cacophonic. The opening sequence has been filmed beautifully, but the level of cinematography peters down as the movie progresses.

The opening sequence has been filmed beautifully, but the level of cinematography peters as the movie progresses.

What is interesting is the costume design in the movie, which is vibrant and shows attention to detail (however, the tattoo designs on the arms of the women are hardly village-like, and look like they have originated from Goa, not Tirunelveli!).

All the actors have performed competently, especially Meera Jasmine as the firebrand Ayyakka. SJ Suryah as Thangapaandi grows from pouting man-child to aggressive angry young man, without portraying the transition as smoothly as he could have.

Speaking of blending, herein lies the problem with the direction: Ratnakumar has bitten off more than he can chew with his ensemble cast, as the story is filled with so many intricacies that the viewer is left gasping for breath.

The movie is sensitive and creative in places, but gets lost in the whole tangled web. After a point, one gives up trying to follow the plot.

At the end of the day, Thirumagan ought to be commended for more twists in a plot than three Tamil films put together. You will either end up with a generous dose of brain fry, or admire the Herculean task accomplished by the director of handling so much in a little less than three action-packed hours.