Engal Aasan (2009) - Tamil Movie Review
Director: R.K. Kalaimani
Producer: Thangaraj
Music: Sabesh–Murali
Cast:
- Vijayakanth as Mahendran
- Vikranth as Vasu
- Sheryl Brindo as the female lead
- Akshaya in a supporting role
- Suja Varunee in a special role
- Ramki as Marthandan
- Manivannan, Livingston, Ilavarasu, Sriman, Mayilsamy, M.S. Bhaskar, and others in supporting roles
Genre: Action Drama
Plot Summary
Engal Aasan tells the story of Mahendran (Vijayakanth), a righteous bank officer who is transferred to the village of Nilakottai. He is tasked with handling a challenging case of bank fraud orchestrated by a powerful local businessman, Ramki (played by Ramki). Ramki has exploited unsuspecting villagers by taking loans in their names without their knowledge.
As Mahendran uncovers the fraudulent activities, he and his colleagues face retaliation, including the destruction of their bank branch. This leads to their dismissal, tarnishing their reputations. The movie follows Mahendran's fight to expose the corruption, clear their names, and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Review
Storyline and Execution
The movie starts with an intriguing premise of bank fraud and corruption in a rural setting, but the execution falters. The screenplay struggles to maintain the intensity and depth needed for a gripping action drama. The narrative becomes predictable, with a mix of emotional family moments and lackluster action sequences.
Performances
Vijayakanth, in his usual style, delivers a strong performance as the protagonist, portraying a committed and honest officer. His screen presence is commendable, but the predictable storyline doesn't give him much scope to shine. Vikranth and Sheryl Brindo provide adequate support, while Ramki’s portrayal of the antagonist lacks the menace required to elevate the conflict. The supporting cast, including Manivannan and Livingston, add moments of humor and drama, but their roles feel underdeveloped.
Direction
R.K. Kalaimani’s direction feels dated, with a narrative style that doesn’t offer anything fresh or innovative. The pacing is uneven, with certain scenes dragging unnecessarily, while others are rushed. The lack of a tight script and engaging storytelling reduces the impact of the film.
Music and Technical Aspects
The music by Sabesh–Murali is functional but not memorable. The songs feel like fillers and don’t add much to the narrative. The cinematography captures the rural setting effectively, but the overall technical aspects, including editing and background score, lack polish.
Critical Reception
Engal Aasan received mixed-to-negative reviews upon release. Critics pointed out the weak screenplay and lack of originality in the story. While Vijayakanth’s performance was appreciated, the movie was criticized for its outdated presentation and lack of engaging moments. Audiences found the film to be a mediocre attempt that failed to capitalize on its potential.
Final Verdict
Engal Aasan is a movie that attempts to shed light on corruption and fraud in rural banking but fails to deliver a compelling narrative. The predictable story, lack of engaging twists, and outdated direction make it an average watch. Fans of Vijayakanth might appreciate his performance, but for others, the movie falls short of expectations.
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