Settai (Film) Review for Blog Post
Movie Title: Settai
Director: Kannan
Cast:
- Arya as Karthik
- Santhanam as Nallasivam
- Anjali as Anjali
- Hansika Motwani as Priya
- Sathyaraj as Karthik's father
- Rajendran as a supporting character
- Thambi Ramaiah in a supporting role
- Nizhalgal Ravi in a supporting role
- Jagan as the antagonist's sidekick
Release Date: 2013
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Music: S. Thaman
Cinematography: P. G. Muthiah
Editing: V. T. Vijayan
Produced by: A. S. L. Arjun
Introduction:
Settai (2013) is a Tamil-language comedy-drama film directed by Kannan, starring Arya, Santhanam, Hansika Motwani, and Anjali in the lead roles. It is an official remake of the Hindi film Delhi Belly (2011), which was known for its irreverent humor, edgy content, and bold storytelling. Settai attempts to capture that same rebellious spirit and infuse it with the cultural nuances of Tamil cinema, while adding its own local flavor with colorful characters and relatable themes.
Though Settai maintains the original premise, it incorporates the typical elements of Tamil commercial cinema, including romance, family drama, and, of course, a generous dose of comedy. The movie is driven by the dynamic between the three lead characters, Karthik, Nallasivam, and Priya, as they get entangled in a series of chaotic events involving a misplaced package and a group of criminals
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Plot Summary:
The story revolves around Karthik (Arya), an aspiring photographer, and his two roommates, Nallasivam (Santhanam) and Priya (Hansika Motwani), who lead a carefree life in Chennai. Their lives take an unexpected turn when Karthik unknowingly receives a package containing incriminating material related to a powerful criminal gang. As they try to navigate through the mess they've created, the trio becomes entangled in a series of hilarious and risky situations.
The plot follows their attempts to dispose of the package and get out of trouble, all while dealing with romantic entanglements, family expectations, and the comical chaos they create in the process. Karthik’s father (Sathyaraj) plays an important role in grounding his character, adding a family-oriented subplot to the movie.
Despite the action-packed and comedic elements, Settai touches upon themes of friendship, loyalty, and love, making it a film that blends humor with heart.
Themes and Analysis:
Comedy and Chaos:
The film is primarily a comedy, using the backdrop of chaos to highlight the absurdity of the characters' actions. The mistaken identity, quirky situations, and unpredictable events form the essence of Settai. The film plays with the fine line between farce and real-world problems, keeping the tone light-hearted yet engaging.Friendship and Loyalty:
At its core, Settai is about the friendship and camaraderie between Karthik, Nallasivam, and Priya. The trio’s chemistry forms the emotional backbone of the movie, showcasing the importance of standing by your friends during tough times. Their unwavering loyalty to each other in the face of danger and confusion adds a layer of sentiment to the story.Romantic Subplots:
While the movie has its focus on comedy, it doesn’t shy away from romance. Karthik’s evolving relationship with Priya, as well as Nallasivam's flirtations and romantic misadventures, bring warmth to the narrative. The romance acts as a light-hearted distraction from the more chaotic elements of the plot.Life in the Big City:
The film also delves into the realities of life in a bustling metropolis like Chennai, with its chaotic traffic, quirky characters, and unpredictable nature. The city itself becomes a character in the story, influencing the characters' fates and the decisions they make.
Acting:
Arya:
As Karthik, Arya brings his characteristic charm and energy to the screen. His performance adds depth to the character, making Karthik’s journey from a carefree young man to someone who has to face serious challenges both entertaining and relatable.Santhanam:
Santhanam is undoubtedly the scene-stealer in Settai. His impeccable timing and witty one-liners provide a constant source of comedy throughout the film. As Nallasivam, he plays the quintessential funny sidekick, but with enough emotional weight to make his character resonate with the audience.Hansika Motwani:
Hansika plays the love interest, Priya, and while her role isn’t as substantial in terms of the plot, she brings a light-hearted and playful presence to the movie. Her chemistry with Arya helps build the romantic angle of the film.Sathyaraj:
As Karthik’s father, Sathyaraj plays the stern yet caring father figure. His role adds a sense of stability to the otherwise chaotic narrative, helping ground the story with familial values and wisdom.Supporting Cast (Rajendran, Thambi Ramaiah, etc.):
The supporting cast, including Rajendran, Thambi Ramaiah, and others, contribute well to the film’s comic moments and help build the quirky and chaotic atmosphere.
Direction and Cinematography:
Kannan’s direction is fast-paced and filled with energy. He does a good job of adapting the original story to the Tamil context, keeping the essence of the film intact while making it relatable to the local audience. The narrative follows a formulaic structure, but the humor and energy of the film keep it fresh.
The cinematography by P. G. Muthiah is vibrant and dynamic, capturing the bustling cityscape of Chennai while focusing on the key events in the characters' lives. The action scenes and chaotic sequences are shot with enough flair to maintain the film's lively tone.
Music:
S. Thaman’s music is energetic and complements the comedic and action-packed sequences. The soundtrack includes a mix of peppy numbers and romantic tunes, with the song “Azhaganaa” being particularly popular. The music matches the tone of the film and enhances its commercial appeal.
Final Thoughts:
Settai is a fun, fast-paced comedy that doesn’t take itself too seriously. While the plot might not be groundbreaking, the film offers plenty of laughter, entertaining performances, and an engaging cast. Santhanam’s comedic timing, combined with Arya’s charming performance and the lively direction, makes this movie an enjoyable watch for fans of Tamil commercial cinema.
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