Thursday Sep 27 2007, Chennai

Namnaadu: Sarath's political manifesto

Sarath Kumar’s latest movie – and his first after he launched a political party – has a strong political message.So much so that the movie actually sounds like a manifesto of the party.The movie, inspired by Malayalam flick ‘Lion’, tells you the success story of a son (Sarath) revolting against his politician father (Nasser).Nasser, Education Minister of the state, is an average politician.He is busy making money by misusing his position.

Being a strongman in the party, he is controlling the activities of CM (Vijayakumar).He even tries to oust Vijayakumar and become the CM of the state.Vijayakumar hits back by dissolving the assembly.The election follows.Sarath, who is the youth wing secretary of the party, contests against his father as an independent candidate and, what else, wins.

He rejoins the party and becomes Home Minister.The Home Minister changes the entire state and, in the process, changes his father as well.Meanwhile he falls for a girl (Karthiga), who is the daughter of a pure (?) politician.The new CM (Manivannan), a cunning politician, unable to cannot tolerate Sarath’s growth, makes the life miserable for him.The rest of the movie shows how Sarath survives and emerges triumph at the end.

Director Suresh has succeeded in bringing out a political entertainer that suits Sarath’s needs.He gives ample scope to Sarath to propagate his political ideas.The director has got all the ingredients like casting, dialogues, music and cinematography right.The movie, however fails to evoke much interest, as the script, which is predictable, lacks the firepower.His loyalty to the victory formula prevents him from thinking afresh.

Sarath, as a vibrant young leader has done his part without any flaw.He has handled action, sentiment, romance, and comedy well.Karthiga as a modest girl impresses.Nasser is an asset for the film.Vijayakumar and Manivannan are competent.

Comedian Ramesh Kanna’s dialogues fit well in the narrative.Suresh Devan’s cinematography and Srikanth Deva’s music have complemented the movie well.Verdict: ‘Namnadu’ lacks firepower.