Monday Aug 04 2008, Chennai

‘Kuselan', a neat entertainer

Directed by - P. Vasu

Produced by - -

Music by - G.V. Prakashkumar

Casts - Rajnikanth, Pasupathy, Meena, Nayantara, Vadivelu, Livingston, Prabhu

Banner - Kavithalaya and Seven Arts

The story of ‘Kuselan’ revolves around the friendship between a poverty-ridden Balakrishnan (Pasupathy) and his childhood friend Ashok Kumar (Rajnikanth), who is a superstar in Kollywood.The story takes off with Ashok visiting Balu’s place for a shoot.Balu, a barber by profession, his wife Sridevi (Meena) and their three children lead a life of penury.News of the superstar’s visit spreads like wildfire in the village.The people are very excited to meet the superstar.

But none, including his childhood friend Balu, could go near Ashok due to the heavy cordon of security thrown around the star following a threat to his life.However, the rich man of the village, Kuppusamy (Livingston), who wants to make a film and Shanmugam (Vadivelu), who makes a living out of cheating unsuspecting people want to meet the superstar at any cost.So do the committee members of the local school, who want to invite him to a school-function.Kuppusamy and the school authorities compel Balu to meet his friend and recommend their requests.The unassuming Balu, driven by their relentless pressure, tries hard to meet his friend, but in vain.

The rest of the story tells you about how the meeting takes place.The deep friendship that bonds the star and the barber has been depicted in the most natural manner in a stunning climax scene, which could leave you with tears in your eyes.The simple, realistic, and moving story, written by Sreenivasan for ‘Katha Parayumpol’ in Malayalam, has been adapted deftly in Tamil by director P.Vasu to suit the tastes of the millions of Rajni fans.  Vasu has taken advantage of the magnetic aura that surrounds Rajni and his amazing screen presence to make the proceedings entertaining.

  Vasu has etched out the characters well, especially the character of Balu.His honesty, unassuming nature, and unwillingness to seek advantage of being a childhood friend of the star – everything is perfectly depicted.‘Kuselan’ could well be termed as another feather in Rajni’s cap.The initial scenes, however, do not impress, as they are not well conceived and executed.The movie takes off with the entry of the superstar, which happens after 40 minutes of the film.

Vasu could have thought of better scenes to introduce us to the people and the place.Vadivelu ‘sighting’ his wife Sona’s sexy work-out session in the company reflects some bad taste.Superstar Rajnikanth sizzles with his amazing dressing sense, youthful looks, inimitable style, and a stunning performance.The ‘actor’ in Rajni is more than evident in the scene at the school function where he breaks down into tears.Pasupathy, one of the most talented actors in Tamil, once again proves him mettle with his excellent acting skills.

He has deftly handled the character that experiences poverty, disappointment, humiliation, pleasure, and surprise.The climax is the highpoint of his acting, where he emotes without uttering a single word.  Meena, though she looks miscast in the role of the wife of a poor man, has given  a fine performance.Nayantara, who looks slimmer and hotter, stuns everyone with her sizzling appearance and effortless acting.Vadivelu’s comedy passes muster.

He is amazing in the sequence when he meets the superstar.Livingston, Santhana Bharathy and Prabhu justify their roles with some degree of sincerity.  Young music director G.V.Prakashkumar has come out with peppy numbers.

Vasu has proved his worth as an entertainer by coming out with a flawless entertainer again.He has successfully included the ‘Rajini element’ in a story that revolves around a poor barber.He has done it admirably well with his neat script, memorable dialogues, and poignant scenes.The well conceived and executed climax deserves special mention.Overall, Kuselan is an engrossing entertainer.