Tuesday Jan 06 2009, Chennai

Panchamritham: Fun for all!

The film by Raju Easwaran connects mythological characters to modern times, leading to much mirth and merriment.

Mareechan (Jayaram), killed by Lord Ram, had been turned into a rock by a curse and is waiting for someone to come up and free him. Idumban (played by the director himself), is another Asura who is waiting for deliverance from the curse which had turned him into an anklet.

The story opens in the modern era. Rajaram (Nasser), a rich estate owner in Ooty, is decieved by his greedy relatives (played by M.S. Bhaskar, Ilavarasu and Mayilsamy). Into this setting comes Sita (Saranya Mohan), who tries to stall the evil designs of the trio. She falls in love with the cook of the house, Sriram (Aravind).

The relatives of Rajaram engage Pandi (Karunas) and his assistant (played by Ganja Karuppu) to bump Sita off. They push her down a cliff and she lands on Mareechan rock thereby freeing him. Mareechan, full of gratitude, becomes the protector of Sita.

It is Manickam (Nassar) an illiterate fisherman who frees Idumban. The Asura's only aim all through has been to marry Mandakini (Samiksha), Mareechan's wife! The fight between the mythological duo for a woman cause many a humourous situations in the movie.

The many graphics-aided sequences are sure to be lapped by the children. Though the film is mainly intended for the children, it is a good entertainer.

In such a film, it would be foolish to look for logic. There are mistakes too, as is natural with a debutante. But the film has succeeded in providing clean entertainment.

Music director Sundar C. Babu of “Vaazhameenukku” and “Kathazha kannalae” fame has done a decent job with the songs, but his background score is lacklustre. Cinematography by Pramodha Varma is excellent.

- FS News Desk