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Imsai Arasan 23am Pulikesi
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'Imsai Arasan 23am Pulikesi' - Entertains

By P. Sreekumaran
Film critic, ApunKaChoice.Com

It takes great courage to make a film with a comedian in the lead role. Both director Simbudevan and ace comedian of Kollywood, Vadivelu, deserve fulsome praise, Simbu for casting the comedian in the hero's role, and Vadivelu for measuring up to the awesome challenge in Imsai Arasan 23am Pulikesi.

Not that comedians have not carried films on the sheer strength of their performances. Veteran Nagesh used to do it in the early sixties with films like Server Sundaram and Yarukkaga Azhuthan. In Bollywood, Mehmood was one comedian who could sell a film on the strength of his own star value.

But

times have changed. In these days of hero-oriented ethos, comedians seldom get a chance to do the main role. That is why it is all the more creditable that Simbu and Vadivelu have come out with a film that oozes quality. Veteran director Shankar, who is the producer of the film, must also be commended for assigning the daunting task to Simbu, the cartoonist turned writer-director.

Imsai Arasan 23am Pulikesi is a scathing indictment -- laced with a sense of humour -- of the corrupt and decadent times. Imaginative direction, narrative verve and excellent performances from the protagonists have made Imsai Arasan a must-see film. It is a feast for the eyes sour from watching crass and unimaginative masala movies Kollywood churns out these days.

Here is the story in brief. Veteran Nagesh is the king of Veera Chozhapura Palayam. The King is grief-stricken as there is none to succeed his throne. The tragedy is that all the 22 children the queen (Manorama) delivers die at birth. Of course, they are blissfully unaware of the fact that it was the queen's brother, Rajguru (Nasser), who is instrumental in the death of the children. Needless to say, Rajguru does this despicable deed because he wants to become the next ruler.

The astrologer predicts that the royal couple's 23rd child will be born dumb. As luck would have it, the queen delivers twins. Rajguru leaves the dumb child alone and orders the killing of the other child. But the child is saved by a couple.

The dumb child is named 23am Pulikesi (Vadivelu). Pulikesi grows into a dull and uneducated child. After the death of the King, Pulikesi ascends the throne. But he is a play-thing in the hands of the wily Rajguru, who joins hands with the British to loot the State.

Meanwhile, a childless couple brings up Pulikesi's twin brother Ugraputran (Vadivelu), as a brave and educated man. When Ugraputran learns his past, he decides to save the kingdom from the wily Rajguru and the British. As a first step, he replaces Pulikesi as the King. Ably assisted by his commander in chief (Sreeman), Ugraputran begins the mission.

Vadivelu surprises one and all with a riveting performance. It is his first shot at playing the hero -- a double role at that. And he has done an excellent job. Of course, Pulikesi scores over Ugraputran. As the dim-witted Pulikesi, Vadivelu literally brings the roof down with his witty one-liners and humour-laced dialogues. The entire gamut of emotions flit across his faces with effortless ease. A truly masterly show even veteran Nagesh would have been proud of.

Simbu has succeeded in recreating the period ambience. His job is made easier by the spectacular photography of Arthur Wilson.

The icing on the cake is the superb performance by the support cast led by Nagesh, Manorama, Nasser and Sreeman.

A big slice of the credit is due to art-director Krishnamurthy who has ensured period costumes for the characters and recreated palaces. Music director Sabesh Murali's tunes also transport the viewers to the bygone era.

Don't miss it.

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