Review

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Like any film industry, the tamil film world has also succumbed to a cartload of cliches and stereotypes over the years. It seems strange to us if a film arrives to break those stereotypes and takes us on a path of hope, faith and happiness. Director Sasi Shankar's tamil version of his Malayalam hit, "Kunjikoonan" , is by far, one of the better films by a Malayalee director in recent times. When the world calls a rose a rose, that's fine, but when it labels a hunchback, a disabled freak.. that's where "Perazhagan" comes in. The film's protagonist, Chinnan, alias Premkumar (Surya), hardly believes he is ugly or disabled to begin with. On the contrary, he wants to marry a beautiful girl and dreams of a happy life with her. Chinnan never once questions his looks or his motivation to look for a charming bride... after all, he considers himself to be a handsome, eligible chap (despite the buckteeth, hunchback and duck walk, almost webbed feet!). What makes this Perazhagan even more acceptable, is his inherently optimistic view on life. His closest friend and confidant, Vivek, a marriage assembler by profession, often cracks direct insults about his appearance.. but that just doesn't bother our hero in any way!.. He moves on with his innocent smiles and adventurous ways.

That a disabled person could run a financially viable business like a STD booth, be able to help others in dire straits (despite the fact that they are more physically able than him), love everyone unconditionally and live honestly and true to his conscience (even if his own life were in jeopardy), elevates "Perazhagan" to higher level as an "empowering" tale that needs to be seen in order to be applauded. When there is so much room for poverty, tears, hunger, and self-pity in Chinnan's and Sembagam's (Jothika) characters, Director Sasi Sankar prefers to focus his film on a more optimistic note, where disabled folks are showcased as strong, happy and financial secure individuals with similar personal desires and societal goals as any other human being.

The story, as such, is a little cinematic as coincidences are fashioned for the convenience of narration. The two modern characters, Karthik (Surya) and Priya (Jothika) actually form the backbone for the happenings after intermission, yet their characters are definitely not the highlight of this film. Chinnan and Sembagam, the two disabled characters, are the center of this tale, where simple pleasures, heartfelt love and affection hold larger significance over physical inabilities and lacklustre physical beauty. How their lives intertwine with those of Karthik, Priya and the villain, Bobby, forms this beautiful "Perazhagan."

If you think Surya charms with his innocence and excellent dubbing, in a physically demanding role, wait till you catch his pal, Vivek, the marriage assembler. From cracking jokes about Chinnan's use of Lifeboy soaps, his hunchback, the tea stall-owner facing Chinnan's STD booth, to just about anyone he could get his hands on. Vivek and Surya running into the dwarf Sneha, brings the house down on more than one occasion. Jothika's role as Sembagam gains mileage as Actress Rohini's dubbing voice fits the character like a glove. 'Thalaivasal' Vijay dies in an unfortunate, yet stereotyped accident, early in the narration. Manorama is quite adequate as Chinnan's 'valarppu' mom. Villain Bobby is definitely one that you would love to hate; dark, ugly, scary, stubble-faced fat rowdy.. ENOUGH.. you get the idea.

The person who ceases to amaze me is definitely Surya. Just rewind to a few years back, when Surya was playing second fiddle to other heroes in the industry (even in his debut for that matter): Nerukku Ner (Vijay), Periyanna (Vijaykanth), Friends (Vijay).. what's worse?!, the two early films with Jothika, "Poovellaam Kaettupaar" and "Uyirile Kalandhadhu" both bombed at the box office. But with a talented director like Bala, Surya discovered another dimension to his career in "Nandhaa." After the goody-two shoes hit, "Unnai Ninaiththu," Surya has begun to hold his own with Mounam Pesiyathae, Kaakha Kaakha, Pithamagan and now, Perazhagan. It has been well-worth the wait considering he finds himself among the top crop of Tamil actors today. What's more.. he has reached unbelievable heights in seven years, that even his father, yesteryear hero/character actor, Sivakumar, could only have dreamed about during his prime time in the industry.

Jothika, initially as the subdued blind girl, Sembagam, is truly a revelation here. She does her "Kaasi" act quite well and manages to be quite convincing. The song sequence where Chinnan and Sembagam play hide-and-seek, which brings tears to Chinnan's eyes while he watches Sembagam's plight deserves special mention. The desperate, incredulous, helpless feelings that Jothika (Sembagam) demonstrates whenever she sees Karthik (Surya) after their first encounter, have been brought out well. Karthik, fascinated and obsessed with Sembagam's eyes, is sure to remind audiences of Director Rajakumaran's famed eye-care tale, "Nee Varuvaai Yena." But Director Sasi Shankar steers clearly away from that storyline and focuses on Karthik's tussle with desires for Sembagam's eyes versus settling scores with Bobby. The scenes leading up to Chinnan and Sembagam meeting each other after she gains eyesight are smartly handled as the dialogues are sharp and to the point here. That Sembagam was always in love with Chinnan for his big heartedness is revealed very neatly and so is the comic element in their marriage arrangements involving Vivek and the local residents.

If at all there are any flaws, the technical departments are to be blamed for the inconsistencies. The editing is shoddy in parts, while Yuvan Shankar Raja's music is a major letdown. "Kaadhal Enbadhaa" picturized in laser lights appears catchy, thanks to the picturization more than the song itself. "Ambuli Mama" and two other tracks have been used to fill up space; they don't add any value to the film. The racy car dialogue/song bit between Karthik and Priya is innovative, but a little over the top in the effort to picturize the mad lovers. Ratnavelu's cinematography is bright and refreshing, yet there maybe a few mixed reviews about the picturization of the boxing match and the liberal and gaudy overhead shots of the ring. The stunts maintain the current standards despite the large doses of blood, cuts, scars that could have been mostly avoided.

Surya and Jothika fans, this film is for you. So, flock to the theaters and party on! Even if you are not a S & J fan, you will still like it, as Perazhagan tries to strike a cord with the general and the family audiences as well.