Can a female filmmaker handle an action-thriller with conviction? Can she portray the darker shades of underworld in an effective manner? Yes seems to be the answer for Anjali Ali Khan has proved it through 'Veppam'. The debutant filmmaker, who is a former associate of Gautham Vasudev Menon, has come out with a riveting action tale in 'Veppam'.
The movie seems to have carried a lot of hype for it is released by Gautham Vasudev Menon's own banner Photon Kathas. 'Veppam' promises aplenty and lives up to the hype in most parts. For, the script about friendship and deceit is loaded with thrills and spills to entertain the masses.
The director seems to have won the battle thanks to an excellent technical crew coming to her aid. Om Prakash's cinematography and Antony's razor-sharp editing are the movie's flesh and blood while Joshua Sridhar with his seven catchy numbers forms the soul of this film.
The whole film unfolds in a slum in Chennai. Balaji (Muthukumar), after his mother's death and his father Jothi (Shimmore), a drunkard, leaves him on streets, works hard and ensures a decent living for his younger brother Karthik (Nani).
Karthik, who studies in an engineering college, spends all his time with his friend Vishnu (Evam Karthik), who is also brought up in the locality. There is Revathy (Nithya Menen) in the neighbourhood, who loves Karthik desperately.
Meanwhile Jothi takes to illegal ways and makes money working for a woman drug peddler Ammaji (Jennifer). Knowing that Vishnu is in love with Viji (Bindhu Madhavi), a call girl in the locality, Jothi decides to exploit him for his selfish gain.
He gives him an assignment - to transport drugs to Pondicherry, promising to give him Viji if he completes the work. Vishnu takes the help of Karthik and goes to Pondy. However sensing that something is fishy, Vishnu returns to Chennai.
What follows next is the story of 'Veppam'.
Technically it's a brilliant film. Awesome cinematography and good background score besides songs by Joshua Sridhar make it count. The script is racy and the first half with some breezy moments passes off quickly. The twists and surprising turns in the story are enjoyable.
Muthukumar with his subtle performance walks away with honours, while Nani and Karthik play their part well. Bindhu Madhavai has limited scope while Nithya Menen hogs limelight with her character. Gautham Menon has dubbed for Muthukumar in the movie...
The film may have its flaws. There may be logical lapses. But all can be set aside for Anjana's honest work in her debut venture. Watch this racy story for its worth your money...
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