'Rettaisuzhi' is bundled with pranks

Film: Rettaisuzhi (Tamil); Cast: K Balachander, Bharathi Raja, Karunass, Aari, Anjali, Ilavarasu and Manobala; Director: Thamira; Music: Karthik Raja

Ace directors K Balachander and Bharathi Raja had an influential role in shaping and strengthening the Tamil film industry in the 1980s and 1990s. They hold the credit of moulding the career of most of the prominent directors and actors in Kollywood today, including leading actors such as Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan.

Both are renowned as directors, but could they excel in acting in front of the camera? This was a puzzling question. But Thamira in his debut film showed the courage by casting these directors for the lead roles in the comical flick, Rettaisuzhi.

The story happens in a serene village named Seranmaadevi. It revolves around the families of Ramasamy and Singaravelan (the roles played by Balachander and Bharathi Raja respectively), the two prominent and influential people of the village.

A tragic incident that happened 40 years ago created enmity between Ramasamy and Singaravelan that transformed into vengeance, and over a period of time, this rift transcends to the younger generation as well.

Even the children from both the families are at war and chalk out cunning strategies to out-wit each other, with the support of the elders.

Eventually, a love affair which blossoms between a girl from Singaravelan’s family (Anjali) and a boy from Ramasamy’s family (Aari) breaks the barrier between the two families.

Fearing opposition from the heads of their respective families, the lovers try to allure the children. With their backing, the lovers manage to get the permission of the decision-makers. How they do it is the story of Rettaisuzhi.

Basically, Rettaisuzhi is a comedy film with a fragrance of sentiments. Even though the story revolves around two older characters, children from both the families have an influential role to play in moving the story ahead. Their pranks, cuteness and innocence were well-illustrated through the screenplay. The children even show signs of maturity when it comes to supporting the lovers. They adapt tactical moves to impress the elders, and it evokes smile in the viewers.

Even though the plot has been handled differently, the love story, clash between children and the rift between families make this film similar to the award-winning Tamil flick, Pasanga, which was released last year.

The scenic beauty of Seranmaadevi was well captured by Chezhian. And the background score by Karthik Raja adds value to the film. Balachander and Bharathi Raja have proved that they can impress the viewers even in front of the camera.

The children who acted in Rettaisuzhi did a great job. Without any hype, heroism and masala elements, the story unwinds realistically. Kudos to the director of the film. Rettaisuzhi is one more quality film produced by director Shankar's S Pictures.

Altogether, Rettaisuzhi is a comical flick that is dedicated to family viewers.

Rating: 3/5.

Critic: Vikatji