The Buzz: It's one of the most anticipated films of 2013 and a remake of one of Tamil cinema's evergreen classics - Thillu Mullu. Shiva reprises the role that was one of Rajinikanth's finest comedies
The good: Shiva, Light and entertaining
The bad: Isha Talwar, some of the supporting cast don't measure up to the original
Bottomline: If you want to enjoy a remake of a classic it's best if you haven't watched the original. Just in case you have it's a good thing not to make comparisons. Thillu Mullu is a case in point. You have to credit director Badri for transforming a film rooted in the 1980s for a 2010s audience. He has managed that with tweaking scenarios and also the treatment of the supporting cast. If Rajni brought all his style and attitude to the original, Shiva is at his deadpan best tickling your funny bone at the most unexpected moments. Shiva is equally comfortable playing Pasupathy (The fake Lord Murugan devotee) and Gangulee (The fake Karate master) in a bid to con his boss Gurunathan (Prakash Raj does well but is not a patch on Thengai Srinivasan especially in the legendary interview scene). Thillu Mullu version 2.0 is tailored for Shiva, the screenplay works on his strengths. It's almost an extension of his roles in films like Tamil Padam and Kalakalapu. He lifts the film above a heroine who looks out of place and a supporting cast that is not a patch on the original. The film ends on a high with Santhanam's sparkling cameo, another reason why this mindless comedy is worth checking out.
Bottomline: If you want to enjoy a remake of a classic it's best if you haven't watched the original. Just in case you have it's a good thing not to make comparisons. Thillu Mullu is a case in point. You have to credit director Badri for transforming a film rooted in the 1980s for a 2010s audience. He has managed that with tweaking scenarios and also the treatment of the supporting cast. If Rajni brought all his style and attitude to the original, Shiva is at his deadpan best tickling your funny bone at the most unexpected moments. Shiva is equally comfortable playing Pasupathy (The fake Lord Murugan devotee) and Gangulee (The fake Karate master) in a bid to con his boss Gurunathan (Prakash Raj does well but is not a patch on Thengai Srinivasan especially in the legendary interview scene). Thillu Mullu version 2.0 is tailored for Shiva, the screenplay works on his strengths. It's almost an extension of his roles in films like Tamil Padam and Kalakalapu. He lifts the film above a heroine who looks out of place and a supporting cast that is not a patch on the original. The film ends on a high with Santhanam's sparkling cameo, another reason why this mindless comedy is worth checking out.
Running time: 140 mins (Approx)




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