Massu Engira Masilamani

Sometimes keeping very low expectations can result in a satisfactory experience.This was the case with Nadippin Nayagan's latest outing 'Mass' that somehow managed to provide 150 minutes of decent entertainment in contrary to numerous negative comments from Keralites,in particular.

After a mediocre diet 'Biriyani',Venkat Prabhu has tried his luck in presenting a light-hearted fantasy thriller without much importance as far as the storyline is concerned.The done-to-death storyline being similar to numerous films in the past such as Hum Tum Aur Ghost,Ayushkalam & The Frighteners to name a few,the saving grace here was the skill that Venkat showed in handling the weak screenplay and making it a decent commercial entertainer that can cater to both the fans of the actor as well as the normal audience including families.

The first 30-40 minutes of the movie was dull with the storyline stuck at the starting point itself.After then,the movie gained some momentum and offered a good number of sequences to laugh and enjoy with the combination sequences involving Premji Amaren and Suriya being the major highlight.The sentimental sequences featuring the ghosts and the 'Piravi' song were heart-touching and presented very well.

The visuals effects were really pathetic and could have been dealt better considering the budget of the film and the industry standards of today.Poor logic harms a smooth experience many a times which could have been easily avoided by due care while scripting.

The idea to use instances reminding various hit films in the recent past came out really well on screen.The Engeyum Epothum sequence,Mankatha dialogs,Varanam Aayiram sequence,Kathi Bgm etc were all well-received and packed impressively by Venkat.

Coming to the performances,Suriya did a commendable job portraying the character invested on him really well.Premji Amaren was impressive and as usual excelled with his comic timing and one-liners.Nayan Thara was side-lined without much to perform.Amomng others Parthipan,Riyas Khan,Sriman,Pranitha etc were good.

Music and Background score by Yuvan Shankar Raja was good with "Naan Aval Illai" and "Piravi" being the picks from the album.The title song was energetic and picturised well with Suriya's energetic dance steps."Poochandi" song could have been avoided for gaining more pace.Cinematogrpahy by Rajasekhar and Editing by Praveen K.L were okayish.

Overall,Masss is a one-time watch with a clichéd storyline that's been seen many a times before.

Verdict::Venkat Prabhu's latest presentation "Masss" is a strictly average fantasy thriller that may turn a satisfactory watch if you go with less expectations.Execting much more from Venkat on his next Game/Diet/Sixer!!! Ma Rating::6/10 _Afsal

Massu Engira Masilamani (2016) is a movie that swings wildly between being engaging and outright exhausting. I went into it expecting a quirky mix of horror and comedy, and while it delivered on entertainment in parts, I couldn't shake the feeling that it overstayed its welcome. For a film with an interesting premise and a charismatic lead like Suriya, it somehow manages to lose itself in unnecessary detours and convoluted storytelling.

On the positive side, the movie does pack in some fun moments. The spooky elements, while not groundbreaking, are cleverly executed and provide some genuinely enjoyable scenes. Suriya's performance is a major highlight-he brings charm, energy, and just the right amount of seriousness to carry the film, even when the script falters. The message about redemption and standing up for justice is heartfelt, and I appreciated how the film tied that into its narrative. Plus, the last act really picks up, delivering a mix of emotional payoff and high-stakes action that almost makes you forget the slog leading up to it.

But that's the issue - almost. The film is far too lengthy for its own good. It spends so much time meandering with subplots and comic relief that it doesn't get to the point until well past the halfway mark. I found myself checking the time during the first half, waiting for things to click into place. When the story does finally kick into gear, it's good-but by then, I felt a bit worn out.

Another problem is the way new elements are introduced seemingly out of nowhere. At times, I couldn't tell if I was supposed to be shocked, confused, or both. It's not just surprising - it's disorienting. The convoluted narrative doesn't help either; with so many moving parts, the story often feels like it's trying to do too much, leaving some characters and plot points underdeveloped.

Ultimately, Massu Engira Masilamani is a mixed bag. There's enough entertainment to make it a decent one-time watch, but its pacing and cluttered execution weigh it down. For me, it's a film that could've been great if only it had been tighter and more focused.

Suriya and Venkat Prabhu merge in this sort of spooky tale of twists, now both of them needing a proper hit at the BO. Venkat and co announces that there won't be an 'item' number with a scantily clad chick like his previous films.Shortly after that, 'Masss' gets granted an 'U' certificate, you wonder if the director had compensated anything script wise to bring in the family audiences flocking. Songs also seem alright ,almost situational, giving fans and cinema goers unrest on whether this could be one of those experimental movies.

Venkat and team answers all doubts and critics in a such a fashion, commercial directors might have started taking notes. Suriya being the refined actor he is, takes center stage acting his heart out on screen. Turning 40 this year, it doesn't add up to his youthful looks and brilliant physique. Suriya's acting prowess seems second to none as he single-handedly holds the film playing a dual role one a grifter and another unexpected surprise role. 200% effort from Suriya, explains why himself and Vikram chase concept driven scripts, they are the only ones ready to put so much effort into one film.

Yuvan Shankar Raja also nails big time on the background score whether its the feet tapping 'Conman theme' or the darker, thrilling theme. With the film having some emotional content and sentiments, Yuvan adds some magic touches to compliment them. Songs are quite satisfying on the whole with the added visuals.

Speaking of the visuals, R.D. Rajasekhar proves to be the second hero behind the camera with extraordinary lighting and angles for an Indian film. He just might pick up a couple of awards for his contribution.Aiding the camera-work is the nicely done sets by art director Rajeevan, in the opening song as well as in the MJ tribute number.

The screenplay presented by the director is pretty new to Indian audience and will be the highlight as Masss is cut almost inch perfect by editor Praveen, serving the right amounts of the action and drama. The movie runs seamlessly from the turning point to interval,pre- climax and the simple ending. Despite that the flashback could have been shorter, as they slowed down Venkat's good narration.

Comical add ons by Premji and Sriman, Karunas and Rajendran will be much appreciated as they are subtle and effective. Premji also comes up with perhaps his best act on screen. Heroine roles in a VP movie always are justified but short and cameo orientated. Nayanthara and Pranitha both are gorgeous looking and pushed astray by Suriya's one man army of a a show. Perhaps the director might give more screen time to heroines in his future scripts.

Masss is a sure treat for fans of all ages, expect kids to fill up seats in the cinema hall this summer. A rare occasion when a big star's film is out. Clean, well cut, exciting twists, zero hip shaking glamor, kid friendly almost masterpiece. Masss , the 3 S's for; story,screenplay and Suriya. ( 3.75/5 )

Plot Line : Things get wrong for a conman when he gets deceived by a ghost.

Shortly, "Masss" is totally a one man show performance delivered by Suriya. He is simply electrifying throughout the film. It is Suriya who engages the audience till the climax even though the script is half baked.

But director Venkat Prabhu deserves a applause for trying out a different dimension in Tamil Cinema. Overall, the director could have concentrated more on the screenplay part.

There are equal number of pros and cons in this film. Suriya's performance, Visuals, Twists and Background score are the major positives of the film. The negative part of the film is illogical scenes and old run of the mill concept which was followed in the second half of the film.

The content of the film is mainly intended for kids and family audience. Overall, forget the logics and take your family out to theaters. It could be a watchable entertainer for you.

I truly don't know what is the original title. 'Mass' or 'Masss' or 'Massu' or 'Massu Engira Masalimani'. Since 'Mangatha' I haven't seen any Venkat Prabhu's films. He has lost his midas touch. His films are used to be youthful and fun, but not anymore. This was a different than his usual theme, but did not deliver. Particularly, I hated the graphics. Those CGI characters ruined the film in the initial part, I thought it was a very cheap thing I ever seen in a big production film. The action sequences were so stupid as well. The comedies were okay, but still it had lots of references of old films. So you can't enjoy them if you are not familiar with the original.

Surya is a very dedicated actor that you would find in Kollywood today, but the filmmakers are not using that properly. Compared to any other actors, he does many varieties of films. I watched it only for him and nothing else. I appreciate the experimental theme, but they did not get a better screenplay. The storyline looked decent, especially the flashback, but did not develop well. Like what the title hints, it was too much mass which suits better for Tollywood fans. Might be Surya fans or Venkat's would like it, sadly I'm not one. Surely you will have some laughs, other than that this is not good. So skipping it is not a bad option.

3/10