Pudhu Pettai

Its gangster flick season in Kollywood. After Thotti Jaya and Pattiyal, Pudhupettai covers the negative side of Tamil Nadu-it's underworld network. This film was released on May 26 2006, and not 2005.

Directed by critically-acclaimed director Selvaragavan, Pudhupettai also depicts the harsh reality of the life of an underworld don. Kokki Kumar, the protagonist, leaves home when his father murders his mother and joins the company of a gang of drug-dealers and brothel-runners. His transformation from a scrawny innocent chap to a notorious gang leader is cinematic and clichéd in some ways.

The events unfold in periodic flashback from Kokki Kumar's cell. The film contains lots of interesting characters- a prostitute who falls in love with the protagonist, a friend who betrays his leader for the sake of his sister who becomes accidentally married to him, a rival gang leader who never gives up and a string of politicians who will do anything of their own free will. Kokki's almost downfall is narrated well and his fatherhood comes off as a clean and believable sentimental arena.

The climax induces some laughter-which comes off as unexpected and thus, not a bad move for the director. Although the film does meet expectations in some ways, it falls short of a few things that arise due to the director's desire to carve the film differently from other typical gangster flicks. I'm surprised the rating was PG-13 in Singapore. It should have been at least NC16. Otherwise, the movie is anticipated to meet critical success. Violence has been making waves in many recent films and Pudhupettai is no exception. Blood is so common in the film that you get used to the sight of red everywhere. However, bloodshed is justified in this film compared to the others.

The ending is also handled in a believable manner. This film may very well be based on a true story. Reality bites, especially in the life of a gangster who is a wannabe-politician.

Dhanush has obviously worked his heart out for the movie. Yet, he seems to overact in a few scenes that makes us wonder is his character is slightly insane. Of the 2 heroines, I found the Sonia Agarwal character more interesting though the prostitute character gets the more accolades. Yuvan Shanker Raja has 2 catchy numbers-Pul Pesum and Vaariya. The theme music is quite familiar-survival of the fittest-which also happens to be the tagline of the film. How that tagline is suited to the movie, I have no idea.

I really enjoy gangster flicks and can't wait for the next one, titled "E" to arrive.

I am not a Tamil guy I m just a cinema lover.What a movie that too in 2006 I must say this movie is a way ahead of its time.Dhanush acting was top notch and treat to watch.

People would say this movie is more of a realistic one but the thing is that there is a bit of poetic expression in many scenes that breaks many stereotypes and are enjoyable. Dhanush rules the screen such that inspite of his body language, the viewer will accept him as a gangster once the script gets the pace. Unlike other gangster flicks where the lead will come up from the slums and all that drug trafficking stuff, this one gets into political world that too in a realistic manner.

Technically of a higher class where the cinematography and the use of colour palattes and lights help much in expressing the multiple moods of the film. Music is just out of the world with multiple grooves and much experimental tunes that hit the right chord well.

With a world class script and a director like selva, this is a timeless masterpiece that would inspire young filmmakers. One problem is with the excessive bloodshed that would not be appropriate for family audiences. Except for that this is one of those movies a cinebuff will long to see again and again

Pudhu Pettai (2006) : Brief Review -

Surely among the Top 5 Best Gangster Films ever made in India. Dhanush and Selvaraguavan both have outdone themselves. When i look back at my list of Best Gangster/Crime dramas, i find Classics like Nayakan, Keeridam, Thalapathi, Spadikam ruling the top spots and then there are many others following the decreasing ratio of quality till 2020. That includes Dhanush's own Vada Chennai too, which, i feel is overrated and looking at Pudhu Pettai it's definitely Overrated! I don't care about others, but this is The Best Gangster Flick i have seen in this millenium. What Bollywood couldn't do in 90s and 00s decade even after making good gangster flicks like Satya and OUTIM, that full proof "Classic" tag was missed but Pudhu Pettai has it in 2006 when Gangster flicks were craving for masala elements. After running away from his home teenager Kumar falls in with a gang and slowly rises through the ranks of the Criminal Underworld. His new identity is Kokki Kumar, the Don and wanna be MLA whom everyone fears. You know the basic formula of gangster dramas that no matter how courageous, fearless, reckless the guy is, he must commit a blunder to cause his downfall and with Pudhu Pettai everything is top notch. And it's pleasantly surprisingly because it doesn't look typical. I wanted Kumar to do a blunder and he does exactly at the interval point. That entire idea of two marriages was such a new experience to see in Indian Gangster dramas. And when i wanted him to go through torment, he does and even that part was so intelligently crafted. Performance wise, Dhanush has outdone himself. I'm Speechless. Supporting cast is excellent too. Selavaraghavan does wonders at director's chair with his amazing talent. What a fabulous framework and what a gripping narrative it was. Three hours into crime world and i never felt bored, courtesy team Pudhu Pettai. Overall, an absolute Classic that shouldn't be missed at all.

RATING - 8/10*

By - #samthebestest.

An apt movie replicating the real south Indian gangsters.

Selva Ragavan had did a good home work on making this movie .People think gang leader should have huge built body, which is actually not. Most of the gangsters are brutal in behavior but looks thin and lean. Kokki Kumar's noxious behavior in this film is very well framed in to different scenes.

A gangster film never looked this good and real. The Energy and raw power brought in to this movie is admirable. Even though it imitates minute things from "City of god", Selva Ragavan has shown his own signature in Pudhupettai.

It is one of the best gangster movies after Nayagan in south Indian movie.

This is certainly for the kind of audience who love to watch reality in cinema .

-Arun DX...