Power Paandi

Dhanush has brilliantly written and directed this family entertainer, adding yet another feather to his cap. Power Paandi which was later renamed as Pa Paandi (for tax exemptions), is the bittersweet story of a sixty plus, retired and widowed film fight master (Raj Kiran) who feels restless staying idle at home. His misadventures outside the home lead to arguments with his son (Prasanna). One day, he decides to leave home so as not to trouble his son and daughter in law anymore. He recalls his first sweetheart with whom he had an unfulfilled destiny decades ago. With the help of some bikers, he locates her through Facebook. He meets up with her (Revathy) and what happens next form the rest of the story. Dhanush and Madonna Sebastian appear as the younger versions of Raj Kiran and Revathy, and their performances are emotional and heartwarming. The background music and songs are excellent, especially 'Venpani malare' and 'Paarthen'. There is a sense of deja vu in the music, that reminds us of 1980s Ilayaraja soundtracks. Dhanush deserves accolades for putting together a neat presentation that is pleasing on all fronts.

Pa paandi is a moving tale of a man who feels something is amiss in his life an goes on an epic quest to find his first love.

While the story is simple the screenplay is very commendable. This movie almost entirely rests on the shoulder of Rajkiran Sir and he carries it exceptionally well. He is great in the role of a man whose life is stuck around a small routine but he wants to explore something more. Revathi mam is also excellent in the role of the long lost lover of Paandi. Although she is only in a cameo role, her role casts a long lasting impression.

The film touches many themes like Care of aging parents, Unfulfilled love, Compromise, Commitments, Passion and Life itself. It also takes us on a tour of life through the perspective of an aging man which is shown quiet beautifully in the film.

The direction of Dhanush vacillates sometimes but considering that it's his maiden directorial attempt, it looks pretty engaging. The film is also able to give a very beautiful message without being priggish. Music is pretty good especially i liked Paarthen song the most.

Editing is not that good especially in the second half the film goes on and on. Fight choreography is puny. Cinematography is average. The end portion where our lead suggests to start a new life with his lover together could have easily been ignored. It would have been better that way. Not every love story needs to be fulfilled. Ultimately it is left to an ambiguous fate. It would have been better if this plot point would have been ignored. It slightly turns the tone of the film into a pretty substandard direction.

But barring these few mistakes there is a lot to applaud for.

Overall a good movie which dares to be different as well as relevant for our time. Everyone should watch this movie to get a lesson or two. A satisfying experience....

Pa.Paandi (2017):

Who wouldn't wait for a star hero's directorial debut.Dhanush's Power Paandi aka Pa.Paandi is one such project which raised expectations since it is announced.So how is it?

Plot:

Power Paandi is a story about retired stunt master Power Paandi (Rajkiran) living with his son Raghavan (Prasanna), daughter-in-law Prema (Chaaya Singh) and their two children Dhruv (Master Raghav) and Shaksha (Baby Chavvi). Power Paandi is a person who always gets himself into some social causes, in one such instance it becomes a policecase and his scolds him, then he decides to go for bike trip which leads him to his first love Poondhendral (Revathi).

Plus Points:

1)Raaj Kiran: Pa.Paandi is Raj Kiran's show all the way.His power packed performance is the best part in this predictable entertainer.He has this spark which makes us care for him in pity,pride,romance,comedy and action sequences.He excelled in role of Paandi and in action scenes too.

2)Direction: Dhanush may have chosen nothing special as his debut,his direction is flawless.He managed to garner attention from audience from scene 1 itself.

Minus Points:

1)Predictable narration: Even though the movie is entertaining,still it is so clichéd and predictable.The story of old person neglected by family and loved only by grand children is seen in lot of movies.

2)Flashback: Even though Dhanush and Madonna shines in this part,it is so boring and dragged beyond a bit.

So,Pa.Paandi is all about Raj Kiran's stellar performance and Dhanush's sensible direction.

My rating 7/10

Really liked its storyline, as it was very much different from love centered movies. Flashback was too good and acting of Dhanush and Rajkiran was top notch. Really liked the duration of movie, as it was just around 2 hours.

Tamil cinema has maintained it's standards by movies like these.

You won't feel for a second that the Director of the movie is a debutant but Dhanush Fails to disappoint in whatever he does.

Storyline is good,Acting is superb and every actor plays their part well. Rajkiran's work is commendable and he clearly steals the show.

First half of the movie is quite entertaining but second half becomes bit slow but not boring.

Dhanush being the director of this movie gave him an upperhand to understand the role better and he played it meritoriously(Like he always did).

BGM was important and made the movie more beautiful.

A 8/10 movie but extra marks for Rajkiran

9/10 for this.