Mudhalvan

One of the earlier Shankar thrillers and also one of his better ones. This movie is under-rated on IMDb. The popularity of this movie is reflected by the fact that it forms the basis for Shankar's latest movie, Anniyan, which isn't nearly as good as Mudhalvan. Not only is the movie thought provoking but also sheer fun to experience. Thats how all movies should be and thats what makes Shankar so special. Even though Raghuveran is a familiar face, he plays his role as the villain very convincingly. Manisha was however, pretty pointless and added just for the sake of having a romantic angle in the film. Arjun is the only actor whom Shankar has cast two times and this is without doubt, his best movie and performance ever besides gentleman. Each of Shankar's movies usually has a unique hero or first timer.

The movie revolves around Pugazhendi, a journalist who gets a chance to become one day CM of Tamilnadu. What happens next forms the crux of the story. Arjun as Pugazhendi and Raghuvaran as Aranganathan were apt. Manisha Koirala doesn't have much job. Other character artists like Manivannan, Vadivelu did thier job pretty well. Shankar's story and screenplay are totally lit. Coming to the technicalities, Production value, set designs, fight choreography, CGI were totally great (at that time). Music by A. R. Rahman is a highlight. The movie runs for around 3 hours, but you never feel lag. Shankar succeeds in giving a commercial movie with some social message. Highly recommended movie!

You all may find this review to be a little exaggerated but that is exactly the truth. Nothing but the truth. I have to say, till this date, except for a few exceptions like the movies by Shyam Benegal or Satyajit Ray or for that matter, Satya and Khamoshi, Sholay, Angoor and a few others, I haven't seen such a DIFFERENT and THOUGHT PROVOKING, PRAISE INVOKING AND MARVELLOUS movie as Mudhalvan.

It is and will remain an eye-opener for all those in the Indian film industry who have been experimenting with the same love formula umpteen number of times and in effect, producing some of the most sensationally boring love stories of all times (Example: Kaho..Naa Pyar Hai). Hitting us like a bullet, the plot moves swiftly, never leaving any time to think. The story and screenplay, by Shankar himself, deserve mention for being creative, complete and utterly enjoyable to watch.

Shankar deserved an award for making this movie with such style and technique, while also keeping the story and other aspects in mind.

Pros. Award winning direction, dialogues, script, music, background music, cinematography, first-rate performances by Arjun, Manivannan, Raghuvaran and above all, the super climax, and excellent song picturization.

Cons. Manisha, who looks too flabby and old in some scenes

The movie revolves around how educated youngsters could make a change in politics..Apart from the plot , its the music which holds the movie perfectly..The way how director emotes the story was perfect.. Humours had worked , dialogues had worked , emotions had worked..The fight scene with local guys while arresting was the only negative in this movie..If that was a direct arrest , it would be more beautiful.. Mudhalvan , a must watch entertainer..

The movie was excellent. Songs and BGM in the movie were also fantastic. One of the best movie of Arjun and Shankar. The movie was very interesting. The movie was not at all boring. Everybody acted very well in the movie mainly Raghuvaran.