'Vanjagar Ulagam' Review : Good performances let down by an average screenplay

Chennai

Gangster flicks have always intrigued Tamil audiences. Post Vikram Vedha, it is Vanjagar Ulagam that has created huge hype with its sneak peeks and stunning visuals. 

The presence of Guru Somasundaram helped the makers build anticipation around the film. But Vanjagar Ulagam lets down a performer like Guru Somasundaram, especially after his role in Joker.

The film opens with Shanmugamn (Ciby) pushing himself out a vehicle which is on fire. He is later arrested by the police for the murder of Mythily (Chandini), his neighbour. His journalist colleagues Vishagan and Samyuktha (Anisha Ambrose) decide to help him to nab the dreaded gangster Durairaj with the help of his henchman Sampath, who is suspected to be behind the murder. This makes for the first hour which is reminiscent of Quentin Tarantino films like The Hateful Eight. Brilliant visuals by the Mexican cinematographer Rodrigo allow us sit back and enjoy the film while performances from the cast too are appealing.

When we realise that the film is heading towards a predictable second half and climax, it is a bit of a let-down. Vishagan’s character is projected like the protagonist of the film, which actually isn’t the case. Even the police act on his tip off pertaining to the case and in one scene they tell him just that, ‘Un panchayathu dhaan indha police station la periya panchayatha irukku’. 

The audience too would have felt the same. But Vishagan has justified whatever was given to him. Manoj’s screenplay could have been crisp and better. The story shuttles between the past and the present as a whodunit thriller. Films in this genre usually emphasises a lot on story and not on characters. But Vanjagar Ulagam is the other way round and doesn’t work. 

However, Sam CS’ music and Rodrigo’s visuals are the high points of the film. Guru Somasundaram ultimately steals the show with his performance.

Not to forget Ciby and Chandini are quite impressive. John Vijay, who carries his usual onscreen charm provides a good laugh despite being a villain.

Dragging dialogues have in fact suppressed the violence in the film. Vanjagar Ulagam is not a film that satisfies the masses.

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