THIRUMALAI (.5/5)
	: Vijay & Jyothika
	Music: Vidyasagar
	Direction: Ramana
Remark: A much awaited hit for Vijay

Thirumalai will give Vijay his much awaited hit. Vijay is an orphan, working as a bike mechanic in Pudupettai and speaks the world famous Chennai Tamil. He is a good soul, who goes by what his heart. The initial 15 minutes brings us perfectly into the movie and lets the audience know the kind of person Vijay is. It is love at first sight when he meets Jyothika, the daughter of a rich Media Baron. Jyothika's father, wants to reveal the true colours of a Dada (Vincent K Jayan), but gets whipped by the dada. Vijay tries to impress, Jyothika, but she fails to understand him. Vijay's performance in the scene where Jyothika tries to dupe him is excellent and well received by the audience. Finally, Joe falls in love with Vijay and as always her father opposes. Now befriends, Jayan, takes on the mantel to finish Vijay. The second half, is all about, Vijay's one on one with the Dada. How did Thirumalai, finally win his lady love, is for u all to find out and enjoy in the Silver Screen. Vijay's performance as a local Chennaite, blends him well with the audience. After Kamal, Vijay is the only actor to have spoken Chennai Tamil, perfectly. His one on one, with the Jayan, in that building, is a perfect scene, for one to enjoy. Especially the dialogue "Yen Theatrla Unn Padatha, Ottnanu Vei, Screen Keenjidum", is a big hit amongst the masses. Debutant director, Ramanna needs to be appreciated for the dialogues and for his different approach to an otherwise "heard 100 times" story. The Stunt Master, Peter Hein, has also put in extra efforts, for the fight sequences. Vijay has played a perfect fit as Thirumalai. Joe is good as always. Karuna has no role to play. There are certain logical drawbacks like, the villain and Jyothika's father coming together in no time, the No.1 Dada in Chennai looking like a child infront of Thirumalai, the villain suddenly becoming a well wisher of Thirumalai etc.. but these can be forgiven, considering the movie's story line. Kudos to the art director for his Pudupettai set. Vidyasagar's music is good too. Especially his background beat for Vijay's wins. The dance for the song, "Tham Thakka" has been choreographed well. Kiran features for one song, "Vaadi Yamma Jakkama". Vivek's comedy which was included later is a bore and is not worth mentioning. The screenplay maintains momentum throughout. The movie will give Vijay the hit which he badly needed.

- Gokul Santhanam & Prem Anand S