Good Fun!
"Irumbu Kottai Murattu Singam" (IKMS) directed by Simbudevan (Imsai Arasan 23-am Pulikesi and Arai EN 305-il Kadavul) is another comedy caper and this time he takes us on a trip to the Cowboy world (that too Indian!), literally!
Hollywood has had its chunk of cult cowboy films that are considered classics even today. Though this concept is not entirely new to Tamil films, the treatment it gets deserves a pat on the back.
IKMS boasts of a huge starcast and one can observe that the director likes repeating his support starcast. The film revolves around a Cowboy village,with an interesting name, that faces suppression from the occupants of the 'Irumbu KOttai'(in USA Puram), led by the 'one-eyed' Nasser. Guess what he is called! Kizhakku Kattai (as in Eastwood)!!
Enter Singamuthu (Raghava Lawrence), a kind-hearted cowboy, prepared to pose as Marshall 'Murattu' Singam (who goes missing), in order motivate the villagers to fight against Nasser & Co.
A host of characters, including that of the village doctor, Padmapriya, are introduced leading to some funny flashbacks about Marshall Singam.
On the other hand, Nasser in the company of Lakshmi Rai (Pakki) and Saikumar (Ulakkai) have been giving the cowboys a tough time and getting them to sign a nuclear weapon pact! It is upto the 'new' Singam to free the cowboy village from the clutches of Irumbu Kottai.
We are also introduced to the Red Indians at this juncture, headed by M.S.Bhaskar, leading to some hilarious moments I have seen in Tamil films,in recent times. Sams as 'Lee', the translator, brings the roof down with his antics. Quite a talent!
From here on, the screenplay goes on a 'roll on the floor' coaster ride, where Nasser's men with the help of Singam and M.S.Bhaskar & co. go on a treasure hunt, that you will enjoy completely.
Lawrence leads the way with a stylish performance. Padmapriya has some good moments, while Sandhya's (as the princess of the Red Indian camp) is an extended guest role and Lakshmi Rai is adequate. M.S.Bhaskar,ILavarasu, MouLi, Vyapuri, Delhi Ganesh, Ramesh Kanna, Manorama, Sendhil and a host of others are there in well etched roles providing able support. Nasser is brilliant with his body language and accent. But, for me, the movie belongs to Sams.
Cinematography (by Azhagappan)is good and Art Direction (Muthuraj)is outstanding. The costume designer's (Sai) hardwork shows. Even the temple priest gets a hat!! Editing is crisp.
Music, especially the songs, is a big letdown. G.V.Prakash's songs are the only time you feel the need for a popcorn or a cup of tea. None of the songs stay with you. The background score is ok (read somewhere that it is heavily inspired by 'Pirates of the Carribean'!!). The movie offers enormous scope and G.V.Prakash seems to have missed out big time in what could have taken the film to another level.
Finally, IKMS takes you to a world, not seen often, and manages successfully to tickle your funny bone. More importantly it is a clean entertainer which is a rarity these days and for this the director deserves another pat. Go for it and take your kids along! They will have a good time!
வெச்ச குறி தப்பல மாமு!
Bulls Eye!
