Humour, Slapstick comedy, Prabhu Deva, Editing, Dance, Fun-filled screenplay, Music, Visuals Humour, Slapstick comedy, Prabhu Deva, Editing, Dance, Fun-filled screenplay, Music, VisualsSome overdose of comedy, Visual effects
After making a splendid comeback as a hero after a hiatus with the 2016 horror hit Devi directed by AL Vijay, Actor / Director/ Dance choreographer Prabhudeva is back on screen as a hero for the second time in as many weeks (after the long-delayed Kalavadiya Pozhuthugal that released last week and sank without a trace), with the fantasy comedy flick Gulaebagavali directed by debutant Kalyan. Here's team AP Herald's exclusive first on net Gulaebagavali review.
Nambi (Mansoor) and his aide Badri (Prabhudeva) smuggle idols for a living, while Viji (Hansika) is full time employed with cheating men in pubs and looting money from them. Munish( Ramadas) works for a gangster played by Anandaraj, and these 3 unite to get a treasure from a village named Gulaebagavali, where they are joined by Masha (Revathy) with her expertise in car thefts. Whether the gang of 4 got hold of the treasure crossing all the hurdles is what the hilarious entertainer is all about.
Prabhudeva has a natural flair for comedy, and in gulaebagavali too his poker-faced comedy works like a charm, but the real scene stealer of the film is none other than veteran Revathy who gets to entertain, emote and attract with her amazing expressions, and is like a ball of fire on screen, with that name Masha( her character name in the yesteryear Fazil blockbuster Arangetra Velai).
Hansika plays the typical eye candy and still has got a long way to go in terms of lip sync and acting performance, as she has probably made up her mind that giving cute expressions alone can help her sustain her career. Motta Rajendran sets the screen on fire with his comic antics, and his Amma amma and Kaalaiyil dhinamum performance is absolutely hilarious. Yogi babu is underutilized while the rest of the cast including Munishkanth, Anandaraj are just adequate.
Vivek Mervin's BGM scores high with perfect elevation of the fantasy factor, while of their songs, Seraamal Ponaal, Gulebaa, You're the one are a treat to listen and also watch, with the absolute sizzler Prabhudeva on the dance floor, rocking with his stunning dance moves, and his chemistry with the bubbly Hansika being a treat. Cinematography by Anandakumar is top notch, and the songs are a visual treat. Peter Hein's breathtaking stunts and CG are an asset to Gulaebagavali.
Director Kalyan has taken a neat and interesting premise, that is almost reminiscent of 2017 hit Maragadha Nanayam, with its fantasy and adventure elements, but perfectly differentiates gulaebagavali from the former, with his interesting treatment of the plot, lacing it with generous doses of comedy.
While he has extracted superb performance from veteran Revathy and brought an energetic Prabhudeva back on screen reminding us of days of his prime, he establishes the central characters in a leisurely manner in the first half, with the screenplay gripping towards the interval.
However, he slightly falters in the second half with several boring moments and song placements. Nevertheless, with a fun-filled screenplay, colorful visuals, good music and some interesting performances, this adventure ride to Gulaebagavali is worth it.
Prabhu Deva,Hansika Motwani,Kalyaan,Kotapadi J. Rajesh,Vivek–MervinTake a ride to Gulaebagavali, a neat comic entertainer for the festive season despite its flaws.
