Director: H Vinoth
Writer: H Vinoth
Producer: Boney Kapoor
Starring: Ajith Kumar, Manju Warrier, Pavani Reddy, Samuthirakani
Music: Ghibran
Cinematography: Nirav Shah
Editor: Vijay Velukutty

iQlik Movies Rating: 2.5/5

Thala Ajith sets Pongal on fire as he brings to his fans and general audience a bank heist drama. This is the first time he is playing such a role. This is the second film of Ajith with H Vinoth after Valimai. Other key players on screen include Manju Warrier, Samuthirakani, Pavani Reddy, John Kekken etc. The trailer gained huge responses and raised huge expectations for the movie. Let?s see how it went.

Story:
Gangster Radha(Veera) and his team plan meticulously to rob a bank but are in for a shock when they realise another Robber/Mystery Man(Ajith Kumar) is already in the bank and terrorising employees and civilians. Radha?s gang include Kanmani(Manju Warrier), Pavani, Ciby etc who are contract killers. The police commissioner(Samuthirakani) goes hook and crook to catch the Mystery Robber who also seemingly is a crazy man, but fails. Who is The Robber and what are his motives form to be the rest of the plot.

Performances:
Ajith is at his usual best casually cruising around on the screen with much ease and grace as the anti-hero.�His performance especially in the flashback scene stays in mind.

Manju Warrier also gives her best and shines in some moments. Samuthirakani also justifies his part.

Technical Departments:
The film falls behind in the technical aspects. Even though the premise of the film is new to the Tamil audience, the narrative takes cliche tropes. The second half gets preachy thus making it boring.

There is so much information given about financial scams that half of it goes over the head wishing for it to slow down a bit. The production values could have been better. Editing is pacy and music goes hand in hand with the pace.

Analysis:
Though Ajith steals the show and Manju Warrier shines, their relationship in the film is not established clearly. The fast pace of the film leaves the audience confused. We do not understand who exactly the villain is, the bankers, police or the politicians and we do not relate completely to 'Michael Jackson'�aka 'Darkdevil'�as he has no direct relation to the scams shown in the film. The emotions don?t click as the writing doesn?t work. But Ajith as ?Darkdevil?(His name is never revealed) manages to bring audiences on their feet while he dances around like Michael Jackson. 2nd half action and climax antics work well for fans.

Plus Points:
Ajith's performance
Core plot
Social issue

Minus Points:
Too pacy
Preachy
Lack of clarity
Illogical scenes

Final Verdict:
This Pongal, Ajith gives a treat to his fans in this action drama. Watch it for fun