NAANUM ROWDY THAN: AN ABSURD COMEDY THAT KEEPS YOU LAUGHING ALL THE WAY
Hello Friends,
This is probably one of the best movies that I have seen lately, which offers clean comedy bordering on absurdities and a gentle romance playing in the background. A simple but well-constructed plot, neat line of thought all through, gripping screenplay, well-chosen actors, subtle but sure performances from each actor makes watching Naanum Rowdy Than a delight to watch.
If Vijay Sethupathi as Pandi dazzles with his ‘unique voice modulation, animated chatter and somewhat different body language’, Nayanthara as the hearing impaired Kaadambari sizzles with ‘snugly fitting lovely outfits’ and that ‘little girl lost look’. The cast is fully packed with RJ Balaji, Radhika Sarathkumar, R.Parthipan, Mansoor Ali Khan and Anandraj each one of them coming together nicely and effortlessly like jigsaw pieces in a puzzle. Thus making the final output meshed intricately with layers of good acting, humour, romance, music, action, visuals and costumes. 
Plot:
The title of the film clearly indicates the story, as Pandi (Vijay Sethupathi) son of a policewoman is a wannabe villain/thug. Having spent a large part of his childhood at the police station waiting for his mother Meena Kumari (Radhika Sarathkumar) he gets more inspired by the villains whom he encounters there rather than the police team that he is surrounded by.
He grows up to be a young man with this desire intact and conducting small acts of supposedly goondaism, which are nothing but sorting out petty fights between school children. While he continues to be a self-proclaimed rowdy he encounters Kadambari (Nayanthara) who is on the search for her father who is out on a vendetta mission. Both father and daughter are out to kill Killivalavan (R.Parthipan) who is the main villain and the reason behind the death of Kadambari’s mother. However, all their attempts are in vain and only results in Kadambari losing her father also and so she resorts Pandi’s help to kill Killivalavan. The string of absurd and humorous events that follow form the crux of the plot.
Costumes:
It is a big relief to see Vijay Sethupathi dressed a lot better than his old/ordinary man attires that we have normally see him in. Still he could have done better in the costume department. Nayanthara’s ethnic skirts, blouses and hairbands fit her so well and make her look exactly like a damsel in distress. RJ Balaji is for the most part in a worn out lungi and Rahul the old man and Kamatchi the foreigner are all weirdly dressed thus making the incidents looking lot funnier.
Décor:
Nice Pondicherry seashores and yellow walls form the canvas for the love story to be created. Ramshackled buildings for the thugs to be housed are marvelous and the backyard filled with soda bottles for the Pandi team to discuss the murder is appropriate and quirky enough.
Acting:
It is difficult to point out who did well, as all of them have excelled in their performances. Vijay Sethupathi with his nonstop chatter has carved a nice niche for himself and the actor is brimming with energy and talent. Nayanthara’s transformation from an actor with oomph factor to a sensible actress delivering mature performances is commendable. There is no trace of a Mozhi Jyothika in her portrayal of a hearing impaired girl ad she gets her act together which is original. Exceptional talent like RParthipan being given an awesome opportunity is heartwarming and he steals your heart with witty conversations.
Useful Links:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naanum_Rowdydhaan
Pictures sourced from the Internet
Cheers
Bhuvana Rajaram
