Review: Saala

Film: Saala
Director: S D Manipaul
Cinematography: Ravindranath Guru
Music director: Theeson
Editor: Buvan
Art director: Vairabalan
Rating: 3.5 stars

Synopsis:
The story begins with a brief introduction on how TASMAC, the state owned chain that sells alcoholic beverages, came into existence. We are then introduced to a bar called Parvathy bar and two characters who are interested in owning it.

The first is Guna (Aruldoss), a man who owns a series of bars, and whose altruistic acts have fetched him the loyalty and praise of the local populace. Eager to settle scores with Guna is Thangadurai (Charles Vinoth) , who plans to someday own the Parvathy bar and take revenge for the death of his brother-in-law.

The rivalry between both gangs are deep-rooted, bitter and legendary. Guna has two ardent loyalists in Saala (Dheeran) and Doss (Srinath). Saala, in fact, is the number two in Guna’s gang and literally runs operations in his absence.

Taking on both gangs by demanding the closure of the TASMAC shops is Punitha (Reshma Venkatesh), a simple school teacher who vociferously protests the opening of TASMAC shops in the region.

While Saala and Doss initially don’t take Punitha’s protests seriously, a certain set of developments take place making them see reason in her demands. What is it that makes them change their minds? Saala gives you the answers.

Director S D Manipaul delivers a highly engaging film, that has not one but several meaningful messages to convey. Saala is entertaining from start to finish, primarily because of the manner in which Manipaul narrates the story. Also, the film has interesting twists all through, making it a rewarding watch.

Take for instance, the case of three school boys who secretly want to drink alcohol and look for ways to raise enough money to buy beers. Initially, the sequences involving the boys appear to be light hearted and you almost dismiss them as just characters that have been introduced in the film for the sake of lightening the mood. However, at one point, these characters add an interesting twist to the film, making it that much more interesting.

The film has two established performers — Aruldoss and Charles Vinoth — playing two pivotal characters in the film. Both actors ace their parts and deliver performances that lifts the film to another level altogether.

Reshma Venkatesh, who plays the female lead Punitha, makes an impression and is a talent to watch out for. She plays her part of a school teacher who is against with so much conviction that one finds it hard to believe that this is her first film.

Dheeran, who plays the protagonist Saala, looks menacing in the film. However, he has a long way to go when it comes to showcasing sentiments and expressing emotions.

Director Srinath plays the perfect buddy Doss to perfection. His presence is a value addition, helping keep the mood jovial and light for a considerable portion of the film.

Ravindranath Guru’s cinematography is neat as is Theeson’s background score.

The Flip side…
There are very few drawbacks in the film. But nevertheless they exist and cannot be dismissed.

In terms of performances, Dheeran, who plays the protagonist Saala, looks menacing and magnificent in the action sequences. However, when it comes to showcasing sentiments and expressing emotions, he leaves a lot to be desired.

Saala’s story starts off on an informative note, and soon turns intriguing but towards the fag end, it gets a little preachy. Although the messages that the film looks to pass on are significant and very valid, too much emphasis on the message takes away the charm the plot holds.

In short, Saala is a neat, entertaining film that is worth your time and money. In fact, this film is my pick of the week.