'Kutti Puli' Review Roundup: Sasikumar Film Works Only in Parts

Director cum actor Sasikumar's "Kutti Puli", which was released on 30 May, has opened to a mixed response from critics terming it to be clichéd.

Sasikumar is known to choose films set in the rural background. His earlier films "Subramniapuram", "Naadodigal" and "Sundarapandian" that were shot in rural settings have become commercially successful.

Following this trend, the actor has chosen another commercially viable film - "Kutti Puli", an action cum family drama. It is yet to be seen if the film will appeal to the masses.

Directed by debutant Muthaiah, "Kutti  Puli" has Sasikumar playing the male lead. Lakshmi Menon has once again been paired with the actor after their successful flick "Sundarapandian".

Talented actress Saranya Ponvannan dons the role of the hero's mother. Rama Prabha and DMJ Rajashiman appear in supporting roles. The music is composed by Ghibran.

Deivanai (Saranya Ponvannan) is a widow who lost her husband in a local gang rivalry. As a single mother, she raises her son Kutti Puli (Sasikumar) and wants to shield him away from violence. Unfortunately, Kutti Puli grows out to be like his father indulging in unnecessary fights through which he gains rivals.

Kutti Puli is a good man at heart, but his violent behavior causes grief to his mother. She wants him to get married but Kutti Puli thwarts all his mother's plans as he does not want to get married, reasoning that his wife might meet the same fate as his mother.

Meanwhile, Bharathy (Lakshmi Menon) comes to their locality and the pretty lady predictably falls in love with the hero.

Will Kuttli Puli fall in love with Bharathy? Will he change his violent behavior and marry her? The answers emerge in the rest of the film.

Here is what the critics have to say about "Kutti Puli":

According to IANS, "The film very subtly highlights that two most important women in our lives are mother and wife, who have very pivotal parts to play. Even though the film is a commercial entertainer at heart, debutant director Muthaiah has played the sentimental card extremely well to keep the audiences hooked through certain emotional moments."

"You will also notice that the film is high on elements commonly found in Sasikumar's films such as friendship, revenge, family, witty one-liners and lots of blood and gore. While all the elements have been used appropriately at regular intervals, one doesn't find anything new to be excited about."

According to Behindwoods Review Board, "The film travels on an excessive manipulative melodrama most of the time. And if you are the type who would go gaga over mother sentiment, mindless violence, punch dialogues, Kuttipuli may work for you."

Heaping praises on the lead stars, S Saraswathi of Rediff says, "Sasikumar is at his best yet again, captivating the audience in every scene with his characteristic wit, humour and charm. Though relatively a newcomer, young Lakshmi Menon, who just celebrated her 17th birthday already has two hits, Sundarapandian and Kumki to her credit.  And her subtle understated performance in Kutti Puli is also sure to be appreciated."

According to Indiaglitz, "The violence in the movie is quite unwanted and a lot of blood bath could've been avoided. As for the background score, which was very average jarring the emotional scenes and the songs did not live up to the expectation as well. The visualization of the songs was nothing special to hit a nail in the memory. Another big letdown will be the punch dialogues, which quite did not match the hero every time he quotes for 'Kuttipuli'."

Verdict: Works only in parts