Vishal's "Pandiya Nadu" (aka "Pandianadu") has received positive reviews from film critics.
"Pandiya Nadu" released on 2 November in around 700 screens (Tamil + Telugu dubbed version "Pal Nadu") across the globe.
Directed by Suseenthiran, "Pandiya Nadu" is an action entertainer set in the backdrop of rural Madurai. The film has Vishal and Lakshmi Menon as the leads, while the other cast members include Vikranth, Bharathiraja, soori and Lohit Ashwa.
Film's storyline: Sivakumar (Vishal), a simple guy working in a mobile service centre, falls in love with school teacher Malar (Lakshmi Menon). Siva's brother, an honest government employee is killed by the villain. How the meek protagonist Siva rises up and hits back at the baddies forms the crux of the story.
Although the film deals with the formulaic revenge drama, Suseenthiran's script and fantastic performances of the film's cast have worked wonders for the Vishal starrer. Critics believe that "Pandiya Nadu" will definitely resurrect the slugging career of Vishal, who has come out with his best ever performance in the film.
Here is the review roundup of "Pandiya Nadu"
According to Indiaglitz, "Suseenthiran, especially after the grand success of an off-beat story in 'Aadhalaal Kadhal Seiveer', and the 'Pandianadu' team has managed to live up to the expectations quite well.Battling in the stiff competition this Diwali, 'Pandianadu' has its own unique set of positives to make its mark."
Talking about the performances of the film's cast, Behindwoods Review Board says, "For Vishal, this is by far his most endearing role till date. As the soft and mild mannered Shivakumar he sheds his action hero image and performs with a quiet confidence which seems to come from the faith he has in the director and the story."
"Lakshmi Menon once again impresses with her selection of roles that suits her personality. Soori has moments to do his usual routine but the script offers him more in the scheme of things. Vikranth makes a good comeback in a brief role which demands a feisty performance. Bharathiraja's casting as Vishal's father is a master stroke from the director and the relationship between the two is beautifully defined in the end."
Talking about the technical aspects of the film, Sify says, "D Imman's music and background score is one of the pillars of the film as all songs are good. Mathi's camera is another major highlight of the film. It is in sync with the mood of the film and has captured the Madurai milieu aptly."
Senior film journalist Sreedhar Pillai says, "Pandiya Nadu" is "engrossing & stunning. Suseenthiran has reinvented the revenge formula in a logical manner. Vishal's best ever show."
Verdict: Racy screenplay, fabulous performances makes it worth watching