'Thillu Mullu' Review Roundup: Complete Family Entertainer

Actor Shiva's "Thillu Mullu", a remake of Rajinikanth's classic film of the same title, has fetched good reviews from film critics, who have termed it as a laugh riot.

When popular films are remade, pressure is on the makers as comparisons with the original are bound to happen. But, "Thillu Mullu" is not a scene by scene copy of the original, which in itself is a remake of Hindi film, "Gol Mal." Rather, director Badri has taken just the storyline and presented in a way to suit today's generation. And, he has succeeded in his attempt, thanks to the witty one-liners and the performance of the cast.

Pasupathy (Shiva) is a jobless young man who has to clear his loans and have to get his sister married. On his uncle's suggestion, Siva applies for a job in a water brand owned by Sivagurunathan (Prakash Raj). He unleashes a series of lies to impress Sivaguruanathan and gets a job in the company.

However, Pasupathy lands in trouble when his boss catches him watching a T20 match at a stadium after taking leave claiming that his mother is ill. Shiva escapes by informing Sivagurunathan that it was his light-eyed twin brother named Kanthan Ganguly, who is a menacing Karate master.

Sivagurunathan arranges Kanthan to teach karate to his daughter Janani (Isha Talwar). Janani falls in love with Kanthan. The rest of the story is about how long Pasupathy is able to retain his job and love with his lies.

Shiva has managed to give a brilliant performance with his one-liners. Actress Isha Talwar looks charming. Prakash Raj easily fits into the role played by the legendary "Thengai" Srinivasan.

"Thillu Mullu" also boasts of an ensemble cast including Kovai Sarala, who appears as the maid-turned-mother of Pasupathy. Suri, Sathyan, Ilavarasu and Manobala are apt for their roles.

Comedian Santhanam makes a special appearance in the climax, which adds to the laughs.

Music is composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja and M S Viswanathan. Two songs from the original -"Raagangal Padinaru" and the title song - has been retained.

Here is what the critics have to say about "Thillu Mullu":

Appreciating the director's work, M Suganth of The Times of India says, "Much of the credit for this (film) should go to director Badri, whose script clearly suggests that some amount of thought has gone into reworking a cult classic for present-day audiences. Instead of going for a scene by scene remake, he manages to spin newer situations that make it very much a film of our times."

Heaping praises on the performances of the film's cast, Behindwood Review Board says, "The strong point of the film is definitely Shiva and he suits the role of Pasupathy and Kandhan Ganguly so effortlessly."

"We have veterans like Prakash Raj, Kovai Sarala, Mano Bala and Ilavarasu who deliver with effortless ease. Isha Talwar appears good looking and Krithika Nelson's voice completes her portrayal as Janani. While Sachu, Soori and Sathyan round out the supporting cast, there is a long ensemble list of cameos from Sathyan, Venkat Prabu, Blaaze and the likes."

Indiaglitz: "For diehard Rajini lovers, who were a lot concerned about how this movie would fare off and will it do justice to the original, yes this has no way harmed the original indeed. If Superstar's 'Thillu mullu' was clean and a complete family entertainer, so is this remake."

Moviebuzz: "Thillu Mullu on the whole is a laugh riot, go have your fun. The film, in the end, is a broad entertainer that plays to the gallery. Keep your expectations in check, and you are sure to come out with a smile."

Verdict: "Thillu Mullu" is a complete family entertainer