Cast : Magesh, Anjali, Sneha

Director : Vasantha Balan

Producer : Ayngaran International

Music Director : Prakash Kumar G V


First and foremost, there’s something special to be mentioned about ‘Angadi Theru’. This isn’t blatantly a cinema meant for entertainment, but an intensely realistic drama that exposes us to the elusive lives of salespersons in textile showrooms of T. Nagar.
Ever envisaged about the other side of these busiest lanes, which incisively ascribes itself as a land of festivity? Perhaps, probabilities are pretty little of perceiving it the other way than any joyful diversion. But Vasantha Balan gets straight into the lives of those pitiable salespersons having lost values of life. Their workplaces are more off inhuman dominances, where guys are scourged and girls abysmally molested if they’re found relaxing even for a minute.
Oops! ‘Angadi Theru’ is an outmost reality that may not be preferred by audiences for a second-time watch. But, it’s best not to miss this film as it has well-grounded projection of something we haven’t experienced before.
Jyothi Lingam (Mahesh) goes despaired over his father’s death in a train accident and gives up his engineering graduation in spite of being a school topper in 12th grade. Apparently, he opts for a job in one of the biggest textile showrooms in Chennai so as to financially support his family. Accompanied by his friend Maarimuthu (Black Pandi), he comes across Kani (Anjali) employed in the same place. Rest of the film opens a view about their day-to-day lives brimmed with happiness, tribulations and their survival through pleasantly optimistic spirits.
What make this film so special is about the powerful characterizations and awe-inspiring dialogues… There are parallel tracks that establish the lives of various characters in the same road of T. Nagar. Be that desolated stranger finding a new lease of life at public toilet or the adorable love between a lame man and his wife. Your eyes are sure to be soaked in tears as you heed to the wife’s mighty lines on giving birth to a handicapped child. Black Pandi’s comedy tracks are quite enjoyable: especially, the way he modifies ‘Tamizh Thai Vaazhthu’ as a love letter for his girlfriend is an uproarious act. Director A. Venkatesh comes up with a great performance as a cruel manager as at time you feel mocking at him for his worst deeds…
On the flip side, unbearable dosage of emotional outbursts and unlimited feelings emoted by actors puts us down trivializing our interests. Especially, the unwanted inclusion of extended climax maybe resented by certain groups of audiences for its extreme anguishes… In all likelihood, the flashback sequences of Mahesh and Anjali, introducing Anjali’s sister in a pathetic situation are something that should have been avoided. Of course, even if deleted, it wouldn’t make a big difference as it has nothing to do with the main storyline.
Newcomer Mahesh is a new guy to watch in town as his naturalistic performance turns to be a spotlighting factor. He can expect more offers in tinsel town, particularly amongst offbeat filmmakers. ‘Katradhu Tamizh’ fame Anjali fascinates with her earnest efforts of emoting sensibly to all situations. Her voice modulation from previous films enhances her characterization. If this missy continues picking best offers as this, she’s sure to be ennobled as next ‘Revathi’ of Kollywood.
Technically, it’s cinematography that stands out with Richard’s placement of innovative angles. At times, it’s really difficult to figure out his candid shots canned by hidden cameras. Such is his extraordinary skill of capturing the live moments with naturalness. Vijay Anthony’s ‘Aval Appadi Ondrum’ is a pleasant melody while rest of the songs tuned by him and G.V. Prakash is a big letdown. Vasantha Balan could’ve utilized G.V. Prakash for background music. Muthuraj’s art work is an excellent showpiece as his grand indoor sets of textile showrooms offers a touch of realness.
‘Angadi Theru’ deserves a watch and if Vasantha Balan can trim down the second half by 20mins of unwanted sequences, a great response can be assured for this film. It’s a good attempt by Vasantha Balan of compiling some of the real life happening in contemporaneous salespersons of how their salaries are deduced by one rupee on every minute of their late attendance. But, he must understand the fact that reality can be conveyed even without harsh and violent catastrophes as well.

Verdict : A definite watch and its award material!