POR THOZHIL MOVIE REVIEW (Tamil)

"Por Thozhil" directed by debutant Vignesh Raja and co-written by Alfred Prakash, is a thrilling and intelligent detective thriller that marks a refreshing comeback in Tamil cinema. The film takes us on a gripping journey as Prakash (Ashok Selvan), a young and talented police officer, joins forces with Loganathan (Sarathkumar), a seasoned crime branch SP, to solve a perplexing case involving a series of murders in Trichy.

Initially, Loganathan reluctantly accepts Prakash as his assistant and even insults him, highlighting his inadequacies. However, as the investigation progresses, Prakash's knowledge and skills come to light, earning him important responsibilities from Loganathan. Meanwhile, two more women fall victim to the same killer, intensifying the urgency of their mission.

The film's first half primarily focuses on the meticulous police procedurals, providing a fresh and realistic portrayal of investigative work rarely seen on screen. The dynamic between the experienced senior officer, Loganathan, and the talented and vibrant youngster, Prakash, as they unravel the intricacies of the case, is intriguing and believable.

By the end of the first half, the audience is led to believe that the killer has been apprehended, building anticipation for the second half. The latter part of the film lives up to these expectations, delivering an unexpected twist that seamlessly integrates with the plot. This twist shocks both the central characters and the audience, showcasing the brilliance of the screenplay. Furthermore, the evolution of the relationship between Loganathan and Prakash, from a rift to harmony, is beautifully depicted.

While the second half of the film may have minor sags and logical lapses, it still manages to captivate. It would have been beneficial to delve deeper into the reasons behind the murders, providing a more detailed explanation. Nonetheless, the film successfully conveys a message of love and warmth, emphasizing the potential decrease in crime if there are positive changes in family structures and society.

The performances in "Prakash" are commendable, with Sarathkumar delivering an excellent portrayal of a tough police officer. Ashok Selvan convincingly portrays the transformation of a fearful individual into a determined investigator. Nikhila Vimal shines in her role as the technical assistant, and the late Sarathbabu delivers a noteworthy performance in a different role.

The supporting cast, including PL Thenappan and O.A.K., adds depth to the film with their performances. Jakes Bijai's background score, Kalaichelvan Sivaji's cinematography, and Sreejith Sarang's cinematography effectively support the director's vision.

In conclusion, "Por Thozhil" is an intelligently crafted thriller that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish. Despite minor flaws, the film's intelligence, interest, and message shine through. Set aside the shortcomings and enjoy this gripping cinematic experience.

Cinema Review Rating - 3.5/ 5 ✫✫✫⋆

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