Thozha (2016)

English translation: Friend
Director: Vamsi Paidipally
Screenplay: Vamsi Paidipally
Cast: Nagarjuna, Karthi, Tamanaah 
Music: Gopi Sunder
Time: 158 minutes
Bottom-line: Much longer than needed, but still a level higher than most of the recent Tamil films

Note: The same film was simultaneously released as Oppiri in Telugu with the same lead actors 

Thozha is one of those rare Tamil films that receive surprisingly positive reviews from audience and critics alike, and that is what caught the attention of my family as well. The film, also released in Telugu as Oppiri, (with the same lead actors but with a slightly different supporting crew) talks about the bond between two men, each coming from polar opposite parts of the society.

Karthi as Seenu and Tamanaah as Keerthi

The film begins in the present day but the timeline soon shifts back a few months. Seenu (Karthi) is a thief who is just released from prison, on parole. With help from his uncle, he is determined to show that he can be useful to the society, in a period of four months. Being astonished by the affluence of Vikram Aditya (Nagarjuna) – a billionaire who is paralysed from the neck down – and falling in love with his secretary Keerthi (Tamanaah) at first sight, Seenu decides to apply for the post of Vikram’s caretaker. Somehow impressed by Seenu’s happy-go-lucky behaviour, and his seemingly rowdy appearance that others look at in disgust, Vikram appoints him. Soon the lives of Vikram and Seenu undergo a sea change, and despite their widely different social status, they find in each other, a friend, a companion...a brother.

I wonder if the reason Karthi was chosen to play Seenu is because he fits the description of a careless, charismatic and jovial guy, or some other weird reason, because I have never had the opinion that Karthi was capable of being a good actor. But in Thozha he proves me wrong, and in a convincing fashion too. The way he plays a spoilt young man initially, then a caring friend is amazing, and every instant throughout the film he brings a charm to the screen. Nagarjuna has acted quite well, using only his facial expressions to convey all his emotion, although his Tamil could have been much better. Prakash Raj’s cameo role was a delight too.

Karthi, with Nagarjuna as Vikram

The film runs for about 40 minutes longer than necessary, mainly due to the comedy track, which at times was a drag, but at least, not all jokes were not clichéd or lame. The songs were way below standard; not even one of them was worth listening to, be it the tune or the lyrics. I liked the main theme which is about the friendship between Vikram and Seenu, and how they go from being strangers to brothers, and how they make each other’s lives sparkle. One message the film tries to give is that wealth alone will not give happiness, but to know that there is someone who loves you and takes care of you will give you immense joy. The scene where Seenu’s simple methods to surprise Vikram on his birthday overcome those of Vikram’s friends who think they are actually throwing a “surprise party”, highlights it.

While Thozha is still far from being a perfect film, it is the filmthat has come closest to being one, among the other Tamil films of 2016. Despite its flaws, this is a family movie worth watching!

My Rating: 3/5