Muthuramalingam is a 2017 Indian Tamil-language action drama film written and directed by Rajadurai. The film features Gautham Karthik and Priya Anand in the leading roles, while Napoleon plays a pivotal supporting role. Featuring music composed by Ilaiyaraaja and song lyrics written by Panchu Arunachalam, production for the film began in early 2016. The film had a theatrical release worldwide on 24 February 2017.
Mookiah Thevar (Napoleon), the honourable head of his community in the village, is a do-gooder and leads a happy family life with his wife (Viji Chandrasekhar) and three children, including Muthuramalingam (Gautam Karthik). A master at silambam, the ancient martial art, he has ensured that his younger son Muthuramalingam, too, is proficient in it. A few students who are getting trained in silambam at his house, had to fight out with a few thugs who try to stop them participating in a competition. As the turmoil becomes serious and a few get badly injured, police officials go to Thevar’s home and ask him to surrender, for which the latter refuses. When a cop finally manages to drag him by pulling his moustache, a matter of pride for him (and his community), his son Muthuramalingam come to the rescue – he chops off the hand of the police officer as blood splashes on the face of a pleased Thevar. He appreciates his son for the ‘brave and timely act’ and ensures that the chopped off arm is hung on a tree for the public to get a glimpse and gives an ultimatum to the police department.
A peeved department ropes in Ashok Pandian (Vamsi Krishna) to nab Muthuramalingam who is on a run to save his life and the pride of his community. In the mean time, he gets enough time to romance his lady love (Priya Anand), too. Will Pandian be able to catch the fearless Muthuralingam?
Gautam Karthik, who plays the titular role, though pulls off the action sequences decently, should have tweaked his appearance and physique to suit the dauntless character rather than mere twirling the moustache often. The scenes which showcases his expertise in silambam is impressive though. Napoleon as the ego-centric community leader appears stout and convincing throughout the film. A few antics of Singam Puli work in bits, while the boastful cop essayed by Vivekh leaves no impact.
One wonders how the film managed to get a U certificate in spite of a few blurred cleavage shots in a song and gory scenes in fight sequences. With over melodramatic scenes towards the climax, the clichéd confrontation between the families of hero and villain, and a patient-testing, age-old flashback story, the film, would have (perhaps) worked, had it released at least 20-30 years ago.
Directed by Rajadurai
Produced by D. Vijayprakash
Written by Rajadurai
Starring Gautham Karthik, Priya Anand, Napoleon
Music by Ilaiyaraaja
Cinematography U. K. Senthil Kumar
Edited by P. Sai Suresh
Production Global Media Works
Release date 24 February 2017
Country India
Language Tamil
Visitor Rating: 1 Stars