Enugu: A Family Drama with a Dash of Action and Emotion
Cast: Arun Vijay, Priya Bhavani Shankar, Samuthirakani, Radhika Sarathkumar, Yogi Babu, Ammu Abhirami, KGF Ramachandra Raju, and others
Director: Hari
Producer: CH Satish Kumar
Music Director: GV Prakash Kumar
Cinematography: S. Gopinath
Editor: Anthony
Arun Vijay teams up with mass director Hari for the first time in Enugu, a family drama laced with action. With its theatrical release today, let’s delve into how the movie fares.
Story:
The film centers around Ravi (Arun Vijay), the youngest member of the PRV family. His stepbrothers, portrayed by Samuthirakani, Bose Venkat, and Sanjeev, hold strong casteist beliefs. When a conflict arises between the PRV family and the family of Samudram (Aadukalam Jayabalan), things spiral out of control, leading to the accidental death of Samudram’s son, Bachi (KGF Ramachandra Raju). Bachi’s twin brother Lingam (also KGF Ramachandra Raju) and Samudram seek vengeance and set out to wipe out the PRV family. What follows is a series of events where Ravi must rise to the occasion to protect his family. Will Lingam’s quest for revenge succeed, or can Ravi save his loved ones?
Positives:
Arun Vijay stands out with his exceptional performance, holding the film together with his powerful portrayal. Whether in action sequences or emotional moments, he delivers convincingly. The first half of Enugu provides ample entertainment, with humor that hits the mark. Yogi Babu shines in the comic sequences, with director Hari effectively utilizing his talent.
The romantic track between Arun Vijay and Priya Bhavani Shankar is enjoyable and brings a refreshing element to the story. Priya also has a substantial role and does justice to it. Radhika Sarathkumar and Ammu Abhirami are commendable in their respective parts.
Although the film follows a familiar narrative, the treatment is slightly different compared to Hari’s earlier projects. The climax, in particular, offers an unexpected twist that works in the film’s favor.
Negatives:
Enugu suffers from a lengthy runtime, with about 15 to 20 minutes that could have been trimmed. While the first half is engaging, the pace slows down significantly in the second half, particularly during the family drama scenes, which lack depth and become monotonous. At times, it feels like the story is losing its focus.
The antagonist, Lingam, who is introduced with much intensity, gradually fades into the background. His character lacks the screen time and development necessary to sustain the impact he made early on. A more robust portrayal of the villain would have enhanced the overall experience.
Technical Aspects:
Cinematographer S. Gopinath’s work is praiseworthy, as he beautifully captures the coastal backdrop where the film is set. The action sequences, particularly the single-take fight scenes, are well-executed, thanks to stunt choreographer Arasu.
GV Prakash Kumar’s songs don’t leave much of an impression, but his background score enhances key scenes and heightens the drama. The production values are impressive, and the dubbing is seamlessly done. Dialogues are impactful, adding to the film’s commercial appeal.
Director Hari succeeds in delivering a mass entertainer that resonates with the audience. While the storyline is simple, he manages to engage viewers by including elements that cater to the masses. Notably, he avoids the over-the-top sequences that are typical of his previous films, opting instead for a more balanced approach.
Verdict:
In conclusion, Enugu is a decent family drama with a strong lead performance from Arun Vijay. While the story is predictable and drags in certain parts, the film offers enough entertaining moments to make it an enjoyable watch for fans of commercial cinema. If you’re a fan of action-packed family dramas, Enugu may be worth a watch.