Veppam movie review

Anjana Ali Khan, who was the former associate of Gautham Menon, is making her debut as a director with Veppam. Following his guru's footsteps, the newcomer has etched a sensible and engaging subject. Now, let us see what she has to offer for the audience. Read on for Veppam review.

Story:
The story of the film sets in Chennai's gritty slums with prostituting eunuchs and murders at the backdrop. The movie starts-off with the flashback of Karthi (Nani) and Balaji (Muthu Kumar), who are in streets after their mother died and father Jothi (Shimmore) left home. Balaji takes responsibility of his brother's upbringing. Karthi is in love with their uncle's daughter Revathy (Nithya Menon). They have a mechanic friend name Vishnu (Karthik Kumar). Their life will be normal till Vishnu falls in love with a prostitute named Viji (Bindu Madhavi). Jothi, once a drunkyard has turned a pimp and he is involved in Illegal drug trade. In a bid to take her away from the flesh job, Vishnu makes a deal with Jothi that he would transport drugs to Goa on a condition that the broker should leave his girlfriend to him. What happens next should be seen on-screen.

Performance:
Nani and Bindhu Madhavi have given their best. One cannot expect too-much from them, as they are newcomers to the Tamil film industry. Even though, Nithya Menon has a very small role to play, yet she manages to grab the attention. Karthik Kumar, who has been dreaming to shed his image, is reasonably good. Rest other characters are okay.

Technical:
Being made on the banner of Photon Kathaas, one could always bet on cinematography. Yes, photography by Om Prakash is one of the highlights of Veppam. Coming to music, Joshu Sridhar's melodies are good. Especially, the romantic track on Karthi and Bindu is excellent. However, the director's screenplay is not racy and at times it tests the patience of the viewers. Though, the script and narration are good, it lacks punch, which could have worked wonders for the film. Editor Anthony could have been merciless, when it comes to editing. Had he chopped some slow scenes, the film could have appealed the audience in a different way.

Drawback:
Firstofall, the movie is not a regular mass movie. Only, the brand Gautham Menon should pull the audience to theatres. Lack of publicity is also drawback of the film. Adding to that the film is boring at parts because of slow proceedings.

Verdict:
Veppam is made on the realistic lines and except some parts, the movie is thoroughly engaging. The director's groundwork before prior to the start of the film can be seen in every frame, as she has wonderfully captured Chennai's underbelly. Kudos to the director for getting this right. It is watchable once!

Cast: Nani, Nithya Menon, Karthik, Bindu Madhavi, Muthukumar, Jennifer and others.
Credits: Dialogues – Sashank Vennelakanti, Music – Joshua Sridhar, Cinematography – Om Prakash, Editing – Antony, Presents – Master Atchyut, Producer – Ashok Vallabhaneni, Story, screenplay and direction – Anjana Ali Khan.
Banner: Manadesam Movies.
Released on: July 29, 2011