'Eli' Movie Review: A Slow Paced Film That Fails To Impress

Eli has released in more than 250 screens in Tamil Nadu alone. Being a Vadivelu's flick, the movie has gathered some expectations. Has it lived up to it though? Find out by reading our review.

Eli Plot:

Eli is a comical spy thriller which has Vadivelu playing a petty thief. When the menace of a dreaded gang gets out of control, the police department is left with no choice but to send an 'eli'(rat) to nab the head of the gang.

What follows is a series of action sequences inspired by Jackie Chan movies coupled with clichéd Vadivelu comedies that moves at snail's pace. Whether or not he is successful in his mission forms the rest of the story which appears to be a mere formality.

Performances:

As expected, Vadivelu impresses with his comical expressions but his performance doesn't have a platform to elevate itself and thus falls flat.

Sadha who plays the female lead, do not have much of a screen space barring a couple of songs (which acts as a speed breaker to an already slow moving movie).

Pradeep Rawat, who has played the main antagonist is the only saving grace Eli has in its performance department.

Technicalities:

Both the first as well as second half is way too slow paced to one's liking as even Vadivelu's charm fails to keep Eli alive throughout.

Paul Livingstone, the cinematographer, has managed to capture the essence of 60s giving the film a retro look. His choice of colours though are poor as it fails to connect with the soul of his camerawork.

At 2 hours and 40 minutes, Eli could've done with many more cuts. It comes as a surprise when an editor like VT Vijayan along with TS Jay fails to deliver which is a rarity.

Vidyasagar's background score is apt for a movie like Eli, his songs though are unbearable. Usage of the Hindi classic 'Meri Sapno ki' is inappropriate.

Overall View:

With Vadivelu's comedies working only in parts, Eli is way too slow paced that fails to impress and has nothing new to offer.

Check out some of the interesting stills from Eli in the slides below:

Vadivelu The Small Time Thief

Vadivelu's talent has been misused in Eli. Being such a talented actor that he is, he should put extra efforts in choosing his scripts, one might feel.

Stunt Sequences

Vadivelu, for the first time, has tried his hand at stunt sequences which he has executed in a decent manner.

Losing His Charm?

Once a mainstay comedian of Tamil cinema, Vadivelu movies have not worked the way he would've wished since his comeback.

Better Off As A Comedian?

Perhaps, the 'Vaigai Puyal' of Kollywood needs to make a decision on his role from here on. If he decides to continue doing lead roles then his selection of scripts needs a major rethink.

Vadivelu With His Sidekicks

Vadivelu had earlier said that the inspiration for the film's title came from the repeated usage of the word "rat", which is a term used to denote a spy, in the Martin Scorsese film The Departed.

Vadivelu Performing A Stunt

Principal photography commenced with the filming of a song sequence on the outskirts of the city. A stunt sequence was shot at a specially erected set in early April 2015 over a period of eight days.

Job Well Done By Thotta Tharani

Among the very minimal positives the movie has, sets erected by Thotta Tharani stands out.

Not A Fun Riot Throughout

Eli was expected to be an out and out comedy entertainer. Though the film has its comedy sequences, the problem erupts when only few of those comedy tracks make the audience laugh.

Cliched Vadivelu Comedies

Many of the comedy sequences are cliched in the movie as mentioned before. The movie also gives us the impression that it's been made only for diehard Vadivelu fans.

Will It Achieve Box Office Success?

It is to be seen if the movie can achieve box office success which looks like highly improbable.