The Life of Muthu Filmy4wap – Movie Review
Starring: Silambarasan T. R., Radhika Sarathkumar, Siddhi Idnani
Director: Gautham Menon
Producer: Ishari K. Ganesh
Music Director: AR RahMAN
Cinematography: Siddhartha Nuni
Editor: Anthony
Related Links: Trailer
Silambarasan, popularly known as Simbu, is well-known to Telugu audiences. He collaborates once again with renowned director Gautham Vasudev Menon for “The Life of Muthu,” marking their fourth project together. The film premiered today. Let’s explore how it fares.
Story
After graduating, Muthu (Simbu) is compelled by his family’s situation to manage a forest land. When the forest unexpectedly catches fire, Muthu and the landowner find themselves in a tricky situation. Muthu’s mother advises him to move to Mumbai, where he starts working at a Parotta stall to support his family. He soon discovers a link between his coworkers and the underworld and eventually becomes entangled in their world. The film revolves around Muthu’s journey through this dark path.
Plus Points
Simbu delivers an outstanding performance as Muthu, fully embodying the character. His portrayal is so convincing that viewers see Muthu, not Simbu. His performance, particularly in the interval sequence, is exceptional. The film contains several well-executed scenes in both halves, with the climax featuring a significant meeting between Simbu and Neeraj Madhav, which adds depth and meaning. The action sequences are well-choreographed, and the love story is adequately developed.
Siddhi Idnani impresses in her role and is visually appealing. The interval episode is masterfully shot, with excellent camera work. The depiction of Muthu’s hard work and daily struggles feels realistic. The conversational style of the songs is engaging.
Minus Points
The film’s primary drawback is its slow pacing, which can test viewers’ patience. The narrative remains sluggish throughout, impacting the overall experience. Some potentially thrilling scenes are not executed as effectively as they could have been, resulting in a flat screenplay. The film also tends to drag and become predictable at times, with noticeable inconsistencies in the storytelling. Although the film shows potential, it fails to fully realize it, leading to a somewhat disappointing experience.
The film’s nearly three-hour length is another downside, lacking the necessary hook, especially given its potential sequel.
Technical Aspects
AR Rahman’s powerful background score significantly enhances the film, with his music adding excitement to many scenes. The songs are delightful. Siddhartha Nuni’s cinematography is top-notch, capturing the mafia world vividly. The Telugu dubbing is satisfactory. However, the editing could have been tighter to improve the film’s pace.
Director Gautham Vasudev Menon delivers an average performance, as the film is only partially successful. Greater attention to the screenplay would have benefitted the film. Writer Jeymohan’s story, while not particularly original, has its moments.
Verdict
Overall, “The Life of Muthu” is an average gangster drama. Simbu’s remarkable performance as Muthu, along with some captivating scenes, an engaging interval block, and AR Rahman’s compelling music, are the film’s strengths. However, the slow narrative, inconsistencies, and extended duration make the film only moderately enjoyable. It’s worth watching if you can overlook these flaws.