Modhi Vilayadu

A tale of big businessmen and the games they play, that is Modhi Vilayadu. In the world of business tycoons, money flows in millions, assets are worth even more. But, the state wouldn’t be too happy to know that so much wealth belongs to a single person. That is where the concept of ‘binami’ (pseudo ownership) comes into play; a clever way to hoodwink the government off taxes and also to mislead business competitors from one’s real assets. The ‘binami’ idea is the central theme of Modhi Vilayadu. A Saran directorial venture after three years, much was expected from this tale of big money, property and rivalries. Does Saran deliver?

Modhi Vilayadu was meant to be a gripping game of big rivals going for each other with vengeance and cunning. The premise is interesting, the games they play are intriguing, but the proceedings are not exciting. In short, the journey fails to engage you. The masked identities, the target and fate’s unpredictability interest you, but it is when Vinay begins his attempts to checkmate Kalabhavan Mani that you feel a bit let down. Some of the situations in the screenplay are highly improbable occurrences for a multi millionaire to be seen in.

Director Saran who had touched the mass commercial flicks of B and C centres has opted for a film merely for multiplex audiences. But kindly don’t mistake that if a film is shot sleek and stylish, it’s meant only for ‘A’ class. Of course, the film’s screenplay has been well-tailored gratifying for all the centres. Although, first half may not be off great likeliness for miniscule audiences with stylish love tale, the latter portions are commercially weaved catering to tastes of B and C.

Santhanam’s comedy are more enjoyable, especially the moments in second half where he imitates Arya in Naan Kadavul, Jai’s Subramaniapuram, Vijayakanth’s Ramana and as a Hollywood actor. Ramesh Khanna and Mayilsamy add furthermore to the humorous portions.

The high point of Modhi Vilayadu is its production values. No compromises have been made on the rich look of the film; each frame reflects the lifestyle of millionaires. Karun’s camera has captured the grandeur well. Colonial Cousins, Hariharan and Leslie, do not disappoint on debut. Two songs, ‘Chi Chi’ and ‘Padhi Mutham’ are pleasant to hear. Modhi Vilayadu is a pretty lavishly made tale of businessmen and the games they play.

On the whole, Modhi Vilaiyaadu is an interesting film with commercial element and right moments that will entertain the audiences