Pokkiri, a 2007 Pongal release marked the beginning of the Vijay-Prabhudeva Combination. The film proved to be one of the biggest blockbusters of the year and is considered a memorable film in the careers of both Vijay and Prabhudeva. Now the victorious combination is back with yet another blockbuster in the making, VILLU for 2009 Pongal. Vijay had commented in his previous interviews that VILLU is an old story portrayed in a new manner. Let us see if the ‘old wine in a new bottle’ formula continues to remain intact

The movie revolves around Pugazh (Vijay) who acts according to the instructions from Joseph (Manoj K Jayan). After finishing his first assignment he goes to a village to attend a marriage where he meets Jhanvi (Nayanthara). After this marriage, Jhanvi returns back to Chennai and Pugazh arrives to Chennai in her pursuit. When Pughal speaks about their marriage, Jhanvi insists on him to meet her father JD (Prakashraj). When Vijay meets Prakashraj, the story takes a very interesting turn and the rest of the film is about what assignment Vijay was sent in, why and so forth.

Vijay – an Overview:

Vijay in the guise of Pugazh has done a marvelous job in this film. His romance with Jhanvi and humor with both Nayanthara and Vadivelu are great assets to the movie. The movie in itself has turned out to be a very stylish flick for Vijay. Vijay’s fight sequences and dance movements are sure to set the screen on fire. With his boy-next-door appearance and unique body language, Vijay has succeeded in bringing out a remarkable style in the movie. Vijay’s performance after the death of Devaraj is to be complemented. His costumes for the film and the songs are very attractive. Vijay turns completely aggressive when it comes to the action sequences but along with his aggressive stunts, one cannot fail to notice his unique style. Vijay re-enters the movie as Major Saravan (Dad of Pugazh) and gives a very good performance. The changes in mannerisms in these two characters have been brought about very well by Vijay.  Hats off to our Ilayathalapathy.

Nayanthara-Vijay:

 This is the first film for this dream pair. Already their dance for ‘Kodambakkam Area’ from Sivakasi had a big reach among all kinds of people. Their On-Screen chemistry has worked really well to the advantage of this movie. Nayanthara not only romances with Vijay but also delivers very good comedy along with Vijay and Vadivelu. Nayanthara scores as usual in the glamour sequences and her seducing looks have been used effectively in most of the songs .Dancing with Vijay is not an easy task but Nayan has managed to do that in a very efficient manner.

Prabhudeva - The King Maker:

Prabhudeva can be credited for bringing about a noticeable improvement in the performance of Vijay and Nayanthara in this movie (not that their performance was any less before!). PD (as he is shortly called!) in his previous interviews accepted that Villu is not a new story but an old story visualized in a different manner. PD’s real talent in presenting the film in a very racy manner is highly evident in the first half and his sentimental touches are remarkable in some of the portions in the second half. He is very sincere about what people expect from Vijay and has done justice to this by giving a storyline with the proper blending of Vijay’s usual elements. Prabhudeva has indeed succeeded in delivering a James Bond type Movie.

Ravi Varman – The Man behind the Style:

Ravi alone has made the dream film of Prabhudeva possible. His camera has worked wonders in both the songs and action sequences. Ravi himself being a great fan of Vijay has succeeded in giving stunning and stylish looks for Vijay and is the real backbone of the whole film. His camera angles in Munich and in the climax were excellent. The screen chemistry between Nayan and Vijay is strengthened by Ravi’s cinematography. The stylish scenes between Vijay and Prakashraj were made to look really powerful because of the Ravi factor.  The best part of Ravi’s work is the ‘Nee Kobapattal’ song. Hats off to this wonderful cinematographer

DSP-Man behind the beats:

The songs of Villu have already gained momentum after the audio release. DSP’s tunes were a great asset to the movie. DSP accepts the view that he did a very good job in the BGM of Villu when compared to the film’s soundtrack. His BGM for Villu made the film to look more stylish. His BGM for Pugazh (Every Body….) and Major Saravanan (Acham…..) are cool. Thanks for rendering a western touch to the movie.

Fefsi Vijayan – Man behind extraordinary stunts

There are 5 main fight sequences in the movie. First we have an Intro fight shot in Binny Mills, the fight and intro scenes were well planned and executed by Fefsi Vijayan. The stunt in motor boats is mind-blowing and well cinematographed. The fight sequence in the village is too good with mass elements and local fight styles (using Silambhu, Kombhu, etc).  A fight sequence in the helicopter is the major highlight of the film. The final climax fight is also good to watch and brings out the total emotion of Pugazh. Vijayan also plays a cameo role in the song ‘Jalsa’ dancing for the English lines of the song.

Songs:

Hey Rama Rama – A song completely dominated by Vijay’s dance movements, colorful sets and Kushboo’s amazing screen presence.

Vaada Maaple – A wonderfully choreographed song in a village backdrop with good dance moves by both Nayan and Vijay and with some humor delivered by Vadivelu.

Daddy Mummy – Vijay’s stylish looks and cool choreography are a great plus to this song. A few mind-blowing steps by Vijay completely overshadows the other screen elements like Mumaith Khan.

Nee Kobapatal – A technical/visual treat for all with multiple Vijay’s on the screen with different and cute expressions. Thanks to Rajusundaram (choreography) and Ravivarman for this wonderful song.

Jalsa – This song is a visual treat with a seducing Nayanthara and a cool Vijay in a water backdrop to set fire in the minds of the viewers.

Dheemthanaka Thillana - A song by DSP which fills the last part of the movie with Vijay’s kuthu number showcasing Vijay and Nayanthara in a colorful Set.

Bottom-line:  An entertainer with a perfect blending of action, humor, style, mass and class. Villu serves as a sweet pongal gift for all classes of audience. The team of ‘Villu’ has succeeded in meeting the expectations.

Rating: 9/10

Review written by: Ram (VFN)