GV Prakash’s Sema: What Works, What Doesn’t

Despite its tried-and-tested formula, the Vallikanth-directed film is mostly enjoyable
GV Prakash’s Sema: What Works, What Doesn’t

With Sema, GV Prakash ventures into the rural family drama space, made popular by Sivakarthikeyan in films like Varuthadpadatha Vaalibar Sangam and Rajini Murugan. Written by Pandiraj, the film is directed by debutant Vallikanth.

The plot – Kuzhandhai (GV Prakash) is a street-smart youngster who is down on his luck when it comes to marriage. His mother (Sujatha Sivakumar) is desperate to get him married within three months, but many alliances fail to materialise. A match with Magizhini (Arthana Binu) works out, but it isn't smooth sailing as her father poses an obstacle. How the two get married and go about their lives with the help of their mothers is presented in a humorous way.

What works

  • GV Prakash isn't required to exert himself much as an actor and so he appears casual and endearing on screen. It's a good outing for him as a composer too, with hit songs like 'Sandalee' and 'Uruttu Kannala'. DoP Vivek Anand's visual treatment of both is pleasing.
  • The pretty Arthana Binu is a welcome addition to the list of Kollywood heroines. She is expressive and partners well with GV onscreen.
  • Yogi Babu, the it-guy of the moment, consistently churns out the laughs here too. Veterans Kovai Sarala and Mansoor Ali Khan come into their own in the second half, appearing in comedy-drama situations.
  • Though typecast as a mother in most rural films, Sujatha Sivakumar delivers unfailingly. Her authentic rural slang lends itself to this genre effortlessly.
  • Pandiraj is a seasoned filmmaker when it comes to rural movies. He keeps the fare engaging and family-friendly, assisted by director Vallikanth.

What doesn't

  • There are some repetitive scenes in the first half, with many matchmaking episodes and comedy sequences featuring GV Prakash, his sidekick Yogi Babu and the girls who rejected him. Some pruning would've helped.
  • Don't go in expecting a novel story or new scenes. Here, a tried-and-tested formula has been rehashed.
  • The movements of the actors' lips don't match the dialogues in quite a few instances. The dubbing should've been done more attentively.

Final word: Sema is worth a shot this summer. It is an undemanding family entertainer and a stress-buster, which may find favour with audiences, particularly in the rural belt.

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