Atharvaa’s Semma Botha Aagathey: What Works, What Doesn’t

Promising young actor Atharvaa Murali ventures into the production space with Semma Botha Aagathey (Don't Get Too High) by filmmaker Badri Venkatesh, who had also directed the actor's first film Baana Kathadi.

The Plot – Following a rough patch with his girlfriend, Ramesh (Atharvaa) goes binge drinking with his friend Nandhu (Karunakaran). He also decides to hire a call girl (Anaika Soti). Once he does, his life becomes extremely complicated, thanks to a mysterious murder and the involvement of gangsters. Over the course of the following day, he has to get to the root of these issues and sort out his life. Staying true to the film's title, there are references to alcohol throughout.

What Works

• The film has some wacky comedy segments, which the youth will particularly enjoy. Karunakaran steals the show with his unique style, while Mano Bala also has a good outing. The scenes with Karunakaran and a dead body (not revealing any spoilers!) in a loft and Mano Bala's drunken antics are a laugh riot.
• Yuvan Shankar Raja unfailingly delivers when it comes to background scores and Semma Botha Aagathey is no exception. The trippy title track and the cool theme are used stylishly during action scenes featuring Atharvaa and the gangsters.
• DoP Gopi Amarnath plays around with red, blue and green lights for the scenes featuring Atharvaa and Anaika. The naughty, sensual mood is presented well by the lighting.
• Atharvaa isn't required to exert himself much as a performer but his smart looks and agility serve him well. Anaika also does a neat job; her role has some unconventionally demanding episodes.

What Doesn't

• The film's ending seems particularly convenient for the hero and his friend. Their obstacles are overcome in a hurry. It seems as though the director decided that he had had enough and closed the show.
• The heroine, Mishti, is attractive but clearly struggles with the lip sync for her Tamil dialogues.
• The lead pair's relationship lacks depth and doesn't engage the audience. You don't feel the hero's pain when the couple separates.
• John Vijay has been typecast in film after film and his performance wears thin here. He should seriously consider changing his style and set pattern of expressions and dialogue delivery. Other noted character actors, Devadharshini, Naren and M.S.Bhasker, also try too hard to entertain.

Final Word: Semma Botha Aagathey works in parts as a youthful comedy entertainer. Don't go in expecting too much and you won't be disappointed.