C.S. Amudhan’s Tamizh Padam 2: What Works, What Doesn’t

Director C.S. Amudhan broke new ground in Tamil cinema with Tamizh Padam, which released in 2010. The first proper spoof film to come out of the industry, the film went on to become a rousing success. Amudhan returns for the second part along with his inimitable hero 'Akila Ulaga Superstar' Shiva.

Plot – There isn't much of a plot here. It's all just an excuse for the director to present enjoyable gags, scene after scene. The screenplay, which is quite random, is all about satirical episodes. The basic premise involves a cop, Shiva (Shiva), taking on a gangster, Pandya aka P (Sathish). P loves to dress up and has many makeovers – reminiscent of popular heroic characters from Kollywood – over the course of the film. In his pursuit of P, Shiva travels through time, participates in a dance contest and has several other adventures.

What Works

• C.S.Amudhan walks the thin line between trolling and insulting, and succeeds in entertaining the viewers. From films and scenes involving popular stars to notorious politicians to the 'loosu ponnu' heroine prototype in Tamil cinema, 'Troll King' Amudhan is unstoppable. He doesn't spare even the biggest Indian blockbuster Baahubali. He also pokes fun at Hollywood films like Forrest Gump, Terminator and Speed.
• Without Shiva, the film would've fallen flat. With his trademark deadpan humour, dialogue delivery and nonchalant body language, Shiva has a fantastic outing. The audience laps up everything that he offers on screen.
• TP2 will be a memorable film for Sathish too. Among his various makeovers is 'Crowman', from the yet to be released 2.0. He carries off all these looks convincingly, with the help of the costumes and makeup, and is a good match to Shiva. These two are, without a doubt, the film's pillars.
• Among the many other actors, Chetan (as Shiva's senior in the force), Kalairani (as Shiva's grandmother) and Santhana Bharathi (as Shiva's friend, who also plays 'Remo' nurse in one episode) leave their mark too.
• TP2 will be a nostalgic trip for Tamil cinema buffs who've observed the industry closely. There are references to popular scenes from so many blockbusters, you'll be left chuckling more often than not. The list of films referenced is huge. Kudos to Amudhan and his research and writing team!

Also Read: Director's Diaries: On The Sets Of Thamizh Padam 2 With CS Amudhan

What Doesn't

• Though it's all in good humour, the romance episode doesn't click all that well. Iswarya Menon plays the heroine and there's a reincarnation angle too as she keeps departing and re-entering Shiva's life. Having veterans like Mano Bala and R.Sundarrajan play college kids isn't funny either.
• The first half is stretched over 1 hour 20 mins and has some flat moments, pulling the film down from its glorious funny highs.
• Apart from the opening song, which has some really imaginative lyrics and the final melancholic version of the same song, the other numbers fall flat. The 'item number' with actress Kasthuri seemed absolutely unnecessary. Though humour is the common thread through all these songs, they could've been done away with to make the movie even crisper.
• The film feels like one extended comedy skit. Don't take the story and other technicalities too seriously.

Final Word: Tamizh Padam 2 is a troll festival and an absolute stress buster. Go watch, take no offense (if you are a fanboy of any big Tamil star) and just laugh away your worries. Paisavasool for the trade!