Boss Engira Bhaskaran Review

They say comedy is a serious business. Not everyone can capture what is funny on paper, on celluloid. For director Rajesh M, he does it with such ease; you find it difficult to believe it’s only his second feature film. With great performances from his lead cast, he returns after the huge success of Siva Manasula Shakthi (SMS), with another comedy caper that is sure to follow suit.

Meet Bhaskaran aka Boss (Arya). A busy bee with nothing to do. Carefree and callous, he has failed his English exam that many times, he will soon be doing the exam with his much younger sister. Now meet Nallathambi (Santhanam). A barber shop owner who’s making ends meet. As a dutiful friend, wherever necessary, he helps his best friend out with ideas and whatnot (read: money). This doesn’t always work out for him. As you may have guessed, enter Chandrika (Nayanthara). Boss falls for Chandrika while he's waiting for a bus to attend his exam. As he tries to impress her and fumbles, he reaches the exam hall only to find out she is the exam hall teacher. But wait, why was he running after someone with a sickle in the opening scene? Isn’t it supposed to proceed with how Boss gets his girl and becomes the son/brother/son-in-law that everyone wants him to be? 

If you follow me on twitter, you will know that I was keeling over in pain from laughter while watching this movie. Yes, it’s a "leave your brain at home" type of movie but so what? It’s entertaining to say the least and Rajesh has made it abundantly clear that is aim. The best part for me was the old Arya from the days of Arindhum Ariyaamalum is back. And how! From a serious, heart-wrenching role in Madrasapattinam, the actor has done a 180 degree turn, showcasing a natural performance in comedy. As Boss, he is just your average lovable loafer. Although accused of being a dead-pan with his facial expressions on occasion, Arya has shown improvement from his previous comedy caper Oram Po. With Santhanam in the mix, the two just have a ball. The chemistry between them is superb and sure to be seen again. Already known for his amazing timing and quick wit, Santhanam returns with Rajesh and delivers yet again, a rip-roaring performance. With them, another person that I wish to see again is Subbu Panchu who plays Arya's older brother. Having seen him tear-jerker Tele-serials as an arch-nemesis for the protagonist, I honestly could not recognise him on the silver screen. In a small, yet vital role that’s definitely a pleasant surprise, he leaves his mark and brings the house down.

With the boys hogging the limelight, Nayanthara does tend to get lost in the mix. But as the demure yet confident teacher in training, Nayanthara looks and acts the part effectively. Often criticised for her costumes, Nalini Sriram has finally got it right with her costume design to suit Nayanthara’s physique and character. Adding to the already good looking on screen couple, their chemistry is effortless. While Arya is the verbous bumbling idiot, Nayanthara composed and calm, comes back with a "Pardon?" The expression on Arya's face is priceless.

Although the performances are what you look out for in the film, it would be wrongful to not mention the re-recording and dialogue. If one openly makes you giggle, the other makes you gaffaw with what it alludes to. Look out for the references to past Tamil flicks. Some may find it offensive, but I simply could not stop laughing. Rajesh has made the dialogues easy for the common man to identify with what's being said. Admittedly in a humorous manner, but the emotions and projection are quite natural.

Once again it is time to pull out the short straws. And for this, I am a little disappointed. As mentioned, no path-breaking cinema is expected but when the viewer can guess the next “twist”, you better have a backup plan. Having a guest appearance is fine but this one was just stupid. The re-recording was typical Yuvan, yet he still had me questioning his state of mind. Undoubtedly it is him on the soundtrack too but he is just not up to par. For such a fun film, I was expecting a lot more.

For the non-Tamil viewer, if possible, watch it with someone that can explain Tamil slang properly as you don’t want to be lost in translation. A total Paisa-vasool kinda film after a long time...