'Viswasam,' Thala Ajith's fourth outing with director Siva, strikes a chord with the actor's fans. It has the entertaining elements of splendidly choreographed songs, impressive stunts and some of the best actors but lacks an original plot. The film is a usual family drama but Siva has successfully kept this flaw in the script concealed behind the Ajith-Nayanthara magic.
The story revolves around a father-daughter duo and the conflict that arises between them which is later overshadowed by an unexpected turn of events. Thooku Durai (Ajith), the darling of his family and the masses, lives by his set rules and the villagers respect and love him for that. His life takes a turn when a doctor Niranjana (Nayanthara) comes to his village for a medical camp. They fall in love and get married. Soon after they have a daughter, Niranjana realises that she was wrong in her decision to be with the charming Durai. The film is about Durai's attempt to win her back after a gap of ten years and to patch up with his daughter who doesn't know who her father is. Jagapathi Babu gives us a villain who matches up to Ajith's heroism to spice up the story.
Nayanthara who has a very strong female character in the film has done her part beautifully along with Anikha, who plays the role of her daughter Swetha. The first half of the film is for the fans and the family audience alike. Director Siva has packaged it well with a strong introduction for Ajith, a host of musical numbers and a well-scripted romance. However, over-dependence on songs to stitch together a very predictable storyline would test the patience of audience. The script jumps back and forth without any continuity before skipping 10 years without giving the audience any idea as to what happened to characters during the missing years.
The second part of the film shifts from the rural village of Madurai to the urban Mumbai city where Durai 'coincidentally' end up saving his teenage daughter Swetha who is under attack - which is obvious. This is followed by a predictable heightening of tension and mix of emotions (which sort of works for the film as it is handled subtly).
Siva has also tried to please Thala fans with a bike stunt and some thrilling action. The swirled up grey walrus-moustached Thala will definitely make you fall in love with Durai though he says “en Kadhayile njan villain da” (I am the villain in my story). And no wonder if you tap your feet to the dance numbers along with a versatile Ajith. Thanks to the cast of the film that 'Viswasam' is worth a watch in the theatre.
The film is a one-time entertainer sure to be loved by fans and family. Durai would make you feel energetic just the way he is in the film.
