Nenjam Marappathillai review: Wacky, hilarious horror-drama

Nenjam Marappathillai

Tamil

Director: Selvaraghavan

Cast: SJ Suryah, Regina Cassandra

Rating: 3/5

If you believe cinema is an escape from reality, don't tell Selvaraghavan that. When he is in form, you can't get away from his eccentric world that never ceases to amuse you. 'Nenjam Marappathillai' was set for a 2017-release. Yet, even now the film feels fresh in idea and execution, which speaks volumes of Selvaraghavan's control over the medium.

The film's good vs evil trope gets a grand wacky touch that makes you enjoy the ride. Ramsay (Suryah) has made his way up to be a wealthy businessman through fraudulent ways. He lusts for money and women. Mariyam (Regina), an orphan who grew up in a church, becomes Ramsay's prey when she walks into his house as his son's caretaker.

The plot points are not surprising but there is so much to love in 'Nenjam Marappathillai'. The characters are eccentric, the dialogues hilarious and the music dashing (Yuvan Shankar Raja). Arvind Krishna's fine cinematography offers a trippy tone to the film.

For those who want to watch SJ Suryah's resurgence, this film is a treat. Selvaraghavan amplifies the actor's villainous image seen in 'Iraivi' (2016) and 'Spyder' (2017) with the role of a lifetime. Suryah's exaggerated performance is thoroughly enjoyable while Regina's dignified presence makes for a fire-and-ice combination.

'Nenjam Marappathillai' reminds one of Mysskin's 'Pisaasu' (2014) as it shows how horror films are devoid of cliches when they are filled with the signature touches of gifted filmmakers. But both these films struggle to finish on a high. After keeping us engrossed till the final act, Selvaraghavan suddenly throws his hands up in the air in the climax.

After the ultra bland 'NGK' (2019), Selvaraghavan fans thought the lion had forgotten to roar. But this is a superb return to form, despite its flaws.