Theri movie review: Vijay-Samantha film set to be a THERRIFIC blockbuster

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Rating: 3.5 starsCast: Ilayathalapathy Vijay, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Amy Jackson

One of the most-awaited Tamil films of the year, Theri, opened to viewers this week. The film, written and directed by Atlee and produced by Kalaipuli S Thanu, is Vijay's return to the silver screen after the debacle that was Puli.

The film has been making waves ever since the cast and technical crew were announced. There are a number of reasons for the excitement. And the fact that Theri sees the return of Ilayathalapathy Vijay in his best-loved avatar of a police officer, is only one of them.

Theri is second directorial outing of Atlee after his blockbuster Raja Rani. The film marks the debut of baby Nainika, daughter of veteran actress Meena and the comeback of director Mahendra on screen after 12 years. 

What's more, Theri also brings back the much-loved on screen pairing of Vijay and Samantha Ruth Prabhu, after their superhit, Kaththi. Theri is also the 50th album of music composer GV Prakash. 

While the film runs on a simple plot, its crisp screenplay keeps the audience engaged. Vijay plays a double role in the film, essaying the characters of Joseph Kuruvila and a tough cop, also named Vijay. 

Samantha plays a doctor while Amy Jackson plays a school teacher. The director takes time to establish the plot and the characters. However, the dialogues keep the film entertaining throughout. The pre-interval clash between Vijay and the antagonist Mahendra sets the tone for the second-half. 

Director Atlee has managed to present Vijay in a fresh manner. The director also peppers the plot with many messages in an entertaining manner. Full marks to him for getting the emotions spot on in the second-half. 

In terms of the performances, the lead roars with all his might as Police officer, Vijay - while being managing to pull off a convincing act as the sincere Joseph Kuruvila. Theri is Vijay's best work till date, surpassing his performance in Thuppakki. Samantha as Vijay's love interest does the trick and steals the show in the hospital sequence as well as in the scenes with Vijay's mother. Amy Jackson does not have much to offer in terms of acting and is strictly okay in the film. 

Theri does have its own share of flaws since the story of the film is predictable and lacks the twists and turns expected from a Vijay film. The music is just about average and some of the songs look forced on screen.

Theri is a film that not only rides on Vijay's star power but is also supported by an interesting subject. The film stands a chance to emerge as Vijay's biggest hit till date.

-- Text By Sree Prasad Nair