Movie : Jilla
Production: R. B. Choudary
Cast: Kajal Aggarwal, Mahat, Mohan Lal, Soori, Vijay
Direction: RT Neason
Screenplay: RT Neason
Story: RT Neason
Music director: D. Imman
Background score: D. Imman
Cinematography: R. Ganesh
Dialogues: RT Neason
Editing: Don Max
Art director: Rajeevan
Stunt choreography: Silva
Dance choreography: Raju Sundaram, Shidhar
Singers: A.V Pooja, Anand, D. Imman, Deepak, K.G. Ranjith, S.P.Balasubramaniam, Santhosh Hariharan, Shankar Mahadevan, Shenbagaraj, Shreya Ghoshal, Snigdha Chandra, Sunidhi Chauhan, Vijay
Lyrics : Parvathy, Vairamuthu, Viveka, Yugabharathi
PRO: Mounam Ravi
Distribution: Super Good Films
Pongal festivities in Tamil Nadu may commence in a couple of days but the carnival begins with Jilla, one of the most anticipated movies of the year with Ilayathalapathy Vijay partnering with Malayalam super star Mohanlal under Neason’s directorial baton.
If you are looking out for some fun and time-pass entertainment then, Mohanlal and Vijay combo is sure to make your day. The bonding and camaraderie between the two, who play father and son is what the film revolves around.
Don’t expect any surprises in the plot or treatment, as the story is as old as the hills. Sivan (Mohanlal) is a don like guy in Madurai area. He brings up Sakthi (Vijay), his driver’s son as his own after he is killed by a police officer. Sakthi grows up with an aversion to Khaki and hates cops. To save his father’s crime syndicate, Sakthi is forced to join the police form, but soon tables are turned.
The film works largely due to Mohanlal – Vijay combo scenes. The jostle and push dance between the two in the energetic and massy number Sivanum Sakthiyum Serndha Maasu da.. is electrifying. The bonhomie and the comic timing is perfect and emotional action laced climax is apt.
Both the superstars have equal screen space. If Mohanlal hogged the show in the first half, it is an out and out Vijay show in the second half. Mohanlal is at ease playing the larger than life don, that only an actor of his proven calibre can make it believable. Be it his introduction scene or his flare-up, he tempers the recklessness of his character with restraint and pours plenty of heartfelt emotions. Vijay as usual is dashing and is terrific in the scene where he transforms from a reckless guy to a duty bound cop.
Kajal Aggarwal has nothing much to do other than be a part of the songs. Comparing her last release Thuppaki, here she lacks the oomph of an eye-candy and her make-up and costumes are nothing to write about. Poornima, Mahat, Niveda, Sampath and others just fit the bill. The major plus of the film is D Imman’s songs with Kandaangi Kandaangi…. and Paatu Onnu… being the pick of the lot.
On the downside, the film is too long and predictable with some of the songs acting as speed breakers. What is the need of that item song? Soori’s comedy falls flat.
The film works mainly due to Mohanlal and Vijay combo. Jilla is masala entertainment and a full course meal that leaves you with a smile on your face. A perfect outing with your family this festival season.