Cast: Arulnidhi, Iniya
Direction: Shantha Kumar
Music: Thaman

Its been a long time since Tamil cinema had seen a taut thriller that is racy and riveting from the word go. There have been a few commercial films or romantic flicks making its mark at the box office in the recent past. Mouna Guru fills the void. Credit the filmmaker Shanthakumar for the success.

A former protege of director Dharani, Shanthakumar has a firm grip on the medium and provides thrills and spills at regular intervals ensuring the curiosity level never dips down anywhere in the film.

Also due credit should go to actor Arulidhi, who has done just what his director ordered. He fits the role and gives right emotions. The actor in him doesn’t override the script. Hence Mouna Guru is a whiff of fresh air in Tamil cinema. The movie yet again proves that it is a filmamaker’s medium.

Expect the unexpected at every scene in Mouna Guru. Arulnidhi plays Karunakaran (Arulnidhi), who lives life in his own way and dare s to brings a change in the society.

For him speech is silver and silence is gold. He lets his actions do all the talking.

He comes from Madurai to Chennai to continue his studies for he is driven out of the college for his acts that does have a purpose.

He initially stays at his borther’s house but feels uncomfortable and prefers to stay pt at college hostel.There is Arthy (Iniya), crazy behind him.

All things take a turn when a corrupt Assistant Commissioner of Police Marimuthu (John Vijay) enters the scene. Karunakaran and Marimuthu fight each other. A conspiracy is hatched and Karunakaran is declared mentally-challenged and sent to lunatic house. Driven against all odds, he decides to wage a battle and emerge victorious.

Arulnidhi has given a riveting performance thanks to the guidance of his director. He is subtle and speaks less. He lets his body do the rest. His facial expressions brings out his agony and angst. Iniya chips in with her best, while John Vijay excels. Wonder where Uma Riyaz had been all this while. She plays her character with utmost maturity.

Mahesh Muthusamy gives his best capturing the intricate emotions of each character through his lens. he has used soft tones to say loud the travails of Karunakaran.

There may be some minor hiccups, but on the whole, Mouna Guru is a different fare that promises plenty and delivers with aplomb. One to cherish is Mouna Guru. Three cheers to Shanthakumar and his whole crew.

Verdict: Splendid show

Rating: 6.5/10 – Hit