'Annanukku Jai' Review: Dinesh makes this political satire entertaining

Attakathi Dinesh has managed to set up a loyal fan base with his boy-next-door image and the kind of films he chooses. With Vetrimaaran coming forth to produce this venture directed by debutant director Rajkumar, the expectation for the film was high even though the makers maintained a low profile ahead of the release. Has the film managed to live up to its expectations to add yet another success to Dinesh’s filmography?

The film opens with Matta Ravi (Dinesh), a toddy seller, who is a happy-go-lucky person. We see him roaming around the village with his friends and spending time with his lady love Sundari (Mahima Nambiar). He continues with his work until a local politician (Deena) takes a Tasmac shop under his control. He is irked that people prefer toddy to liquor and lodges a complaint against Ravi’s father Duraisamy (Mayilsamy), who is arrested and tortured by the police. This incident affects Ravi and he decides to take a political plunge with the help of a local leader Parasuraman (Radha Ravi). This makes for a perfect engaging first half. The only lag is that the film makes us wonder if it’s a political flick or a political satire.

The second half is, however, more entertaining as we see Dinesh as a wannabe politician. His natural performance reminds us of his debut film. The audience breaks into laughter throughout the film at Matta Ravi’s gimmicks and how they fail. The fight scene, in which he tackles the villains without getting near to them, makes for a good laugh. 

Mahima Nambiar though has a small role to play, has done a neat job.Her makeover as a rural lass has worked wonders for the film. However, director Rajkumar is to be lauded for taking a daring step in showing us the pros and cons of hyperlocal politics. While Arrol Corelli gives us some decent songs, the background music, which doesn’t strike a chord for the majority of the film, is a let-down. 

Each character in the film is well-etched and has definitely created an impact. The humour has worked in favour of the film and helped it succeed in its attempt. Overall, Annanuku Jai is a watchable political satire.

Director: Rajkumar

Cast: Attakathi Dinesh, Mahima Nambiar, Mayilsamy, Radha Ravi, Deena, Vaiyapuri

Music Director: Arrol Corelli

Synopsis: A tree-climber decides to take the political plunge and puts himself in a situation. Does he manage to get himself out of the situation and emerge successful?

Rating: 3/5