Suriya’s acting skills no introduction! His roles in films like Ghajini, Khaka Khaka, Surya s/o Krishnan are proof enough of his charm and elegance. After a breezy entertainer like “Veedokkade”, he’s back in “Ghatikudu” along with Nayanatara. Directed by K.S.Ravikumar, ‘Ghatikudu’ narrates the story of a contract killer who’s hired to kill a VIP.

What is it about : Suriya stars as Ashok, a sharp shooter in Kolkata who never leaves any evidence in all the murders he commits. One day, he accepts a contract from Abdul (Mukul Dev) to kill a judge played by Bharath Murali, but misses his target on the destined day. Ashok, who never misses his target, promises Abdul that he will kill the judge within 10 days. He traps, Vadivelu, a servant in the judge’s house and succeeds in entering the house as Vadivelu’s relative. He meets Tara (Nayanathara) in the same house and they are slowly drawn to each other. In the meantime, Ashok impresses everyone in the house at the same time plotting to kill the judge. However, his plans go awry most of the time but he never gives up. Does he really succeed in killing the judge? How does his growing relationship, with the family affect his plans? That forms the rest of the story.

What is Good: Suriya puts his heart and soul throughout the film. Be it in his role as a contract killer or as the servant in the judge’s house, his body language is brilliant. The much publicized sequence of him acting as a 10 year old boy has a great shock value, however it doesn’t look natural. The film also owes a lot to the comedian, Vadivelu whose comic timing is almost perfect. The entire first half of the film solely concentrates on the funny situations between the two and the duo doesn’t disappoint at all. Although, she doesn’t have a critical role, Nayanathara is good enough. Bharath Murali delivers a credible performance as the judge. The entire sequence between Suriya and the judge’s family members is a pleasure to watch in the first half.

What is bad: After starting on an interesting note in the first half, the film slowly loses its steam and pace in the second half. The director shows Suriya as a 10 year old boy, but the sheer predictability of the story ruins the script. Villian’s role is not strong enough. The climax of the film is absolutely ridiculous, the kind which you would only expect in “Superman” movies! The entire second half is about tying the loose ends of the film and the director narrates everything in a hurry.

Technical Departments: Story by Ramesh Khanna has all the ingredients for a commercial potboiler. Art by Rajeevan is good and the Costumes department deserves a special mention especially for the songs. Editing by Donmax is slick and crisp. Cinematography by Ganesh is wonderful especially in the beginning of the film and in the songs shot in Iceland and South Africa. Harris Jayraj has composed six soundtracks for the film and each of them has a style of its own. Director, K.S.Ravikumar who in the past has made films like Dashavatharam, starts on a good note in “Ghatikudu”. But the sloppy second half and a ridiculous climax takes the fun out of the film.

Bottomline: The film has almost all the ingredients for a commercial potboiler. Despite all that, K.S.Ravikumar sticks to his usual formula and delivers a predictable film. Most of the film has been shot in Kolkata, it would have been much better if more locations across Kolkata were used for the movie. Suriya’s action, Vadivelu’s comedy and Nayanathara’s glamour are the plus points for the film. However, a sluggish pace in second half and a bad climax takes the fun out of the film. Watch it only for Suriya, he dazzles in almost everything, acting, dancing and fights! It’s a rather silly, pointless film with ample thrills and comedy to keep you hooked onto the screen.