MGR Magan movie review: This supposedly fun family drama is devoid of humour and engaging emotions

2/5

Story: A disciplined father and his irresponsible son are not in good terms from a long time. A girl enters the latter's life after which the father-son duo faces a slew of unexpected changes. Will they unite keeping their ego and indifferences at bay? 

Review: Ponram's films are known for their entertainment value, including harmless humour, family drama, hilarious chemistry between a few characters and human emotions. In MGR Magan, which has the director teaming up with Sasikumar for the first time, he has relied on the tried-and-tested formula. 

Actors like Sathyaraj and Samuthirakani, who have played notable roles in the filmmaker's earlier outings, have key roles this time, too. Even the story, like Ponram's previous projects, is set against the backdrop of a village. Has following the sentiments blindly helped Ponram deliver an engaging fare?     

MG Ramasamy aka MGR (Sathyaraj), a herbal practitioner, based out of a village in Theni, is not in talking terms with his son Ravi (Sasikumar) from a long time as the latter couldn't meet the former's expectations. MGR wanted Ravi to be a lawyer and fight legally against a selfish businessman (Pala Karuppiah) whose activities pose threat to natural resources. 

However, Ravi, who was bad in studies, ended up as a wastrel. His mother (Saranya Ponvannan) is the one who is torn between her son and her husband. Her brother (Samuthirakani), a care-free middle-aged man, is the sole relief in Ravi's life.           

Ravi meets Priya (Mirnalini Ravi) in an unexpected circumstance, and they develop a liking for each other. However, MGR advices Priya to stay away from his son for her well-being. But fate had some other plans for them. Can Priya unite MGR and Ravi, who are at loggerheads with each other for several years? Will Ravi reform and live up to his father's expectations?     

Ponram has blindly followed the template used in Sasikumar's regular village dramas. The actor does nothing new in the film, but his equation with Saranya, like previous films, works. The confrontation between Sasikumar and Sathyaraj deserved better writing and execution. Sathyaraj plays his part well, though. 

The romantic track between the lead pair neither helps the story nor does it make us root for them. Mirnalini is wasted in an underwritten role which doesn't have any scope to perform. Pala Karuppiah's character as the antagonist, too, disappoints due to lack of engaging characterization for him.     

Ponram's USP is humour scenes which are enjoyable for all sections for audience. Unfortunately, the film is devoid of hilarious moments, albeit the banter between Sasikumar and Samuthirakani, unsurprisingly, isn't bad. Perhaps one positive factor of the film is Samuthirakani's characterization, that of a happy-go-lucky middle-aged man who shies away responsibilities. After donning the role of a do-gooder who utters philosophical and preachy dialogues in back-to-back movies, it feels good to see him essaying a cheerful and naughty character.

Verdict: The film lacks convincing emotions, engaging conflicts and strong relationships one expects from a family drama.

MGR Magan is streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.