Pothanur Thabal Nilayam movie review: This crime drama with an unusual setting is engaging for the most part

3/5

Story: An ambitious youngster, who aspires to become an entrepreneur, sets out to find the truth behind the money missing from the post office where his father works as a postmaster. He takes up the initiative to avoid his father getting arrested by the cops. However, he realizes after a point that going in search of the huge amount of money will benefit him as well in one way or the other. Will he be able to save his father's reputation? Will he be able to accomplish his dreams of becoming an entrepreneur?

Review: Kollywood has been witnessing a slew of heist dramas in the recent years; debutant Praveen's Pothanur Thabal Nilayam is the latest to join the list. Unlike the movies which have been released in the genre, its story which is set in early 90s revolves around a post office in Pothanur village.

Director Praveen, who is also the protagonist of the film, essays a character by the same name. Having completed his studies in computer engineering in the USA, he wishes to become an entrepreneur in his home town. Though business plans associated with anything pertaining to computers are considered risky by others considering the lack of knowledge about the same in the 90s, he goes ahead and applies for a bank loan.

Meanwhile, his father Venkata Raman (Jagan Krish), an honest and a dedicated postmaster, gets the shock of his life after he finds that a huge amount of money is missing from his post office. Quite startled at the unexpected set back, the future seemed so bleak to him. He decides to inform about the issue to his senior officer and makes up his mind to surrender before cops after taking responsibility for the theft.

However, Praveen consoles him and requests him to grant him permission to find the truth behind the mysterious money missing case. He sets out to crack the issue by collecting details of his father's colleagues with the help of his girlfriend Mridula (Anjali Rao) and Sanga (Venkat Sundar). Very soon, Praveen realizes that finding the money is as important for his future as his father's reputation.  

The filmmaker deserves applause for bringing an unusual backdrop for a heist drama. The highlight of the film is the manner in which the screenplay has been treated; its pace remains constant from the beginning to end and ample detailing helps viewers connect with every little, but relevant things that unleash after the plot gets thicker.

The small character traits assigned to seemingly unimportant characters stand out as the story progresses. Though there isn't anything remarkable about the filmmaker choosing the 90s for the story to unravel, he manages to take the audience three decades ago by effective usage of elements that evoke nostalgia.

Though cinematic liberties have been taken at a few instances, the filmmaker ensures that he doesn't cross the line. The way in which logical loopholes have been taken care of with ample spoon-feeding could have been avoided in a few scenes. Despite a smart screenplay which offers only a little to complain, the lack of wow factor is evident throughout the film. The twists and turns, however, complement the drawbacks.

Praveen, as the protagonist, is okayish in the role; he has tried his best, but a proven actor could have single-handedly shouldered the film. Jagan Krish excels in his role; it is his convincing portrayal which makes us relate to the plot. Sukumaran Sundar's cinematography is adequate and Praveen's editing is neat. Tenma's background score could have been more effective.

Verdict: This crime drama has its moments, thanks to engaging making style and intriguing screenplay. But the lack of exciting elements spoil its chances to become a rollicking thriller.

Pothanur Thabal Nilayam is streaming on aha Tamil.