GOOD
Though there is nothing extraordinary in this film, it appears to be a sure-shot winner at the box-office for various reasons. Naan Mahan Alla dubbed as Naa Peru Shiva in Telugu is a vague title that doesn't give any meaning. The director's portrayal of romance is also not novel at all, it reminds us of yesteryear Karthik's romantic episodes but what makes it interesting is the treatment. He doesn't give it over the top importance, keeps it minimal and for the first time draws the interest of the viewer to the conflict in the story rather than the romance.
Like always Karthi brings in his special touch of adding a natural feel to the dubbed film, by using his voice. Little things go a long way in bringing a difference to the story. The movie as usual in the beginning hints at the grim side of Chennai by showing a group of youngsters indulging in dope, rape and the most inhuman form of murder. The next scene cuts to a happy-go-lucky type of life led by Shiva (Karthi), the family, his household is also clichéd but the lack of sentimental and melodramatic scenes to show the chord between the members make it an easy and a light watch. To show Karthi's pleasing nature the director brings in a lot of smiley faces..of the kids which is a tad too repetitive.
The director takes an intelligent decision in winding up the songs before the tempo of the actual conflict escalates helping in not meandering the interest of the viewer. The composing of the fights too look innovative, one also tends to feel sympathy for a gangster who helps the hero in his fight. The film is about a youth who is compulsively led into taking arms to seek revenge of the murder his father but the director focuses it rightly as a man who cannot tolerate injustice, what is gratifying is the last scene where Karthi even while his sister's wedding is on, takes up a weapon to bring justice to a wronged road side woman.
A simple story of a middle class jobless youth, who has a girlfriend falls into a situation of taking up violence. Nothing out of the box but what is drawing crowds is the uncomplicated way with which the director has dealt the story. Kajal is mere eye candy, she looks better as long as she doesn't widen her eyes. Karthi fits into the role with ease and follows the director's instructions to the T. The dearth of films in the Telugu movie market could well see Naa Peru Shiva rake in moolah for the producer. Not a bad watch at all.