Writer: Ramesh

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Watch this if you liked: “Billa”, “Aitham Padai”, “Varalaru”

The Saran-Ajith-Bharadwaj team who gave us hit films like "Kadhal Mannan", "Amarkalam" and "Attagasam" once again joins hands in "Aasal" - an action-thriller that carries the same old story of betrayal and revenge.

Jeevanandam (Ajith) is a high-stakes trader in Paris who negotiates international arms dealings. He has two sons, Sam (Sampath) and Vicky (Rajiv) from his first wife and also Shiva (Ajith) from his second wife. Vicky and Sam are influenced by their evil uncle (Pradeep Rawat) who plans to strike a deal with a group that supplies weapons to terrorists and works out a strategy to eliminate their enemy Shetty (Keli Dorji) who controls the Mumbai underworld. But Jeevanandam and Shiva are opposed to this deal. Later, Jeevanandam passes away due to illness and Vicky is kidnapped by Shetty's underlings. Shiva goes to Mumbai with Sarah (Sameera Reddy) to save his step-brother with the help of his dad's old friend, Mirasi (Prabhu) and his team that consists of Sulabha (Bhavana) and Don Samosa (Yuhi Sethu). While returning to Paris the evil brothers betray Shiva and abandon him. How Shiva takes vengeance against those who betrayed him forms the rest of the story.

Ajith impresses us with his stylish looks (hairstyle, sideburn, cigar and astonishing winter wear) but he looks average in a few stunt sequences and dance numbers. He tries to portray his "Billa" look but the audience may feel bored with it after some time. Rajiv, Sampath and Pradeep Rawat do their characters as villains without much screen impact. Both female leads and Prabhu don't have a large scope for any memorable performance. Music by Bharadwaj doesn't lift up to expectation; with the exception of 'Dushyanta 'and 'Tottodaing', the rest of the songs are below average.

On the downside, there are way too many characters involved in the script and there is a distinct lack of logic. On the plus point, Saran has given it a rich, slick look with exotic locations and costumes while keeping viewers guessing until the end. If you are a die-hard Ajith fan, then this film is for you.

Cinema Online, 07 February 2010