Dhoni - Tamil movie

A movie which takes on Indian education system.First well done Prakash Raj! He has done a good job as a director.This movie is based on the movie "Shikshanacha Aaicha Gho" by Makesh Manjrekar.Since i have not seen this original version,i watched this movie without any expectations.

This is the story of Subramaniam, a middle class widower and his struggle against his son's eduction system.Kartik , who is in 9th standard is good at cricket , he adores Dhoni,Indian cricket team captain and spends most of his time in either playing cricket or watching cricket.He tries his best to learn Maths ,Physics and other subjects but he could not.Subramaniam on the other hand,tries his best to help Kartik overcome his difficulties in lessons by joining him in different coaching classes.Inspite of Kartik's as well as Subramaniam's efforts, Kartik fails again.The principal of the school asks Subramaniam either to accept to retain kartik in 9th standard or joining him in another school,for him 100% result is more important.

Subramaniam who never beat his son Kartik, beats him when he is not able to give answer for  "17 X 8=?". Kartik falls and he is comatose(d).Subramaniam in order to save his son, is forced to come out and speak about the state of education system,which lands him in trouble.The school leaves kartik out of their exam list in turn from school itself,Subramaniyam loses his job and his loan for kartik's treatment too not sanctioned.The rest is the climax.

The movie wonderfully portrays the essence of middle class life,hats off to Prakash Raj.The typical government office setup,the monthly budgetary concerns and loan shark harassment are neatly executed and shot.Another highlight of the movie is Ilaiyaraja's background score, this man is the king of re-recording,awesome but songs are not upto his own standards.But still, two songs stands out "Vilayaatta padagotti" and "Thavi thavi" .Well done maestro,we expect more from you.The cinematography by KV Guhan was really nice, specially the hospital sequences.

Prakash Raj as Subramaniam was brilliant.His myriad expressions and his mannerism makes you feel that he is class of his own.Akash Puri as kartik too done brilliantly,hats off young boy! The surprise package is Radhika Apte as Nalini, she was awesome.The comedy sequences were taken care of by Brahmanandam and Chaams , both done reasonably well,but not their best.Nasser as cricket coach, no need to say anything about his acting skill.

Even though the story line is bit preachy,its still watchable and enjoyable.We have to take home a lesson from this movie "Allow our children to follow their dreams".The parents should be a guiding force not the obstacles.