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Stg:  Vijay, Trisha, Dhamu, Prakash Raj, Jennifer and others

Music: Vidyasagar

Director: Dharani

Producer: Sri Surya Movies

"Ghilli" ... on a winning track

 IT'SACTION unstoppable and a sure hat trick for Dharani. "Dhil" took off atbreak-neck speed and went on in the same vein till the final frame,"Dhool" followed a similar fast track course and now again "Ghilli"begins, moves and ends on an incredible top gear.

Forthe finicky and the fastidious the happenings are bound to beunrealistic and even impossible but for the man on the street, whoenters the cinema hall looking for sheer high velocity action,screenplay writer and director Dharani's "Ghilli" provides a sumptuousthree-course fare. 

Themind-boggling pace, however, sets in with Prakashraj's entry. Ghilli isthe nickname for the popular kabbadi player Velu (Vijay). His father(Ashish Vidyarti), an assistant police commissioner, is a martinet whofinds his son (who still has his arrears to clear before he gets hisdegree) incorrigible. His mother (Janaki Sabesh), on the other hand,dotes on him. His younger sister Bhuvana (`Baby' Jennifer) is thetypical sharp and inquisitive schoolgirl. Velu goes to Madurai for akabbadi match. But circumstances force him to lend a helping hand toDhanalakshmi (Trisha) who is fleeing from the cantankerous Prakashraj,a State Minister's son, madly in love with her.

Fromthen on it is a hectic run for the two with Prakashraj and hishenchmen, who seem to be teeming all over the place, close on theirheels. The role is like any other you've seen him do in ever so manyflicks. The names of the films may change but Vijay has been the same.But in this Sri Surya Movies' production, the portrayal as a whole ison a different plane. Righteous anger, affection for the family, softromance and agility on the playground, show us a different Vijay. Thehero has portrayed the part with finesse and feeling.

Trishais not a mere glamour doll in "Ghilli." Agony, ecstasy, sense andsentiment are expected of her and she manages quite well. Ashish and asoft character, you think, just wouldn't jell. But no, he seems quitecomfortable playing the strict dad. Jennifer is impressive. But theactor who steals the show with nonchalance is Prakashraj, as theeccentric, middle-aged doter Muthupandi, who is willing to go to anylength to get his sweetheart. Some may brand it as overacting and a fewmay find him crude, but with his villainous glare and comical gimmicks,Prakashraj emerges as a formidable drawing force - you just cannot hatethis `bad man.'

Enthusedby `Ghilli's mood, composer Vidyasagar has filled up his score withracy beats and reverberations - sorry, melody has no place in this fastpaced venture. Dances are equally speedy, and Nagendra Prasad's (thehero's friend) footwork equals Vijay's. Crisp cutting of scenes bearstestimony to veteran V. T. Vijayan's editing skills. Not veryrealistic, yet artistic are Maniraj's set designs. Gopinath's cameraeffectively captures the quick actions. `Rocky' Rajesh's stuntconceptions are commendable despite the unbelievable somersaults in theair. But at times the action looks so dangerous that they bring you tothe edge of your seat.

Dharanidoes not depend on duets (there's just one), item numbers or aweather-beaten comedy line (Dhamu's idiosyncrasies in the name ofhumour cannot come under this category at all) to pep up hisscreenplay. But if he thought making Hindu Gods appear with mobilephones and the like makes a song sequence humorous (!) sorry Dharani,it's not in good taste.

Withhis finger right on the pulse of the viewer, and Vijay, the hero whomthe masses today identify with, and Prakashraj, the inimitable villainin tow, this remake of the Telugu flick, "Okkadu," comes a clear winner.

Boxoffice Verdict: The film went on to become the biggest blockbuster inTamil Cinema until Chandramukhi broke that record. This film is by farthe most memorable film for Vijay in terms of box office andestablished him as a superstar at the box office. Trisha's first filmwith Vijay!