Drohi Review

Unlike most women directors, Sudha K. Prasad, enters Tamil industry with an action packed film, 'Drohi.' Set in the notorious slum of Royapuram, the story traces the friendship of Karuna (Vishnu of Venilla kabadi kuzhu) and Samy, (Srikanth). 

Close buddies since their childhood days; Karuna is the tough one while Samy, a Brahmin boy, is the studious one. And they are fond of their new class teacher, (Pooja) who wins the hearts of her students with her friendly and affectionate nature. But when she challenges a local goon's tyrannical attitude, she is brutally killed in front of her students. Karuna with support from Samy avenges her death by killing the goonda. When he is caught, Samy is intimidated to reveal the truth. The friendship bond between the two suffers.

Samy finds a mentor in Narayanan (Thiyagarajan) a drug smuggler while Karuna aspires to be an IPS officer. Often their paths cross and Karuna and Samy find ways to outsmart the other. 

The story gathers momentum when Narayanan takes advantage of this feud when his only son is killed under unforeseen circumstances. Violence and gore marks the story. And a blindfolded Karuna tied to the railway tracks keeps you guessing his fate till the end. There are several loose ends and quick jumps in the story. While the audience is offered a glimpse into Karuna's background, very little is known of Samy or his relationship with his parents until we see him as an adult visiting the temple where his father is a priest. 

Of course, there is an item number, duet and romantic scenes, without which Tamil films cannot do without. The only thing missing were those double entendre jokes. Srikanth as a tough goon delivers his role well, taking a break from the chocolate faced hero he has been portraying all along. But it is Vishnu who is commendable. Can't we see Thyagarajan in any other role besides a menacing gangster? Music is by Selva Ganesh. Camera work by Alfonse Roy is impressive. 

Surely there were greater expectations from this director, a former assistant of Mani Ratnam. This tale of friendship gone awry is mired in bloodshed and violence.