241. Soppana Sundari; movie review

 

SOPPANA SUNDARI

Cert 12A

110 mins

BBFC advice: Contains  brief sexual threat, moderate violence, injury detail

That was like a breath of fresh air on a hot day.

It is true that I didn't laugh out loud during Soppana Sundari but I did have a transfixed grin.

This is because of its quirky storyline and the lovely chemistry between Aishwarya Rajesh, Lakshmi Priyaa Chandramouli and Deepa Sankar.

They play two sisters and a mother who live in a low-grade home in a poor city suburb.

Then comes a seismic moment when they are presented with a car, given out as a prize by a local jeweller.

They see this as a potential dowry for Chandramouli's character who, incidentally, doesn't have the power for speech.

But when she goes on a test drive with her husband-to-be, the first of the film's big twists unfolds.

And they are not the only ones who want to lay their hands on money from the car - the sisters' estranged brother (Karunakaran) and his greedy in-laws believe they are also entitled.

It is a pleasant change for an Indian film to be led by women and the trio certainly makes the most of it.

Rajesh is the dominant character, always one step ahead of men who try to swindle or even assault her.

Sankar adds wonderful comedy as her passionate mum who makes up for her blunders by standing by her daughters at every twist and dangerous turn.

Indeed, the more the plot thickens, the more it appears that they could end up in jail or their lives could be threatened.

Some might say the farce is too far-fetched but I felt great warmth for the women and inwardly cheered them on as they fought for justice.

And, while there are some tough moments, there is also a big feelgood factor with S G Charles' movie.

Reasons to watch: Feelgood farce

Reasons to avoid: Not enough laughs

Laughs: Chuckles

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 7/10

Did you know? Soppana Sundari refers to the car for which the characters of the film fight to own. The film's title was referenced from the popular Goundamani-Senthil comedy scene of the 1989 film Karakattakkaran

The final word. Deepa Shankar:  “This is a big opportunity for me. I have to thank the director for this opportunity. I acted in small budget films but now that I have played a mother in such a movie, I hope that I will get many more opportunities through this." Behind Woods

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