Gangers movie review
Cast: Sundar C, Vadivelu, Catherine Tresa
Director: Sundar C
Rating: ★★.5

Ever since the announcement of the partnership between actor-director Sundar C and comedian Vadivelu last year, there has been considerable excitement. After 14 years, the two actors reunited on screen in the Sundar C-directed Gangers that premiered on Thursday. They last collaborated in the 2010 film Nagaram Marupakkam, which was also directed by Sundar C. There were speculations about a disagreement between the two actors, but everything seems to be fine now as they have teamed up for Gangers, a heist comedy crafted by Sundar C and Venkat Raghavan.

The premise

The film begins in a small town where we learn about a young schoolgirl, one of many who have gone missing recently, and teacher Sujitha (Catherine Tresa) is assisting the girl’s family in locating the missing child. She seeks the assistance of a police officer who is in the town undercover but soon finds himself in a conflict with the local don-cum-school chairman (Mime Gopi) and his siblings. It is PT master Singaram (Vadivelu) who comes to her aid - clearly - because he is eager to marry her and bothers her grandfather (Santhanabharathi) to persuade her.

Nonetheless, his plans are disrupted when Saravanan (Sundar C), a new PT teacher, unexpectedly joins the school. The rivalry between Singaram and Saravanan generates situational comedy, and Singaram’s efforts to outshine Saravanan lead him into difficulties rather than success. Additionally, the film gradually transitions from the quest to find the school girl to a ₹100 crore heist and the events that unfold afterward.

What works

Director Sundar C has consistently created mass-oriented films that showcase attractive, fair heroines; an abundance of comedy; a village celebration; a large ensemble cast, and family-friendly themes. There’s a mix of action, comedy, romance, and drama, and Gangers adheres to this Sundar C formula as well. For Gangers, the first half resembles a vigilante movie infused with comedy as the director lays the groundwork for what occurs after the interval and how all the elements connect. Sadly, the first half offers few laughs and the setup feels somewhat tedious as well.

The film's second half progresses at a significantly faster pace, with the interactions among the various characters, including multiple antagonists, becoming chaotic and humorous. The ₹100 crore heist could have been far more captivating instead of flat, but it’s Vadivelu and his humorous antics that keep us involved throughout.

Vadivelu has always been recognized for his brilliant witty one-liners, and while we see some of those in Gangers, much of the comedy feels dated, which is unfortunate. As a comedic talent, there’s no one quite like Vadivelu, as showcased in his earlier films where he excelled. Sundar C leaves his mark on the comedy in this film, similar to the Madha Gadha Raja segment, which is enjoyable, but regrettably, some of his signature comedic style is absent in this film. Nevertheless, the director has maintained a light-hearted and entertaining tone with glamorous elements that particularly resonate with rural audiences.

Overall, director Sundar C and Vadivelu’s Gangers is a heist comedy that is somewhat amusing and partially engaging as a timepass.

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