After a series of rural comedy entertainers, here is yet another film, Podhuvaaga Emmanasu Thangam, with Udhayanidhi Stalin, Nivetha Pethuraj, Soori, and others. PEMT deals with the lives of the people living in two neighbouring villages, their problems, religious beliefs, and more. The film's plot is very very thin and is something which we've experienced visually through many other films.
There are quite a lot of deja vu moments in the movie, which you come across, especially from the film Varuthapadadha Vaalibar Sangam. The first half of the film starts on an interesting note, however, as the film progresses, it loses its pace and begins to test your patience. Apart from a few scenes involving Udhayanidhi, Soori, and Parthiban, the majority of the film doesn't entertain you. PEMT is one more film which has a weak characterisation for the heroine.
The film also deals with the vengeance and the cat and mouse game between the protagonist and antagonist. But, the reason for the revenge isn't convincing. The film lacks a strong base in the emotions and sentiment, which acts as a negative factor. PEMT doesn't flow in a sequential pattern, and it is a collection of confrontation scenes between the leads that are put together. The film also falls flat at most of the places, and only a selective set of humour works well.
Udhayanidhi Stalin, as an aspiring youngster with a noble motive, has played it subtle with his performance. He has improved with his acting, and his dance moves show the flexibility. After an impressive debut in ONK, Nivetha Pethuraj takes the rural route for her second venture. Her expressions are attractive. However, her role falls to be a regular one.
Parthiban's quirkiness in this grey shaded character is seen through his performance, and his name in the cast is a valuable addition. Soori is good with his one-liners, but, as we've already seen the same kind of humour from him in previous films, it becomes cliched.
D.Imman's songs do not add value to the film, and the background score is just above average. Balasubramaniem's visuals, though colorful, looks a little bleached at few places. The film could've been more interestingly and engagingly made, but due to a lot of commercial compromises with 4 songs, elongated scenes, it doesn't keep you glued.