Kanchana - Review

Cast	Raghava Lawrence, Lakshmi Rai, Sarathkumar, Kovai Sarala, Dharshini
Director	Raghava Lawrence
Story-Screenplay	Raghava Lawrence
Banner	Sri Thenandal Films
Producer	Ramanarayanan
Music	Thaman S.

When Lawrence decided to make a sequel to his blockbuster thriller Muni, expectation went sky high. Kanchana created headlines when veteran actor Sarathkumar was signed to play the role of a eunuch in the film (for the first time in his career). The film, which was supposed to grace theatres on July 15, was postponed due to Vikram's Deiva Thiirumgal. Kanchana was dubbed in Telugu by Bellamkonda Suresh and the film is rocking all over Andhra Pradesh with splendid collections.

Kanchana narrates the story of the energetic Raghava (Lawrence) who does everything that a mass hero does (bashing goons, mouthing punch dialogues, helping friends, etc.). But Raghava has a serious problem; after sunset he will not venture out from his home. Reason? He is afraid of ghosts! Another interesting fact is that Raghava sleeps along with his mother (Kovai Sarala) and doesn't stir out without her during nights. One day, while playing cricket with his friends, Raghava steps into a haunted land. After that, he develops some unusual traits like dressing up like a girl, applying turmeric (haldi) on his face, etc. Meanwhile, Raghava also falls in love with his sister-in-law's sister Priya (Lakshmi Rai), a top model in Bangalore.

Finally Raghava's family decides to take him to a dargah and the story of Kanchana unfolds there...

Choreographer-director Raghava Lawrence has done his part pretty well but at times he is loud. Also, in some scenes he reminds us of Superstar Rajinikanth. Lakshmi Rai is just a glamour doll in the film. Kovai Sarala and Dharini have meaty roles to perform. Sarathkumar impresses as a eunuch, a very bold attempt. After VTV, Babu Anthony is back to Kollywood with a powerful role. The rest of the star cast have also done their parts well.

The film's second half makes up for the slow pace in the first half. Music by Thaman is passable. Lawrence and Sarala have excelled with their comedy acts!