Kalakalappu @ Masala Cafe by Sundar C has been released as a summer special. The film also marks Sundar C’s 25th directorial venture. The director who is known for his comedy outings has joined hands with Vimal, Shiva and Santhanam in this film.

Though the film starts slowly, it picks up pace as Shiva joins Vimal. Vimal’s character as a soft spoken person suits him well. Though his chemistry with Anjali is a big plus for the film, it feels as if his potential has not been used fully.

Shiva on the other hand has been utilised to his best and his role of a smart, naughty and greedy guy has been portrayed well. He scores with one-liners such as, “When old Billa can be remade into a successful one, why not remake old dishes.”

Anjali has come up with a brilliant performance. Her role as a government official fits her well. Though Oviya’s role lacks depth, she along with Anjali has smoked up the screen with their brilliant performances in the song ‘Ivalunga imsai’.

Santhanam’s entry in the second half as Muraimaman and ‘dubakur rowdy’, takes the entertainment level several notches up. Manobala is an important ingredient in contributing to the entertainment factor of the film. The chase scene involving him, Vimal and Santhanam is a scream. VS Raghavan and Ilavarasu do justice to their roles.

Sundar C has done a pretty good job in presenting a comedy cracker. His formula of Vimal and Shiva as siblings with exactly opposite nature has worked big time. His choice of John Vijay for the role of a ‘sirippu’ police officer has been fruitful.

The softness in frames is laudable and cinematographer UK Senthil has made it visually spectacular, particularly in the songs. The art work must be applauded. The use of traditional art pieces like ‘Pattam’ and ‘Chamaram’ in the song ‘Ava Thirumbipaarthu’ is fitting, considering that the song has been shot in the temple town of Kumbakonam. Vijay Ebenezer’s songs and background score contribute to the film’s humour in a big way.

Considering it’s a no holds barred comedy entertainer, few inconsistencies affecting the flow of the story, could be pardoned.

Though the director has intended to show Vimal in a ‘Harischandran’ like character, his so called truthfulness makes him look stupid at times. Also, the concentration on glamour is too much in almost every song sequence. It could have been reduced to what was necessary.

On the whole, Kalakalappu @ Masala Cafe is an entertainer, released at a perfect time.

Verdict: Kalakalappu, a jolly good time