When no one in your family supports you and think you're a loser, what happens? Turn to your friend. But what happens when your friends are losers too? And their parents, as well as yours, don't think you will succeed in life? Do you prove them wrong? Or do parents know what's best for their children?
Sounds pretty harsh, right? That's basically what Punnagai Desam is about.
You start off with Loser #1
Selvan wants to be a collector and go to college. His parents don't see him succeeding.
Selvan is portrayed by Hamsavardhan. He's an attractive guy. Even being chased down by a girl who wants him, while all the other guys in school want to date her. Out of all the losers, I actually liked him the most.
Next, there is Loser #2
Raja wants to become a singer. His parents don't see him succeeding.
Raja is portrayed by Kunaal. Cute guy, but a little too pretty boy for my taste. So because of that, I wasn't buying his "superstar" qualities. He was the weakest link of the losers.
Finally, there is Loser #3
Vijay wants to become a mimicry artist. His parents don't see him succeeding.
Vijay is portrayed by Dhamu. Is he the biggest loser? Mainly there for comedic purposes but did not go overboard. He's no Johnny Lever, thank goodness. Why do you think he wants to be a mimicry artist?
So...the three Losers get together to prove their parents wrong. The Three Stooges move to Madras aka Chennai to start off their lives.
What's worse than three losers?
Make that four!!
Meet Loser #4
Ganesh goes and visit his rich "uncle" to marry his daughter. Since childhood, Ganesh was told that he and his Bhooma would be together. But he hasn't seen her since then!!
Ganesh is portrayed by Tharun. He reminds me so much of a moustached Jimmy Shergill, must be the smile. Ganesh is a good-all-around guy. Just had too much saintness to make him blah in my books.
Meet Nandini.
All the guys in college want to be with her but instead, she is in love with Loser #1, Selvan. She's from a rich family, and he's not.
Nandini is portrayed by Preetha. Sassy, bubbly girl who speaks with her heart and mind. Love her! Too bad she isn't shown much.
Meet Nandini's friend, Priya
Like Nandini, she is from a rich family as well. The more she learns about Ganesh, the more she is smitten by him.
Priya is portrayed by Sneha. She is the reason why I even attempted to watch this mediocre film.
In the middle of the film, I got so bored. Why show the boring losers in the beginning? That took up half of the film! Urgh.
Song #1 - "Ennai Padaa Vaaida"
Ganesh, Ganesh, I know your intentions are good but dreaming about a little girl to be your lover is freaky and creepy.
Song #2 - "Mazhaiye Oh"
Priya's intro
Song #3 - "Katrile Pattu Varum"
Friends encourage one another
Song #4 - "Thottuvidum Dhoorathil"
Ganesh preparing food.
Thought this was cute since I hardly see food being prepared in details in any Indian cinema film. If there is any, please let me know. I see a lot of detailed cooking in Korean movies though.
Song #5 - "Roja Thottam"
Four losers and two girl friends team up and hang out
Watch Below
Song #6 - "Enngal Muchukkule"
Do I smell success? Or is that rejection?
Watch Below
Song #7 - "Vetriku Mel Vetri"
Success
I did find this scene really cute. Ganesh praying to Lord Ganesh.
So I'm trying to watch more South Indian films if given the opportunity. Never did I think I would love them more and more. However, this time, no matter how freaking cute I think Sneha is. I was underwhelmed after watching the film.
I don't mind seeing Sneha in smaller roles like in Autograph, Unnai Ninaithu, or ABCD. She was so underused in Punnagai Desam. Could I see more of her like in Madhumasam?? Because she is the reason why I watched this film, I made a handful caps of her.
The message that your friends are there for you through thick and thin is good...but the family portrayal is a bit overboard too. I'm not saying that it does not happen...but to see four loser friends have the same problem? A bit much....Overall, yawn in the beginning. Second half got better but still not enough for me to recommend.
