7/10
A supernatural commerical entertainer that works big time!!! A sixer by Suriya
30 May 2015
Warning: Spoilers
With the summer at its peak, we have Suriya and Venkat Prabhu coming out with their Masss (Massu Engira Maasilamani) in an attempt to cool it down for the masses a bit, with a breezy entertainer. When we have a star like Suriya on board, directors may sometimes go overboard in trying to play to the actor's strengths, diluting their core competencies in the process. But VP has stood his ground and his satirical touches, cheeky & funny elements are all over Masss. Of course there are a few twists in the tale as it plays along and the supernatural element to add more spice. So, to address the genre of the film, it isn't the typical horror comedy along the lines of Yaamirukka Bayamey or Kanchana 2, but a spirits-driven commercial cocktail with some purpose, motive and solid emotions too.

Suriya carries the movie on his strong shoulders and the kind of energy and youthful charm that he exudes is incredible. He plays a street smart con-man and even after the entry of the supernatural elements, a consistency is maintained in his character graph and the director deserves a pat on his back. Masss is definitely an addition to his list of engaging films as he performs, emotes, dances, fights and romances with the ease of the pro, that he is. Venkat Prabhu seems to have gelled well with Suriya, and it shows on screen. To experience more on what Suriya has done in the film, just head to a theater nearby. We aren't writing anything more about his role!

Since the film has some fantasy and paranormal elements, we have to suspend disbelief and just soak it in. There are a plethora of other actors such as Riyaz Khan, Parthiban, Samuthirakani, Sreeman, Karunaas, Sanjay Bharathi etc, and VP has given each of them well-defined little parts. Premgi is seen in a completely different dimension, but of course with his trademark quirks, lines and 'dry comedy'. Nayanthara and Pranitha look graceful and get a few key, pivotal scenes in the overall picture.

Yuvan Shankar Raja is another heavyweight in the film along with Suriya, and his background score does all that is required - elevate, emotionally move and resonate. The Masss theme is used at the apt moments to aid the screen presence of the lead man. Among the songs, Poochandi is an enjoyable little sequence despite being dark and grungy. It is a tribute to Michael Jackson and Suriya's dance moves are exemplary. Piravi comes at a beautiful moment and quite a lot happens during its course. The film's EQ (emotional quotient) is at a peak during Piravi and it is easily the best song. The good thing is, both these songs aren't just 'song sequences' but are integrated with interesting scenes.

The film's run time is a fairly crisp 2 hours 30 minutes and it is a packed affair with just a few blips along the way. Editor Praveen knows how VP's films work and being his 50th film, the experienced professional has definitely been watchful. Kudos to DoP R.D.Rajasekhar too for his 25th film, and he must have been required to keep the VFX part too, in mind, while canning many scenes. The VFX and CG works are a major factor in the film, and all the technicians who have worked on this aspect must be lauded. Given all the deadlines that the team must have faced, the overall VFX work definitely isn't tacky.

Watch out for the end-credits bloopers like always, and leave the hall with a smile as Masss ought to be a satisfying experience. It has the expected Venkat Prabhu elements, the crowd-pleasing supernatural factors treated in a slightly different way and of course Suriya in all his glory.
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