Chennai 600028 II: Second Innings

I have watched all the Venkat Prabhu's films that had started with the original of this film a decade ago. Since sequels are not very trendy in Kollywood, possibly no one would have thought of this installment till the director himself revealed the plan. Definitely worth an attempt. Because Tamil film business had seen a bigger leap, especially in the financial sect. So, big spending for a film with the big names means, even bigger collection and in faster. Giving small sum of it for a talented/trusted filmmaker is not a big deal. This film closely falls into that category and they have done it.

You can call Venkat the king director of comedy films. If you know his filmmaking style, particularly his comedic sense, surely you will know what to expect and how to enjoy it. That means, it is especially targeted the native audience with no age bar. Because some of the comedies highly influenced by the local culture. In addition to that, if you have some knowledge of Hollywood, that will help even better. They had retained almost all the cast and characters. Good to see them all once again in the same frame.

The story as well follows after the ten years where many things have changed in the lives of the Chennai Shark (local cricket team) members. Some of them are married with kids and some are yet to settle down. When another guy from the gang is set to enter the wedlock in the rural, something terrible happens when they all decided to participate in a local cricket tournament. Now they have to fight back hard to come clean and save their friendship, as well as the marriage, in particular the girl. With some twists and turns, the tale enters the final segment entertaining its viewers all along.

This is very youthful. If you are one, you will enjoy it better than kids and elders. The film was very good, that does not mean it is better than the original. So comparing it with the previous is where it falls back. But I advise not to do that. I had a good time and I think you as well did the same. Definitely there will be third, which might be called 'Super Over' or 'Extra Innings'. Overall, it is not a must see film, but worth giving it a try. #TheBoysAreBack.

7/10

The movie was very good. It is a proper sequel made. All the actors acted very good in the film. Songs and BGM were good in the movie. Some scenes are linked with first part. The movie was very funny and the commentary for the cricket was also very funny. The movie was very good.

I thought hard, and couldn't find a unforgivable flaw.. This film is thoroughly enjoyable. This film is strictly for the Bachelors, as usual with the Bachelor party films... Venkat Prabhu comedy lovers will also enjoy this, with many funny yet trendier scenes like in "Goa"/"Chennai 600028"

The film has enough twists and turns to keep one entertained, some surprise you well although you were expecting something alike to come about.. The flow feels organic and nothing feels stuffed or insulting.. The chemistry with the boys and the trouble with the local goon villains, all happen within the realms of reality. Seeing so much drama happen around us, having laughs often is a big boon. The characterisations are unique for the huge cast and deep enough to present an incredible kaleidoscope to entertain us. The story is deep enough for a comedy film and keeps us stay glued till the end.

The cricket scenes have heavy references to real life history.. Rockers 'Rajagopalan' is the Kapil Dev of the final match. Much like in history, he bowls incredibly tight and runs in the deep for very long to pull-off an unbelievable catch which turns the course of the match. Apart from the motivational speech which has the shades of this '83 World Cup final (defending a low total), the effort the actors have put in towards the game is admirable. We have seen actors and celebrities play the worst kind of cricket in old "Sun TV" games. Yet, you see all classic IPL style batting strokes and physical effort in great fielding (gully bowling too). Some Goa style dialogues are also pleasant ("Athu athu than. Ithu thu than" vs "Athu vera ithu vera").

As the "boys" from "Chennai 60028" have graduated to another level of life now, we have a 'mature' script.. Especially, if you have faced personal/social-media troubles after drinking with friends, you will love this for the catharsis and good times. We have other 'mature' elements in this film, especially with the 'Soppani sundari' plot-line. With India coming out of the Victorian-era prudery, we totally can admire such efforts. Since the 60s, mature themes have been present under-cover in Tamil films, so I do not understand why some might object now.. (Except ultra-orthodox, delusional people who misunderstand Indian culture to be as conservative as now).

The highlight of the film is Shiva's side-business of YouTube reviews (doubles as a side-track of comedy here). Bringing an online YouTuber to be in a few scenes was quite cool and we have a nice dig at him too (Small uncles vs Big uncle). The small boys playing cricket are grating enough to act as small villains and the "Theni family" also act as a medium-grade villan gang. While maintaining a taught screenplay, the director is creative enough to insert a few sodakku-balls into the game/film too. The Aravind's uncle character in the village is very entertaining, setting a great party mood although he comes in a few and impactful scenes. The surprises involving the cops and minister are extremely amusing. The tournament might have been dropped, yet "Chennai Sharks" have truly won the series!! Hope we have a "part 3" where the team visits Europe for an away series next! (Eurotrip?!) Having a "Hangover" x "Chennai 28" crossover would truly be epic!!!