Ennodu Vilayadu

Ennodu Vilayadu, which translates as "play with me", is a 2017 Indian Tamil thriller film directed by Arun Krishnaswamy. The movie is more than just a thriller; it presents an exciting mix of action, suspense, romance, and drama, resulting in an unpredictable package of entertainment. It boasts a talented cast, including Bharath Srinivasan, Kathir, Chandini Tamilarasan, and Sanchita Shetty, who brilliantly convey the story's complex characters and their interconnections.

The story unfolds in the backdrop of horse racing, making Ennodu Vilayadu a multi-genre movie that brings together a thrilling chase, money laundering mysteries, and relationship complexities, all presented through the unique lens of horse race betting, an underexplored theme in Tamil cinema.

The movie opens with Kathir, who plays an IT professional named Vikram, who has a straightforward and somewhat mundane life. Following some unexpected incidents, his life intertwines with an array of intriguing characters, who seem to be ordinary at first glance but offer exceptionally vibrant idiosyncrasies.

Bharath Srinivasan, known for his versatility, embodies the character of Sridhar. Sridhar's life revolves around issues of constant struggle due to his financially unstable background. He is a compulsive gambler, ever pursuing quick and significant strides to strike it rich. He finds Kathir’s character Vikram in the race course and encounters a twist of fate, leading to a series of thrilling incidents that set the film's pace.

Chandini Tamilarasan and Sanchita Shetty play the movie's lead female roles, both showcasing strong performances. Chandini plays an innocent yet strong woman caught in the world of deception, while Sanchita Shetty brings to life the contrasting character of a manipulative woman entangled in the world of gambling and chase.

Additionally, Yogi Babu's comic timing adds a touch of humor to the serious plot, while Radha Ravi and Nagineedu, being seasoned actors, aptly fit into their roles, uniting the disparate links of the story.

Unique to Ennodu Vilayadu is how it uses the enigmatic world of horse racing as its backdrop. Horse racing serves as a compelling setting, a breeding ground for ambition, dangerous liaisons, illicit activities, and intense maneuvering, making this film stand out from the rest of the crime-thriller offerings.

The financial uncertainties and frequent switching between dire poverty and extravagant wealth give a distinctive character to the plot. It challenges the audience's ability to predict the storyline and keeps everyone on their toes, sharply aware of even minute changes in characters' behaviors or snippets of significant dialogue.

The movie also addresses a range of social issues subtly. For instance, the perception of gambling, the disparity between the rich and the poor, the characterization of women in a male-dominated society, and the internal struggles of the middle class are all woven into the narrative, making it not just an entertainer but also a film with a conscience.

Ennodu Vilayadu also excels in its technical aspects. It is supported by A. Moses Packer and Sudharshan's cinematography, which beautifully captures the thrilling aura of racing grounds and the hustle-bustle of urban life, while also effectively showcasing the dejected and depressed lives of the characters. A. Vijay's art direction helps enhance the overall viewing experience; it particularly shines in the scenes set on racing tracks.

The music of Ennodu Vilayadu, composed by A. Moses, Sudharshan M. Kumar, and Sudharshan M Kumar, plays a crucial role in pulling the audience into the plot. The melodious background score aptly complements the tense and thrilling moods of the film.

In conclusion, Ennodu Vilayadu is a unique thriller rooted in the racing world, featuring fascinating characters and exploring an array of social issues. It keeps viewers on edge with an engaging plot that continuously unfolds without predictable patterns. The excellent performances by the cast, combined with innovative cinematography and music, make Ennodu Vilayadu a thrilling ride not to be missed by fans of Tamil cinema.