Cert PG
147 mins
BBFC advice: Contains mild violence, toilet humour
Nearly two years ago when I became a newspaper editor I wrote that I would have to give up on cross-country treks to watch Tamil films.
On Tuesday, after work, I trekked the best part of 50 miles... to watch a Tamil movie at Birmingham Cineworld.
To my mind this is what sets www.everyfilm.co.uk apart from the tens of thousands of review sites. You'll not find many British articles about Tenaliraman.
In Yuvaraj Dhayalan's fictional historical comedy drama, Vadivelu portrays the title character, a rebel who finds himself a minister at the court of the king whose role he also plays.
The king is exploited by corrupt ministers who have done a trade deal with the Chinese to line their own pockets.
However, Tenaliraman arrives on the scene after one of the advisors is murdered and his common sense and quick wit helps him stay ahead of the scheming cabinet.
But how will he open the eyes of a king who is blind to the terrible plight of his own people and what will he do about the dewy-eyed princess (Meenakshi Dixit) who has fallen for him?
This picture revolves around the high-energy of Vadivelu in both of the lead roles. He is speedy with his tongue and fists as Tenaliraman and bursting with indignation as the king.
Meanwhile, while there are serious plot points concerning loyalty and betrayal, there are also comedy moments which had the audience rolling around.
I can't say that the humour tickled my funny bone but I was intrigued by the gaudy costumes and the albeit fictional historical perspective and with the negative attitudes towards economic migrants which clearly resonate today.
Laughs: A couple of chuckles from me, more from the Tamil audience
Jumps: none
Vomit: none
Nudity: none
Overall rating: 6/10