Koogle Kuttappa review: A likeable KS Ravikumar shoulders this uneven family drama
Koogle Kuttappa, an official remake of the Malayalam hit, Android Kunjappan Version 5.25, is directed by Sabari and Saravanan, former assistants to KS Ravikumar
3.0/5
May 06, 2022
KS Ravikumar, Tharshan, Losliya and Yogi Babu in Koogle Kuttappa
Android Kunjappan Version 5.25
Story: A not-so-smooth relationship between a robot and an old man turns into an inseparable bond, eventually—as the latter remains blissfully unaware of the risks that the former would cause.
Review: Subramani (Ravikumar) dressed in veshti, walks through the streets with his caretaker robot, Kuttappa (also) in a veshti and a towel on his shoulder. The bond they share is endearing. But, this wasn't the case, initially. Subramani's son Aditya (Tharshan) gets a job in Germany. He doesn't think twice to chase his dreams. Subramani, a sentimental father, insists that Aditya stay with him so that he looks after the farming. Aditya refuses to budge and finds a way to depute a help. A couple of women (domestic workers) couldn't fit into Subramani's universe. They leave. Aditya's effort ends in vain. Finally, he brings in a robot. Not only does he program it for his father, but also convinces him that this would be of immense use to him someday.
Aditya leaves for Germany. Loneliness engulfs Subramani, as he slowly adapts himself to the environment. Now, Kuttappa has almost become his son. That's how Subramani treats Kuttappa. Subramani falls ill; Kuttappa takes complete care of him. Subramani now trusts Kuttappa more. He doesn't realise it's a man-made machine. Films with robots are usually sci-fi action vehicles, but in Koogle Kuttappa, you see a humanistic drama. The villagers want selfies with Kuttappa. Easily, the robot becomes a star here. Subramani is old-fashioned and does not even use a mixer or grinder in the kitchen, but now, he is extremely comfortable hanging out with a robot. Scenes that depict these emotions are beautifully etched out.
But what doesn't work for me is the love story (between Tharshan and Losliya's characters) that runs, in parallel. The makers could have done away with it because it adds little to the plot. Instead, I would have loved to see the romantic track between Ravikumar and his longtime crush, Pavithra. Certain scenes reminded me of Power Paandi—though—in particular; searching for the old love on Facebook, and sending messages on chat.
'Actor' Ravikumar does far more for Koogle Kuttappa than the filmmaker-duo does. Ravikumar is the heart and soul of the film. In the original (Android Kunjappan Version 5.25), there was a lot of humour; both situational, and in dialogues. There was drama, as well. Here, in Tamil, the dialogues are less funny and verbose. As usual, Yogi Babu's character is being body-shamed. Also, the comedian indulges in his usual brand of insult comedy. For instance, he calls someone, "vellai poondu thalaiyaa", which fails to evoke even a chuckle.
There are quite a few logical loopholes too. But let’s not get into that. The narrative does lose its pace in the second half. But I am glad that Sabari and Saravanan steered clear of 'preaching to the audience', although the film deals with a tested theme in Tamil cinema—the importance of taking care of the elderly.
Verdict: Barring the distasteful comedy tracks, the film is engaging. Although Koogle Kuttappa is not a perfect remake of Android Kunjappan (which had the rawness of the script) there are, certainly, a bunch of solid heart-warming moments. Go for it!
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