Naai Sekar Returns movie review: Vadivelu's comeback vehicle is a damp squib which tests patience to the hilt

1.5/5

Story: A dognapper is on the run after stealing the dog of a dreaded don. He travels to a new city to find back a unique dog which was once considered to be the reason behind his family's affluence. But the dog is under the custody of a cruel businessman. Will he be able to lead a quality life after locking horns with the don and businessman?

Review: Legendary comedian Vadivelu left his fans excited when he announced his comeback to filmdom after a few years through Naai Sekar Returns, a spin-off of Thalainagaram which was helmed by Suraaj. The filmmaker's decision to come up with a new movie based on the character Naai Sekar was received with much excitement, thanks to the popularity it gained over the years.

The film commences with a couple offering a special prayer to their village deity to become parents. A priest offers them a unique dog which, according to him, would bring prosperity in every way. 

Cut to the entry of Naai Sekar (Vadivelu), a dognapper who is into stealing dogs with the help of three assistants. His "profession" lands him in trouble when he kidnaps the dog of Daas (Anandraj), a dreaded don in town. He runs for his life realizing the danger involved in it.

Meanwhile, Sekar gets to know from his grandmother about the unique dog which his parents used to have at their home. He sets out to steal the dog from Meghanathan (Rao Ramesh), who abducted the puppy by unfair means several years ago. How is Sekar going to execute his plan by winning over Daas and Meghanathan?        

There are sequences which prove that Vadivelu still can give the current set of comedians a run for their money. Director Suraaj has tried various ways to bring out the flexible actor in him, but in vain, thanks to a wafer-thin plot, ineffective screenplay and lame jokes.

Though Vadivelu manages to hold our attention with his presence in the initial episodes, his histrionics becomes exhausting owing to the lack of unengaging content and weak character design. The antagonist lacks a punch, and the hero-villain conflict is presented in a lukewarm manner. The emotions lack required weightage because of which we hardly care about the characters' issues.

The poor making style and silly way of conceiving certain sequences leave us wondering about the time period in which the movie has been made. There is hardly any scene which makes you feel that the team has approached the story in a serious manner.

In fact, the repeated dull flow of events remind us after a point that the joke is on us for pinning hopes on this supposedly funny movie which has no major positive factor worth mentioning. Santhosh Narayanan's songs and background score are unappealing, but there is only little a talented musician can do when the making and screenplay have gone for a toss.

Verdict: Even Vadivelu's sincere attempt in entertaining his dedicated fan base cannot save this huge mess.

Naai Sekar Returns is streaming on Netflix.