His latest film, Aind- haam Padai, does not deviate much from this but it has elevated him as a star.

Director Badhri has weaved an intricate story with many subplots and rich in three-dimensional characters. The supporting cast includes Simran, Deva- yaani, Naaser, Vivek, Sambath Raj and Adithi.

There is nothing new in the story or the character- isation and Badhri has borrowed liberally from vari- ous films, but the end result is an intriguing and entertaining story that attracts and sustains interest until the very end.

Prabhakaran (Sundhar C) is the second youngest of five brothers. The eldest brother, Gunasekhar (Naaser), is the father figure of the family. There is a strong bond between the brothers, with Prabhakaran's sharp temper acting as a protective shield for the family.

Gunasekhar's family have a long-lasting feud with a rival family with a vindictive head (Dhanushkodi) and they are constantly at loggerheads.

Prabhakar's waywardness puts him on a collision course with the culturally enriched Devasena (Simran). When Prabhakar is forced to compensate in kind to Devasena for his fierce temper, Devasena sees another side to him and her heart softens. She then falls in love with him.

A series of misunderstandings lead her to believe that Prabhakaran is in love with her. This creates an awkward situation as Prabhakaran is in love with Gaya-thri (Adithi). When Devasena discovers her mistake, her love for Prabhakaran is transformed to hatred and she vows to drive the five brothers apart.

Will Devasena succeed in her attempts at humili- ating Prabhakaran? Who is the mentally unstable young girl (Devayaani) whose presence fills Prabhakaran with sadness? How will the long-standing feud between the rival families be resolved?

This is undoubtedly the best film of Sundar C as an actor and also the film that features the best story.

Simran, although not looking her best in the movie, delivers a riveting performance that is reminiscent of Ramya Krishnan's role in Padaiyappa.

Naaser, Sambath Raj, Mukesh and Rajkapoor deliver memorable performances. After a long time, Vivek portrays a memorable part which combines his humour with a serious dramatic role.

The film's greatest drawback is the unrealistic fight sequences that are worse than those in Malaikottai and Kaallai.

I usually cringe at Sundhar C's films but thoroughly enjoyed Aindhaam Padai despite its flaws.

Last week's questions and answers

Q. In which film did Karan co-star with Surya and Jothika (Clue: This was Yuvanshanker Raja's first hit album)

A. Poovellaam Kettupaar

Q. Who dubbed for K Bhagyaraj in his first film as lead actor, Pudhiya Vaarpugall?

A. Gangaiamaren

Q. What was the last film made by MGR? (It was released after he became Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu)

A. Maduraiyai Meeta Sundhara Pandiyan

This week's questions:

1. Name the comedy film by Sundhar C that was his first super hit as director. Karthik and Rumba played the lead roles.

2. Which song from Sivaji Ganesan's Vaazhkai was the title of a subsequent film?

3. Which Tamil actress became the first to earn a salary of Rs100000?

• Comments: devan@telkomsa.net