Pathu Thala, featuring Tamil star STR in the lead role is promoted as a full blown gangster thriller drama that is loaded with action sequences. Here's what we have to say after watching the film. 

Story: A police officer must go undercover to find and kill a crime lord. However, when he realizes that the crime lord's business intentions are good and he has his own challenges, he needs to decide his next step and help the crime lord change his life.

How did the actors perform?

Simbu is exemplary in the role of a crooked gangster in this film, which is clearly a faithful remake of Kannada film, Mufti. The parallel gangster threads also feature talented actors Gautam Vasudev Menon and Gautham Karthik.

STR is ably supported by GVM and Gautham Karthik, along with Priya Bhavani Shankar, and Anu Sithara. The film has a talented cast and they deliver full justice to their roles.

What about the technical finesse?

The film is directed by Obel N Krishna and it is a remake of Mufti and it is overwhelmingly similar to the original. So those who've watched the original might not get the same excitement while watching this film.

The music and the background score by AR Rahman are a mixed big. Certain elevation scenes are elevated his BGM while other drama parts are underwhelming owing to stagnant score. There isn't much emphasis on the songs, and hence the musical experience blows hot and cold.

Analysis:

Pathu Thala predominantly relies on the power packed performance of Simbi who plays a dreaded gangster. His backstory is the driving force of the film. 

But the issue here is the predictable and dated core storyline. A gangster facing the wrath of his wrongdoings in the past and how he encounters them now is what fuels the narrative of Pathu Thala. 

For most part, the audience can guess what's about to happen next and this works against the cause for Pathu Thala. The textbook gangster drama subject is the undoing here as the predictability factor sets in. STR's power packed performance is the saving grace but it cant outpower the formulaic narration.

Pathu Thala is a stretched out gangster drama that needed the X factor in the narration to offer a fresh and striking experience to the viewers, but that isn't offered here, and hence the rather weak watching experience.

Verdict: The film drags on for most parts, barring the elevation scenes featuring Simbu.who plays a dreaded gangster. Had the narration been a it more fresh and up to date, it could've made for a far more compelling watch. 

Rating:2.5/5