Bommai review: SJ Suryah, Priya Bhavani Shankar impress in this far-from-reality story

Director Radhamohan, who has delivered some outstanding films like Azhagiya Theeye (2004), Mozhi (2007), and Abhiyum Naanum (2008), comes up with something that is so radically different from his usual self in Bommai.

The story of Bommai revolves around Raju aka Rajakumaran (SJ Suryah) who works in a shop that produces mannequins.

Raju has had a troubled childhood. After losing his mother as a child, his neighbour Nandini (Priya Bhavani Shankar) becomes his only source of comfort. The two friends share a close bond.

However, Nandini goes missing during a village fair and Raju’s world becomes empty and morbid again.

Time goes by and Raju grows up to be a man, along with his love and longing for Nandini.

As chance would have it, Raju spots a mannequin with a mark on its face. The mark resembles the one his friend Nandini had and this makes him get emotionally attached to the mannequin.

At one point, he imagines the mannequin to be his long-lost love Nandini and begins to interact with it.

It is under these circumstances that Raju has to leave for his native place to attend a family function. When he returns, he finds that the owner has sold off the mannequin he adores to some store.

He begins to furiously search for the mannequin. When he can’t find it, his anger changes to rage and he ends up murdering the store owner. What happens then is what Bommai is all about.

Also Read: ‘Erumbu’, a heartwarming tale of hard work and determination

Weak plot

Unlike several other films by Radhamohan, who has a reputation for making meaningful and enjoyable entertainers, Bommai‘s story is highly artificial and far from reality.

As a result, it doesn’t interest you and you lose whatever little interest you have in the plot when the lead character of Raju starts romancing the mannequin, imagining it to be Nandini.

Although the film has a weak plot, it has some great performances to offer.

Also Read: ‘Amala’ Malayalam movie review

Commendable performances

SJ Suryah, who plays Raju, comes up with yet another sterling performance. He tries to carry the film on his shoulders almost single-handedly.

Priya Bhavani Shankar, who plays the character of Nandini, delivers a commendable performance. Playing a doll is difficult but to Priya’s credit, she does a fine job on most occasions in the film.

Chandini, who plays a girl who shows interest in the lead character of Raju, delivers a good performance, too. She has a very limited space to perform in this film but does justice to the role assigned to her.

Richard M Nathan’s visuals are a treat to watch and Yuvan Shankar Raja’s background score works in portions.

Verdict

Despite all the technical support, Bommai fails to make an impact.

(Views expressed are personal.)