Buffoon Movie Review

Vaibhav-Joju George starrer Buffoon is directed by Ashok Veerappan and is produced by Karthik Subbaraj’s Stone Bench Productions with Santhosh Narayanan composing music.

The story traverses through the unexpected moments and turns in the lives of street play artistes. Kumaran (Vaibhav) and Muthaiah (Angaadi Theru fame Ilaiyaraaja) are two buddies working together as artistes in local theater group in Karaikudi. With their business getting stark, they decided to leave abroad for their livelihood. Unable to gather money that is essential for their travel and other expenses, they decide to smuggle narcotic drugs under Mannan Dhanapal. They travel smuggling them from Ramanathapuram in the disguise of rock salt. However, when they are caught red-handed by police, they run out into woods from their clutches. Does the police department trap them? What happens to them finally? This forms the crux of this story.

Actor Vaibhav has done a decent job as Kumaran, who usually gets into unwanted trouble. Although, the usual spark in him misses in many places, he does give a best approach to his characterization with his facial expressions. Aatthangudi Ilaiyaraaja makes his debut as an actor with this movie. Although he has done a good job, his characterization doesn’t add intensity to the movie. Anagha as Tamil refugee from Ceylon is just okay. Joju George is the absolute showstopper. He has done a remarkable performance by delivering what exactly his role demands. Tamizharasan, Aadukalam Narain and Aadukalam Jayabalan are excellent with their performances too.

Director Ashok Veerappan has attempted to shed lights on the issues faced by drama artistes, Tamil refugees from Sri Lanka. Although these efforts can be welcomed, too many contexts and issues divert our attention from the main plot. Editing could have been better as there are no continuity between scenes in many places. Musical score by Santhosh Narayanan is just passable.

On the whole, ‘Buffoon’ isn’t a low average fare, but at the same time, not a huge commendable project. Director Ashok Veerappan has done a good attempt, but if had written a gripping tale, it would have been more engaging.