Actor Jai's latest release "Naveena Saraswathi Sabatham" has received mixed reviews from critics.
The comedy entertainer, directed by Chandru, revolves around four friends who end up in a remote island after getting drunk at a bachelor's party in Bangkok.
Jai, VTV Ganesh, Sathyan and Rajkumar are the four men who get stranded in the island with no memory as to how they ended up there. Niveda Thomas appears as the female lead opposite Jai. The other cast members include Panchu Subbu, Mano Bala and Devadarshini who don the role of Gods. While Mano Bala is the Naradar, Subbu appears in the role of Lord Shiva. Devadarshini plays the character of Parvathi.
According to critics, "Naveena Saraswathi Sabatham" begins in a promising way but fails to keep the audience engaged throughout. With a runtime of 2 hours and 20 minutes, the film seems to be dragging, they say.
The film was initially titled as "Saraswathi Sabatham", similar to 1966 classic hit starring Sivaji Ganesan, as the director felt his script had relevance to the old film. However, some fans protested against using the title and it was changed to "Naveena Saraswathi Sabatham."
Here is the review roundup of the Jai starrer
According to Indiaglitz, "Motive is in place perfectly; however it has taken to long to be conveyed. Revolving around four men almost all the time, the film could have avoided a few scenes that occupied time. The 1966 flick has certainly influenced 'Naveena Saraswathi Sabatham' he arriving at its climax twist, but has got nothing in connection with it otherwise."
"In all, the film is a brand new concept, with a contemporary message and a revolutionary screenplay, although it ultimately ends in an old fashion. A clean entertainer by nature, 'Naveena Saraswathi Sabatham' is old wine in a not-exactly-new but quite a fancy bottle."
According to senior film journalist Sreedhar Pillai, "Naveena Saraswathi Sabatham" is "Tedious. A comedy that fails 2 evoke laughter due 2 poor writing & lack of content especially in 2nd half."
"In the film Naradar tells Lord Siva people will b posting on FB & Twitter 1 st half super & 2nd half Mokkai. Exactly what I thought," he further said.
Talking about the performances, Behindwoods Review Board says, "VTV Ganesh is the biggest takeaway from the movie and he moves the second half forward with his antics on the island. The portions where he speaks chaste Tamil in his hoarse voice are a riot. Jai's shrill voice has been his USP all along and he comfortably delivers what was expected."
"Sathyan and Rajkumar as the other two friends play their roles with ease and fit in with the group. Niveda Thomas appears in exactly two scenes and two songs!"
Verdict: "Naveena Saraswathi Sabatham" has a new concept, but fails to deliver.
Also Read: "Vidiyum Munn" Review - Must Watch Thriller
