Writer had good idea and good level of imagination and failed badly in the execution part. Graphics was strong, but couldn't make its use to the best extent. And in many scenes VFX could show its potential too. Anyway, there were some occasions, or moments which gives the idea that direcion was not completely dry. This opinion is just my own feelings and i don't want to argue about this. Any one who have played that game(warrior within) would have come across the same feelings when he watch this movie. The castle area appeared to have been adapted from the prince of Persia video game, and some monsters, weapons, and some fight sequences adds strength to that belief. In many occasions, we could feel the resemblance with many famous fantasy movies, and it was expected. The costumes and make-up was not that bad, but lack of that colored tint in the scenes revealed that the materials were all modern. The nicely trimmed hair of hero again added artificiality in the age in which the story happens. The frames which displays the title for the first time and the introduction scene of the hero were at wrong timings, and couldn't generate any punch. Even switching between scenes was not fluidic. Video as well as the audio department failed pathetically in taking the audience to another world.
Again, the camera didn't seem to use any kind of tints to create a feel of ancient days. I am not complaining, but this is what i felt. Starting 3-4 scenes, had somewhere some resemblance with bahubali. Even the background scores and the songs were well below the average, which made it painful for the audience.
Even with this familiar fantasy thread, the movie could have been made a memorable one, with a strong screenplay and some advanced cinematography and editing. There was more than enough room for an Adventure, action packed visual treat in the given plot. A lot of hurdles on the way, lot of fantasy creatures, and never seen before places to pass through. A hero, going on a hunt to retrieve his love from a scary castle. Even though it was a centuries old storyline in the fantasy genre. Also the campaigns for the promotion of the movie added much weight to the expectations, which always highlighted the big names casted in the film. I expected a minimum level of entertainment when I decided to watch the show in the first day itself. Puli's roar is not majestic enough, but, it did try really hard. Conclusion: Overall-> To put in a nutshell, a journey(Movie) which was supposed to be amazing got tiring a bit due to many diversions(Screenplay) in the forest. I would also like to appreciate the entire Puli team to give us this genre of Tamil movie after a long time. All I can say is go with an open mind and you will like it. Even when I tried watching it 'open- minded', it did not get me intrigued enough throughout the movie.
So basically, I Liked it very much but not Loved it for sure. And director like you, it is definitely possible. I do support and like this movie, but, my request to Simbudevan is that that we need these kinds of movies and when you are planning to direct in this genre, please make a unique story coz we are known for fantasies and we can definitely make a "World Class Movie". But, if people look this as enjoyable fantasy film that they would love to watch and appreciate or want too enjoy this with their family, then do give it a try. If people want a "Solid Mass commercial packed action fantasy drama film", then there is good chance for them to get disappointed. No way I am telling this movie is Awesome. however, if that's the case and he wanted to direct a typical commercial film, then the movie would have become a fantasy story tailored only for Vijay and it would have been a typical "Commercial" movie with just the word fantasy added in front. But, the problem arises when the other small stories come into play where the main story of the movie gets saturated. Also, I believe that he wanted to direct the overall story a simple one. Simbudevan tried giving a family entertainer with a unique movie genre that South Indian Industry is afraid to venture into. Let's say they tried doing a Disney- style film which didn't excel, but common it is a good attempt and encouraging these kinds of movies is something that I would love to.
VFX Vijay Cineamtography Art Direction Cons: Screenplay Music Wasted the cast's potential Opinion: It is a fantasy film and they mentioned that it is a "Family entertainer". I would just like to highlight few pros and cons and then finally ending up with my conclusion.