'Theri' movie review: Live audience response

"Theri" is an action-thriller, written and directed by Atlee. Pictured: A movie still from Ilayathalapathy Vijay's "Theri."Atlee Kumar Twitter Account

Vijay-starrer "Theri" has opened to fairly positive reviews. It is an emotional film, which has all the commercial elements that audience love to see in Ilayathalapathy's movies.

The actor has teamed up with one-film-old Atlee Kumar for "Theri," produced by Kalaipuli S Dhanu. The movie has Samantha and Amy Jackson playing the female leads. Prabhu, Raadhika Sarathkumar, baby Nainika, Santhanam, Rajendran, Kaali Venkat and others will be seen in supporting roles in the flick, which has George C Williams' cinematography and Anthony L Ruben's editing.

GV Prakash Kumar has provided a couple of good songs, and "En Jeevan," "Eena Meena Teeka," "Chella Kutti" and "Raangu" have become chartbusters.

The story of the movie is about a good father versus a bad father. An honest cop Vijaya Kumar (Vijay) bids goodbye to his profession following a personal tragedy. He settles in Kerala with his daughter played by Nainika and rechristens himself as Joseph Kuruvilla. But wicked politician (Mahendran) does not allow him to lead a peaceful life and wants to kill the ex-police officer's daughter. What happens next is the best part of the story. 

Reviews:

"Theri" has a good subject and it is loaded with emotions. The story is also backed by punch dialogues and brilliant action sequences. But the screenplay is not tight and the film becomes predictable at parts. 
Vijay is a treat to watch in "Theri" in multiple avatars. Be it in action sequences or emotional scenes, the actor impresses the viewers with his acting. Samantha's chemistry with him works big time. Baby Nainika is equally good. Amy Jackson has done a different role altogether in the film and it is a welcome change to see her sans glamour. Mahendran is brilliant in the role of a villain, Naan Kadavul Rajendran and Raadhika Sarathkumar are good in their limited portions.
The cinematography is top notch and the background score remains one of the highlights of the film. On a whole "Theri" is a complete family entertainer and has mass elements to thrill the fans of Vijay. The movie can be enjoyed for some fine performances of the key characters and a decent old-wine-in-a-new-bottle kind of story. 
Here is the viewers' response to the Tamil flick:
Sidhu posted: #Theri: The main issue here is that you're always ahead of the proceedings, right from frame 1. Age-old predictable revenge-masala mix.
#Theri: George C Williams is the actual hero of the film, bringing us bright visuals all the way. Nainika's dialogues - another highlight!
#Theri: Tolerable. Atlee's story is old as the hills, but his new-gen presentation saves the day. Enjoyable first half, middling second.
#Theri Interval: Jolly good fun. Nicely packaged crowd pleaser with terrific action and tardy emotions. Nainika - wonderful find!
Ajay tweeted: Will watch #Theri again today to see if my opinions change. But, I expected a lot, lot more from Atlee. It was 'okay' at best, nothing more.
#Theri - 2.75/5. An encouraging first half which collapses to a predictable and dull ending. Huge potential, but output is only average.
I reviewed it from my POV as a critic. But I did speak to several families who enjoyed it. We'll have to see if reviews affect £.
Will watch #Theri again today to see if my opinions change. But, I expected a lot, lot more from Atlee. It was 'okay' at best, nothing more.
Deepak posted: And the #Theri has started . @actorvijay
Vijay continuously speaking Malayan for 3- 4 minutes #Theri
God level acting #Rain fight #Terrific #Theri
Attitude is whole new level , top class acting by my thalaivar . This is what we want . #Theri
If acting by sticking to the basics is a skill. Then Vijay is a pro in that . Attitude Swag Dialogue Delivery only he can do
Loved the first half , movie started well , little slow in between but towards the end if first half a new dimension for Vijay
In 3/4 scenes you guys will see thalaivar that you have never seen , so perfection in acting #Theri
Radhika was fab , Nainika picture perfect , Samantha good , Rajendran truly a rockstar . #Theri
C you after second half Hope we get a equally good second half as well #Theri
012 - #Thuppakki 2014 - #Kaththi 2016 - #Theri. All 3 films Vijay said " I am Waiting "
Climax leh ladakh portion was excellent #Theri
Records are neither created nor destroyed but transformed from 2012 to 2014 and then to 2016 #Theri
ChristopherKanagaraj tweeted: #Theri | Gud first half, felt its lengthy. Vijay - Nainika, Motta rajendiran portion super, Interval block sema, jithu jilladi song nt gud!!
#Theri - A gud commercial entertainer.Vijay -Nainika super:). Normal revenge story with gud comedy, sentiments and action! Theri baby:)
Commonman Sathish posted: #TheriBaby - Vijay's own daughter had done a small cameo.. Check it out in the last scene.
#Theri - Fans, plz wait after the climax to watch bloopers & #Raangu song..
‪#‎Theri‬ - Engaging first half, MASS interval block & Predictable second half. Atlee has totally invested on Ilayathalapathy. Plot could have been better.
#Theri 1st half @Atlee_dir has included sufficient commercial elements to satisfy @actorvijay fans, kids, ladies & family audience.
#Theri First half- #Nainika - U beauty.. Completely overshadows Ilayathalapathy in the first 20 Minutes.
Haricharan Pudipeddi posted: Loved the first half of #Theri. However, it all goes downhill post interval. You feel as though everything was wrapped up in a hurry.
Scenes between #Vijay and #Nainika are a treat to watch. The bond they share is convincing. #Nainika is a natural, acts effortlessly
#Vijay has rocked in khaki, and although he's played a cop before, he makes Vijay Kumar character stand out with his histrionics.
Now, I eagerly await Baddy to write about Amy's wig and Sam's jollikkara azhagu in his review of #Theri :)
Praveen wrote: #Theri — On the whole, offers nothing new. But #IlayaThalapathyVijay's screen presence, mass moments & GVP's BGM stand out. Watchable once!
#Theri — Tech okay. #GVPrakash songs are a big let down, also doesn't gel along with the flow but compensates with his electrifying BGM...
#Theri - IlayaThalapathy Vijay comes with an outstanding-stellar performance.Too good after a clinker. Knockout acting in all his makeovers.
#Theri — Might work for fans and the masses but to be honest this one is 'beaten to death' formula which we have seen umpteen no. of times
#Theri — #RajaRani magic is missing, as story and treatment looks labored. The emotions and songs thrust into with a wafer thin storyline.
#Theri — 1st half is engaging, Nanaika is too good with a great interval block,2nd half long drawn out & predictable end which is upsetting.
#Theri — 2.75/5 Typical old school mix of emotional drama and action in Atlee's new style. Glossy packaged entertainer shouldered by #Vijay.
Hari Krishna Raju ‏wrote: A strong plot with this treatment would have taken the movie to blockbuster level... Anyways.. #Theri will entertain you in many ways ..
On a whole #Theri is an average entertainer with typical Vijay heroism episodes. nevertheless it's a feast for fans..
Samantha and Amy did their best in their limited screen time, BGM stands out and Mahendran sir and Rajendran rocked #Theri
#theri second half is a rehash of many hit films and falls flat except few well presented episodes . Baby #Nainika and #Vijay steals d show
Interval block lead scene conversation between Vijay and Mahendran - nicely done #Theri
#Theri first half heroism, comedy, love, emotion - perfect balance ... Predictable though... Massy heroism in classy style - feast for fans
Prashanth tweeted: #Theri interval - not bored even for a nano second. @actorvijay - mass overloaded!! @Atlee_dir - RESPECT !! Emotional and Joyful !!
Done watching #THERI - best in @actorvijay 's career. Heartful and soulful. Worth every penny you spend. I'm very happy.
Sridevi Sreedhar posted: #Theri interval report- Total entertainer. #Mass #Emotional #comedy #Action #Therimoments all in right mix. super is the word
#Theri interval report- Total entertainer. #Mass #Emotional #comedy #Action #Therimoments all in right mix. super is the word
#Theri is paisa vasool entertainer Go for it, u will get ur time and money worth#vijayfan
Kaushik LM posted: #Theri 1st half - Otha Sollala moment is sure to thrill fans. #Vijay screen presence is terrific. His most convincing police look till now.
#Theri 1st half Baby #Nainika rules the first 20mins with her absolute innocence, charm. @realradikaa @Samanthaprabhu2 #Rajendran add weight
#Theri 1st half - Spl mention to all three stunt sequences (@dhilipaction) and #Vijay's costumes. Liking it so far waiting for the 2nd half
#Theri 1st half - interval showdown bet #Vijay and #mahendran raises the tension.. Has all elements. Very entertaining so far.
#Theri 1st half - superb!!! Totally engaging so far..

Vijay's 'Theri' movie review

Ilayathalapathy Vijay's much awaited movie Theri has finally hit the screens. With a huge fan base in Kerala, Theri has managed to take the Kerala box office by storm by getting a solo big release in the state.

The action-thriller directed by Atlee, which is being distributed in Kerala by Friday Film House, in association with Carnival Pictures has reached 202 screens across Kerala and on top of it, special morning shows starting from 4 am was also arranged.

MLA Shafi Parambil at Palaghat for 'Theri' first day first show

For Kerala fans, there is one more reason to celebrate as Vijay will be seen in triple role - one of which is as Kottayam native Joseph Kuruvilla. While Samantha will be seen as doctor Mithra, Amy Jackson has played the role of a Malayali teacher and child artiste Nainika plays a pivotal role in the movie.

Going by the initial reports, fans are celebrating the day and Theri has got houseful shows across the state. Check out for a few tweets:

While Vijay is the star attraction of the movie, many have applauded Nainika's performance in Theri.
Atlee's impressive dialogue and GV Prakash's BGM are yet another factors that will keep one hooked.