Chennai: Filmmaker AL Vijay is a master in writing melodramas. His latest Lakshmi reminds one of 1984 martial arts flick Karate Kid, which was again remade in 2010 with Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith in the lead.
It also has shades of M Kumaran S/O Mahalakshmi on and off.
When Lakshmi(Ditya) raised by a dance-hating single mother (Aishwarya Rajesh) wants to participate in an national-level dance reality show, she uses a local eatery owner Krishna (Prabhu Deva) to act as her father and register for the event.
Situation takes twists and turns and what follows sets its plot.
Though we are shown a cliched drama, Vijay as usual has worked out emotional scenes well.
In the pre-climax and climax dance scenes where we see semi-finals and finale of the reality show, the writer has loaded them with sentiments.
Ditya in the lead has done her part well. Her dance moves are a pleasure to watch. Aishwarya Rajesh and Prabhu Deva with their subtle performances save the day. Kovai Sarala and Karunakaran are also in the cast.
Music plays an integral part in the movie. Sam CS has come up with some foot-tapping numbers.
Cinematographer Nirav Shah, who is also credited for the story, is the one who needs a special mention. Be it a road side dance or a stage performance, Nirav has captured every movement of Lakshmi and her fellow dancers in their own essence.
Vijay has the ability to transform what is on paper to screen with ease. Lakshmi entertain in parts. It is the success story of underdog.