'Azhagar Malai' targeted at the B & C centre audience has the necessary elements to keep them entertained set in a believable rural backdrop.

Even though the storyline is somewhat similar to a hoard of yesteryear flicks about the burning vendetta between two big shots of the village and their seething anger, the neat screenplay by director SP Rajakumar and comical relief rendered by Vadivelu maintains the tempo without sagging at any instance. The authentic rural backdrop reminds us of Napolean's big time hits in the past and he has come back with a laudable performance after 'Dasavatharam'.

Pandithurai (Napolean) is the obedient and caring elder brother of the spoilt rich brat Pugazhendhi (RK) and is ardently trying to find the right bride to get him married. Meanwhile, Pughazhendhi is a drunkard and foolishly gets into tussles with the local people creating a bad caricature image of himself. The spoilt name in the area becomes a great hindrance in finding the bride as most of their parents prefer not to give their daughter in hand to the useless fellow. Pandithurai's arch rival is played by Lal and their years of agitation continous as Lal wanted to hinder his brother's wedding at any cost. Then Pugazhendhi turns over a new leaf after seeing his brother being insulted in the village meeting and meets Janani (Banu). The duo falls in love and decides to get married in Chennai. How their love succeeds and what made the rivals to develop such a vendetta in the past is revealed just before the climax.

The story is old wine which has been enclosed in a new bottle of brotherhood and humor. RK has lost few pounds and looks quintessential in the role of a village youngster. He has tuned his style of speech since the days of 'Ellam Avan Seyal' and looks better this time around. Banu is a good choice but her oozing make up is so irking in the close up shots. Vadivelu after a long time has shared screen space with the hero without resorting to the usual parallel track. The welcome change is entertaining for the audience and he manages to evoke laughter then and there. The glamour doll Sona has been generous in her costumes to be an oglefest for the audience.  

The prominent supporting cast played by Napolean and Lal adds weight to the storyline. Napolean is at ease in the responsible brother while Lal takes care of the loud baddie along with the 'Kolangal' girl. Musical score by Ilayaraja is good in bits and pieces. The opening album style song dates back to the 80s composition with underplayed percussions and the songster's bold voice in the front. Except for the one duet 'Karugu Mani', others are all below average and background score is cacophonous.

Director SP Rajakumar has no woes for the A center but has straight away delved into the commercial packed entertainer. But, the saving grace is he refrained from the four song two fight formula even though it exists in the film subtly. Vadivelu's comedy is valuable asset for the film. The film is not innovative or lavish but just the regular rural flick coming out with a mediocre venture.

'Azhagar Malai' is 'old wine in an old bottle' with few outdated elements but manages to pass the average line.&nbs

Verdict: Average Outing