The story takes off from the time Swarna (Samantha) who has got married to a doctor Anirudh ( Diganth Manchale), goes to his native village for the first time after marriage, just in time for Anirudh's sister's engagement.
But his father, a politician, does not welcome them and the duo plan to return. However, when his sister insists, Anirudh and his bride decide to stay back for the wedding.
For Swarna, it's a new experience as she is an orphan. She loves the large family atmosphere and decides to do her best to win over their love.
But just as she is settling in, trouble lands up from her past, in the form of Karuna ( Gulshan Devaiah), who had taken her under his wing and after martial training, made the demure girl, a bold and fearless gang member. However,after he was jailed, Swarna aka Jhansi im her old life, realised he had been taking advantage and had been exploiting her and undertaking nefarious activities.
Now, in her new life as a wife, Swarna is determined to protect her newfound family from the dangerous Karuna who escapes from jail and finds her.
Does Swarna succeed? Does she tell her family the truth?
Samantha carries the film on her shoulders eye effortless ease, aceing every frame she is in, with her grace and charm and her characteristic magic. At the same time, she completely owns the stunt sequences in the film, making every punch believable and powerful, wielding not just guns, logs of wood and knives but also kitchen ladles and household goods, to battle the baddies. The film successfully brings out both the performance and action facets of the actor and her presence works like a charm.
The large ensemble cast is well chosen and fits the bill. Gauthami stands out as the sweet mother-in-law. The family sequences when Samantha,tries to please them all, are lighthearted and interesting.
Gulshan Devaiah plays the nefarious meanacing villain to the T and the scenes between him and Samantha are as chilling as his nefarious plans to get her back.
The film has grand sets and good production values. The music is good , the peppy Thassidiya track makes for good visuals as well. The camerawork is sound.
But the film could have done with a bit crisper edit as some scenes meant to be comedy, seem stretched.
The treatment of the plot gives a dated and predictable feel and a faster pace would have helped to keep the viewer more invested.
Despite few logical loopholes, the climax scenes are rivetting and keep you hooked.
Overall, Engal Thangam, aimed at family audiences, makes for a neat watch with Samantha's star performance, grand making, and emotional tug of family sentiments.
Rating 3/5
*CAST*
Samantha - Swarna
Diganth Manchale - Anirudh
Gautami - Kamakshi
Anand - Ramaya Raju
Sri Lakshmi - Bamma
Gulshan Devaiah - Karuna
Manjusha - Kiranmayi
Chaitanya Krishna - Sharath
Sreemukhi - Anasuya
*CREW*
Created by: Raj Nidimoru
Directed by: BV Nandini Reddy
Produced by: Tralala Moving Pictures
Producers: Raj Nidimoru, Samantha, Himank Reddy Duvvuru
Director of Photography: Om Prakash ISC
Music: Santhosh Narayanan
Written by: Raj Nidimoru, Vasanth Maringanti
CEO : Himank Reddy Duvvuru
Editor: Dharmendra Kakarala
Production Designer: Ullas Hydoor
Action Director: Lee Whittaker, Aejaz gulab
Choreographer : Pony Verma
Costume Designer: Pallavi Singh
Fight Master: Marvel Natraj
Sound Design: Pradeep G
Sound Mixing: Ajith A George
Executive Producer: Rakesh Reddy Gaddam
PRO: Yuvraaj
Marketing: First Show
Visual Promotions: Just Right Studioz NX
Publicity Designs: Yellow tooths
VFX by SARVA.FX
Audio Label : Think Music
