Movie Review: Pencil

Rating: 2.5/5

Cast: GV Prakash Kumar, Sri Divya, Sharik Hassan, Abhishek, Urvashi, VTV Ganesh and Others.

Music: GV Prakash Kumar

Cinematography: Gopi Amarnath

Producer: Hari

Story, Screenplay & Direction: Mani Nagaraj

Release Date: 13th May 2016


Music Composer GV Prakash Kumar emerged as one of the most successful Young Heroes in Kollywood. After 'Darling' & 'Trisha Leda Nayantara', He opted for a thriller with high school backdrop. Sri Divya has been paired opposite him for the first time. 'Pencil' was released simultaneously in Tamil & Tamil. What this film is all about?

Synopsis:

Shiva (GV Prakash Kumar) and Maya (Sri Divya) are 12th Standard Students. Their classmate Nithin (Sharik Hassan), a son of Film Hero, has the habit of blackmailing Students and Teachers. Apart from Shiva & Maya, A lot of people hate Nithin for his bad behaviour. One day, Shiva decides to settle scores with Nithin and follows him to the Classroom. Much to the shock of Shiva, Nithin gets killed by the time he reaches the classroom. At first, Maya suspects Shiva might have murdered Nithin. She, however, realizes soon that a fourth person is behind the murder. How Shiva & Maya trace the killer forms the rest of the story..!

Performances:

GV Prakash Kumar might be a good composer but his acting skills aren't satisfactory inspite of two-films experience. He appeared to be clueless in crucial scenes and failed to emote when it mattered the most. Even his role was less significant to it look even worse.

Sri Divya dominates GV and her performance is too good. But, Its Sharik Hassan who did the negative role steals the show completely and he is a major asset to the movie. Even the Actor who played the killer did a fine job. Nothing much to say about rest of the actors.

Pros:

Sri Divya

Sharik Hassan

First Half

Cons:

GV Prakash Kumar

Songs

Screenplay

Technicalities:

Songs composed by GV Prakash Kumar weren't impressive. Of Course, Background Score is very nice. Camera Work by Gopi Amarnath is decent enough. Dubbing is fine. Production Values were adequate. Debutante Director Mani Nagaraj failed to leave a mark of his own. Especially, Lack of gripping narration should be blamed here.

Analysis:

Inspired from a Korean movie 'Fourth Period Mystery', Story of 'Pencil' appears to very interesting but the poor narration played the spoilsport. Tempo required for a Murder Mystery is missing. The thrill factor which worked for the Korean flick went missing in 'Pencil' and Director made a mess while making changes to suit Tamil nativity. Mani Nagaraj's inexperience in handling twists & turns is quite evident here.  

Unnecessary comedy tracks deviate the viewer from the Murder Mystery. The humor generated by Principal's role appears a complete misfit in a serious subject. How can 12th Standard Students be so calm and composed in the presence of a dead body? Inspite of a good plot, 'Pencil' tests the patience of the audience with illogical scenes & boring screenplay.

'Pencil' starts on a good note. Director didn't take much time to make audience realize they have come to watch a murder mystery. However, Love track of Lead Pair isn't good enough. The guy who played the baddie keeps the proceedings interesting to some extent and his scenes were designed so well. He carries the entire First Half on his shoulders and Interval Block is worth mentioning. But, The Second Half isn't up to the mark and doesn't engage the audience at all.  

Even the final twist in the story wasn't too surprising for the Audience. The reason behind murder & the lecture about private schools in the Climax wasn't convincing. Overall, 'Pencil' has nothing much to offer for a Movie Buff.

Bottom Line: A Forgettable Murder Mystery!