“MGR Magan” (2021) is a Tamil masala movie directed and scripted by Ponram, featuring M. Sasikumar, Sathyaraj, and Mirnalini Ravi. In a rural setting, the film mixes family drama, comedy, and social message, all compressed into a commercial entertainer.
The narrative revolves around “Anbalippu Ravi” (Sasikumar), a free-spirited villager who never sees eye-to-eye with his father, the well-respected naturopath M.G. Ramasamy (Sathyaraj), or MGR as he was popularly known. The tense relationship between them brings tension to daily life, with MGR keeping the son out of the house. In spite of all this, fate compels the son and father to confront bigger problems together.
The serene village of Theni has a hillock that is filled with medicinal herbs, on which MGR depends for his herbal medicines. However, harmony in the village is disrupted when a greedy industrialist (Pala Karuppaiah) targets the hill with an intent to convert it into a quarry. MGR resists upholding the hill, fighting back the industrialist in court for the sake of nature and livelihood.
But the judgment is against him, and all hope seems lost. Here, at this critical juncture, Ravi comes forward to defend his father, putting aside their differences to battle the mighty foe who is threatening their homeland. The movie is about how the relationship between a father and son is revived in the face of adversity.
“MGR Magan” gives a lighthearted rural drama without attempting to be too profound or serious. The story is simple, and the movie follows tested masala patterns. Sathyaraj excels with his natural presence on screen, taking both emotional and comic scenes in his stride. Sasikumar is apt for the role, although his performance does not leave an indelible impression. Although the movie has moments of charm, it does not have the high energy and quick wit that viewers associate with a Ponram film. It's an average one-time watch.