Overall, Singapore Salon is a lousy movie that gets off to a strong start but falters in the second part. While certain RJ Balaji and Gokul fans might enjoy the movie, the wider public might not be pleased.
Gist of the Story
An impressionable young kid in his the village grows up dreaming of being a hairdresser. But in the face of all the obstacles life throws at him, will he be able to cling onto his dream?
| Directed by | Gokul |
|---|---|
| Written by | Gokul |
| Produced by | Ishari K. Ganesh |
| Starring | RJ Balaji Meenakshi Chaudhary |
| Cinematography | M. Sukumar |
| Edited by | Selva R. K. |
| Music by | Songs: Vivek–Mervin Score: Javed Riaz |
| Production company | Vels Films International |
Detailed Plot
Singapore Saloon opens with a startling statement from Kathir (RJ Balaji) that he is planning to commit suicide himself. He continues by explaining what drove him to decide as he did. The main focus of the movie is Kathir’s desire to become a well-known hair stylist. Growing up in a tiny village, he frequently hangs out at Chacha’s (Lal) barbershop, Singapore Saloon, with his friend Basheer (Kishen Das). He has a strong sense of love for his work, but he also believes that education is crucial, so he got an engineering degree. He faces significant obstacles, both financial and non-financial, in realizing his ambition of creating his own salon.
He receives financial assistance from his own father and the strict father of his bride, Meenakshi Chaudhary, in order to launch his ideal salon, Singapore Saloon, housed in a structure that has a striking resemblance to Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands. Then, in a dramatic turn of events, he encounters a great calamity shortly before the tavern opens. What becomes to Kathir’s life and dream?
Artistes’ Performances
Although the filmmaker could have done a better job writing the role of the hairdresser, RJ Balaji is a strong and trustworthy actor. Sathyaraj is hilarious as the economical father-in-law, and Gokul cheerfully exploits his stinginess for comedic effect. For example, he politely declines a drink from someone who remembers that he traveled alone on his honeymoon in order to save money. For the first time in a long while, Robo Shankar kept the audience interested in his comedic routine. In the universe of “Singapore Saloon,” Meenakshi Chaudhary and the women have virtually nothing to do.
Direction / Technical Side
Gokul’s comedy-drama Singapore Salon features RJ Balaji as barber Kathir, who aspires to be a hairdresser. The film combines humor and melodrama, yet it has a poor narrative and an identity dilemma. Sathyaraj and Robo Shankar, who play Kathir’s miserly and quirky in-laws, are portrayed in the first part of the film as humorous and amusing. The film’s best sequences feature them together because they have some hilarious and clever conversations. There are also poignant moments in the movie when Kathir connects and expresses his love with the barber who first inspired him, Chacha (Lal).
But when it turns into a serious, didactic drama in the second half, the movie is a letdown. The movie doesn’t do a good job of showing viewers how to feel sympathy for Kathir despite his many obstacles and disappointments. In addition, because Kathir’s answers to his issues are so easy and ridiculous, the movie lacks logic and cohesion. Though it does it in an awkward and artificial way, the movie attempts to deliver a message of optimism and tenacity. Moreover, the movie adds a magical realism component and a surprise cameo, both of which clash with the overall tone and subject matter.
Technically speaking, the movie is passable, with strong art direction, soundtrack, and cinematography. There are also a few hilarious allusions to pop culture and societal themes throughout the movie. These elements, however, are unable to compensate for the film’s poor directing and storyline.
Verdict;
In a nutshell Singapore Salon is an underwhelming movie that gains momentum in the first part but falters in the latter part. It doesn’t live up to its promise since it’s not witty or interesting enough. Fans of RJ Balaji and Gokul could find the movie entertaining, but the wider public might not be pleased. Overall, It’s an unmemorable, lousy movie.