J.C. Creations’ middle male punaigal (Written and directed by VPS Sriraman) tells the story of two youth from different backgrounds. Venkatesh (Girish Venkat), coming from a middle-class family, is so shy that he avoids going to work, fearing he might have to interact with women in the office. His co-worker Vasudha (Malini Devi) is determined to marry him because she thinks he will be flexible. Gradually, he starts liking her. But his parents will not let him marry her, and Venkatesh is not courageous enough to marry her despite his parents’ objection.

Prashant (Saiprasad Sriram), a rich businessman’s son, is in love with Nithya (Vidya Kannan) and wants to marry her. While she wants to postpone the marriage, Prashant’s parents are not ready to wait. Due to these complications, both men are unable to marry the girl they love. And Vasudha married Prashant. When she disappears leaving behind a letter, the police pick up both Prashant and Venkatesh for questioning.

What has happened to Vasudha? It is this mystery and how it is solved that forms the rest of the story.

Madhil Mel Punaigal, Left with many unanswered questions. | Photo Courtesy: SR Raghunathan

middle male punaigal It can neither be classified as a thriller nor a comedy, although it was funny in parts. This drama left many questions. How would the police department let a private detective take the evidence? How can a case against a kidnapper be closed just because the victim’s family decides to forgive the kidnapper? Kidnapping and illegal imprisonment are compoundable offenses and cannot be resolved by mutual agreement. Why was Kathavarayan (Subramaniam) strutting in that strange, exaggerated way? At the end of the play, came the inevitable message – learn to like what you get. Nanjil Revathi was good as Lalita.