While it isn't compulsory that a movie must convey a message or throw light on some issue, it is disappointing when a movie doesn't do that inspite of having the opportunity. But if one doesn't hold its objective of entertaining rather than educating, against Malaiyan, it does end up a notch above other, similarly-themed movies because of its interesting romance and competent screenplay.

Malaiyan(Karan), who works at a fireworks factory in Sivakasi, is fiercely devoted to his company's owner Meiyappan(Sarathbabu). This leads to him frequently going up against Vedhachalam(Rajan. P. Dev) and his son Thanikachalam, who run a competing fireworks factory and are determined to ruin Meiyappan. Malaiyan falls for (Shammu), whose parents agree to get them married after some initial opposition. But an explosion at Meiyappan's godown ruins all the plans and makes Malaiyan swear revenge against Vedhachalam and his son.

With Karan working at a fireworks factory, Malaiyan offers us a peek at the difficult and dangerous conditions under which the workers there carry out their tasks. The few glimpses we get of the workplace do make us sympathize with those forced to earn their livelihood by working there. But the film doesn't do much with the setting. Expectations about a story that shines light on the plight of such workers are quickly dashed as the movie focuses more on Karan's romance with Shammu and the enmity between Sarathbabu and Rajan. P. Dev.

The romance is fun and interesting as a bold and spirited Shammu harasses Karan and Ganja Karuppu. While we are used to our heroes pursuing the timid heroine and impressing her with their heroic acts, it is Shammu who quarrels and clashes with Karan here and the encounters mostly end with Karan bowing down to her wishes or slinking away with his tail between his legs (the romance between Karan and Udayatara, which happens much later, doesn't share the same qualities. It is unnecessary, awkwardly inserted and gets no closure). Ofcourse Karan also gets to flex his muscles with Rajan. P. Dev's goons. This track is more cliched with Sarathbabu showing his kind and benevolent side and Rajan and his son acting as routine villains as they mistreat their employees and threaten Sarathbabu.

The movie has a nice twist that is surprising mainly because the movie showed itself to have really limited ambitions until then. The twist can be guessed some time before its overtly revealed but the movie deserves credit for handling the secret well atleast until then. But it does go over-the-top with the scope of its revelations and Karan's final request, while well-intentioned, doesn't make much sense.

Karan, when he turned hero, initially appeared to pick movies that were a little different and fresh but now seems to be gunning for the same, masala hero slot that Sundar. C and others are aiming for. This sort of role doesn't require much and he is adequate. Shammu is likeable as she fights with Karan. Udayatara was miffed about the raw deal she was given and that is understandable considering how shabbily her character is treated. Sarathbabu is as usual soft-spoken while Rajan. P. Dev, in what must have been one of his last roles in Tamil as he passed away recently, is solid as the villain.