Mambattiyan is the real life story of a brave dacoit who lived in Malaiyur village of Salem district. The movie is a remake of the 1983 blockbuster Malaiyur Mambattiyaan, which took Thiyagarajan, who played the role of Mambattiyan, to the peak of fame. The same Thiyagarajan produces and directs this remake, with his son Prashanth donning the lead role.

Mambattiyan revolves around a youngster who avenges the death of his parents by killing the baddies in public view. He gets a robin hood image, continuing to kill all rich baddies who torture poor people. The Police struggle to catch him.

The movie opens with the sensational hit song Kaattu Vazhi Pora Penne composed by Ilaiyaraja. Right from the title song to the end, every frame has the same presentation as the original version. Director Thiyagarajan presents the same script and same dialogues. Yes, it is understood that the story is a real life story and cannot be changed, but some interesting changes in the screenplay would have helped people who have already watched the 1983 version.

Logical loopholes from the earlier version are repeated in this version. For instance, when Kannatha escapes from the duplicate Mambattiyan, she fails to inform this to Mambattiyan when she meets him in the very next frame. Mumaith Khan's suicide scene is another good example. The costumes & makeup could have been better. Prashanth wearing costly-looking shoes when he works in the iron workshop, and Meera Jasmine with a heavy makeover face end up spoiling the reality. The film also leaves a stretchy feel.

Mambattiyan is a grander version due to the fantastic film making with today's technologies. The movie will certainly be a visual treat to the audiences! Shaji Kumar's cinematography is the greatest strength of the movie and keeps our attention on the beautiful visuals. The locales of Kodanadu, Theni and the remote forest of Andhra Pradesh are fascinating, thanks to the the brilliant camera angles!

Prashanth has delivered a great performance. He has worked hard for the stunt sequences, and his physique and appearance are well suited for the role. However, 1983 Thiyagarajan's rough and tough look is missing in Prashanth's face! He fails to score in the aggressive & angry situations. Meera Jasmine perfectly replaces Saritha and she has scored well. Prakash Raj has done his part well. After a long gap, Vadivelu comes back and scores well, though he has minimum screen space. Kota Srinivasan and Vijaya kumar are in guest appearances.

Thaman's background score is awesome! A couple of songs composed by Ilayaraja are remixed. Remix of the Chinna Ponnu and Mamoy song performed by Mumaith Khan are the good numbers. Editing by Don Max is sharp and great. Thiyagarajan's art direction is excellent. The village sets and the frames in the forest are brilliant.

If you have already watched Malaiyoor Mambattiyan and want a grander version of it, you will not be disappointed, though some interesting modifications and faster screenplay would have helped better. Fascinating photography, style of making and Prashanth's dedicated performance takes Mambattiyan to a Can Watch!