Subha J. Rao: It's not easy developing a germ of an idea from a 12-year-old incident that changed world dynamics forever, into a gripping, even entertaining film. But, talented director Radha Mohan, who's proved his mettle many times over as a teller of good stories, manages to achieve that in Silent Movies' Payanam, thanks to a spiffy storyline, humour-filled dialogues, some stylish acting by Nagarjuna (oh yes, after all these years, he still makes your heart flutter as the ready-to-strike commando!) and effective performances by an ensemble cast.

It's a regular day at the Chennai airport, and for the passengers of Star Jet SK 957. However, shortly after take-off, terrorists hijack the flight, demanding the release of their leader Yusuf Khan, and Rs. 100 crore.

The scenes that play out see the flight making an emergency landing in Tirupati, hectic negotiations between the Government, led by Home Secretary Vishwanath (Prakash Raj) and National Security Advisor Lakshmirathan (Krishnamurthy), and the agitated terrorists, a media circus outside the airport, the passengers from different backgrounds (an aged couple, a doctor, a retired colonel, a mimicry artiste and a family from Pakistan) slowly forging unlikely bonds, and NSG commandos led by Major Raveendran (Nagarjuna) raring to strike. Thanks to a stroke of luck, they get that chance, and it's adrenaline-pumping action after that.

Radha Mohan, in a departure from his feel-good movies, and dialogue writer T.J. Gnanavel strike gold with fast-paced scenes and sparkling dialogues. If there is someone who can bring in light-heartedness to a gripping thriller, it has to be Radha Mohan — there are digs galore at punch dialogues in senseless films and improbable situations. Ironically, a similar film comes to their rescue later on.

A great advantage is that the film grabs audience attention from the word go —you're worried about the plight of the passengers one minute, chuckling the very next at the wry humour, and before long, gripped by the suspense.