Kathir (RJ Balaji) aspires to become a hairstylist, inspired by the artistry of Chacha (Lal), a barber near his home. "Barbering is not just a profession, it's an art," he believes.
'Singapore Saloon' unfolds the hero's journey in overcoming typical challenges. RJ Balaji, known for his comedic timing, also showcases his ability for deeper performances.
Although not groundbreaking, he seamlessly fits into the character of Kathir, thanks to the casually written script. Meenakshi Chowdhury, portraying the heroine, doesn't have much to contribute besides shedding tears, which she executes flawlessly.
Supporting actors like Kishan Das, Thalaivasal Vijay, and Lal in character roles deliver commendable performances. However, it's Sathyaraj who steals the show, portraying a miserly father-in-law with comedic brilliance. His entry, though late, becomes the highlight of the first half. Despite occasional stagnation in the storyline, director Gokul maintains a lively atmosphere by infusing humor, especially in the childhood scenes.
However, as the film takes a serious turn, it begins to lose its grip. The narrative delves into clichés such as rains, floods, TV reality shows, displacement of residents, habitats of endangered birds, and the social media revolution. Only the 'save agriculture' cliche is missing. The second half, while detached from reality, fails to establish emotional connections. The incorporation of dance reality shows and youth problems appears superficial, diminishing the excitement of the initial half.
Vivek-Mervin's music, though not standout, smoothly blends with the storyline. Javed Riaz's background score enhances the film without being intrusive. Editor Selvakumar's cuts contribute to the film's strength, while the well-designed Singapore salon setting in the second half adds aesthetic appeal, credit to art director Jayachandran. The CG shots of parrots could have been more refined.
Starting as a realistic, feel-good film akin to 'Akkada Desam,' 'Singapore Saloon' transitions into a comedy, but loses its grip eventually. Like an unnecessary salon add on service, the film leaves you questioning its choices after initially offering a satisfying experience.