The child is named 23 am Pulikesi (Vadivelu) and he grows up to be the new king after the Kings death. But the queen gives birth to twins and among them the smarter one (according to the astrologer) is ordered to be killed while the dimwit survives. Little do they know that the queen?s brother Rajguru (Nassar) is behind the death of their children as he wants to be the next ruler! But when the palace astrologer predicts that the 23rd child will be a dimwit, Rajguru is happy. In a faraway kingdom the ruler (Nagesh) and queen (Manorama) are craving for a child as all their 22 kids die at birth. The story is a spoof on many films that we have seen in the past. And as his twin brother, he is a revelation as you get to see the other side of this talented actor as a serious, head strong, intelligent man. He is no Nagesh (in his prime) but Vadivelu does manage to make you laugh as Pulikesi, the dimwit king. Shankar the producer and Simbudevan deserves a pat on their back to cast Vadivelu the most solid comedian of Tamil cinema in the main lead of this mad laugh riot. You will either love this eccentric film or just hate it! But one thing is sure- You are sure to love Vadivelu. Simbudevan the cartoonist turned writer-director has made a scathing attack on how life has not changed much for common man since time immemorial as they are always exploited by rulers (today?s politicians) of the day. It is whacky spoof, a satire on the Machiavellian politics practiced in the late 18th century which is laced with present day happenings in politics, sports and all areas in a hilarious manner. Those who think that period films are boring should watch Simbudevan directed Imsai Arasan 23am Pulikesi.