Vijay Antony’s latest venture defies expectations by serving up a surprisingly tasty dish despite a narrative that’s as dry as the Indian summer. Joining Vijay is Mirnalini Ravi. Personally, I’ve not been her biggest cheerleader, but credit where it’s due—she absolutely shines in this role, turning in a performance that could very well be a game-changer for her career. The supporting cast is equally impressive, with VTV Ganesh making his mark by not shouting his lines off the top of his lungs (a feat in itself) and Yogi Babu bringing some much-needed class to his role. The friends of Mirnalini Ravi‘s character were a hoot, providing some genuinely funny moments that even this jaded reviewer couldn’t help but chuckle at.
The film tries to spin the yarn of a hardworking chef who, after seasoning himself abroad, returns to his native land with dreams of love and matrimony. He stumbles upon a youthful lady at a funeral—yes, a funeral of all places—and falls head over heels in an unrequited love saga. She, on her part, dreams of celluloid stardom while being nudged towards the altar by her father. The narrative, as seasoned as it sounds, crawls at a snail’s pace, interspersed with moments that catch you off-guard with their charm. Director Vinayak Vaithianathan injects some much-needed freshness into the proceedings by treating his female characters like the intelligent, ambitious women they are (a rarity in Kollywood, indeed!). The real pièce de résistance is the climax, and was nothing short of impressive. It’s a masterclass in emotional manipulation, leaving this reviewer feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.
In conclusion, while the film might not break new ground with its storyline, it’s the performances and a few noteworthy scenes that make it a watchable affair. So, grab your popcorn, lower those expectations just a tad, and you might find yourself enjoying this cinematic outing. Mangoidiots gives it a Ripe.
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