Minmini (2024) is one of those rare Tamil flicks that leaves you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. Director Halitha Shameem‘s eight-year labour of love is evident in every frame. Although the second half drags, the stunning Ladakh landscapes and genuine performances from the lead actors make up for it. Mangoidiots gives it a Ripe rating, but with a small warning – it might not be everyone’s cup of chai.
The story kicks off in an Ooty boarding school where a brainy new chap joins and butts head with the school’s sports star. A new girl joins a little later. Fast forward eight years! The two of them meet in Ladakh. The second half, I’ll be honest, moves slower than a snail on a lazy Sunday. But the breathtaking Ladakh scenery and the actors’ genuine performances make you forget about checking your watch.
The young cast, including Esther Anil – remember the little girl from Papanasam (2015) – and Pravin Kishore, have done a fabulous job as bikers exploring the Himalayas. Manoj Paramahamsa, wearing both the cinematographer and producer hats, has captured Ladakh’s beauty in every frame. It’s like a visual treat, I tell you! The music, composed by Khatija Rahman, A R Rahman‘s daughter, perfectly complements the narrative.
But here’s the thing – the plot twists are more predictable, and you can see the end of each scene coming from a mile away, which kills the suspense. It’s like the director and screenplay writer were playing it too safe, you know?
Despite its flaws, Minmini has a certain charm that’s hard to resist. If you do decide to watch it, make sure you catch it in theatres. The big screen does justice to those stunning Ladakh visuals.
Discover more from Mangoidiots
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.