A poster of the film ‘Kadhalikka Neramillai’. (X)
Kadhalikka Neramillai (Tamil)
13-01-2025,
Comedy, Drama,
2 hours 22 minutes
U/A
Theatre
- Main Cast:Ravi Mohan, Nithya Menen, Vinay Rai, TJ Bhanu, and Yogi Babu
- Director:Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi
- Producer:Red Giant Movies
- Music Director:AR Rahman
- Cinematography:Gavemic Ary
Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi’s fourth directorial venture Kadhalikka Neramillai garnered enough hype among its target audience when its first single was released almost two months ago.
The chemistry between Ravi Mohan and Nithya Menen was considered its prime USP apart from AR Rahman’s music.
Its trailer elevated the expectations surrounding the film and the makers announced the release for Pongal when the much-awaited big-ticket flick Vidaa Muyarchi opted out of the festival.
The ensemble cast was another factor that made movie buffs look forward to this romantic drama.
Synopsis
Shriya (Nithya Menen), an ambitious architect from Chennai, who is reeling from a breakup, decides to be a single parent and opts for IVF treatment for the same.
Meanwhile, Siddharth (Ravi Mohan), a Bengaluru-based structural engineer, is shattered after his lady love deserts him.
Interestingly, the duo shares a strong connection that they aren’t aware of. They encounter each other in an unexpected setting without knowing that destiny has some incredible plans for them.
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Highlights and drawbacks
‘Kadhalikka Neramillai’ is a drama. (X)
It is seldom that we get to see the works of female filmmakers in Kollywood. Kadhalikka Neramillai, which involves varied emotions and delves into several psychological aspects of its characters, reminds us of the need to have more women filmmakers. The movie’s story doesn’t boast of something that we have ever come across.
However, the sensitivity with which each characters are approached and the empathetic angle that is provided to them deserves applause. The character designs are relatably etched and the small nuances elevate feel-good moments.
A gay character supports same-sex parenting, a man is against bringing a child into this problematic society and a woman chooses to be a single parent.
Another woman decides to call off her engagement in the eleventh hour and doesn’t regret it even after years. She still likes the man to whom she was supposed to be betrothed. The film respects the boundaries and decisions of all these characters. Ultimately, the movie is all about the celebration of following one’s heart.
Rahman’s music lifts a few crucial sequences while Gavemic Ary’s vibrant visuals aid the movie’s overall pleasant mood.
The story spans two timelines; the conflicts in both periods are addressed efficiently. However, the characters’ appearance remains the same at different times.
The screenplay attempts to stay away from the regular tropes in terms of resolving the varied conflicts in it. The two central characters share a special bond in the movie, but the duo remaining unaware of the same until the end is a testament to the refreshing storytelling the filmmaker relies on.
Performances
Nithya Menen in ‘Kadhalikka Neramillai’. (X)
Nithya Menen breathes life into a character that handles multiple emotions in different timelines. Her role as a daughter, a mother, a friend and a lover witnesses a roller-coaster ride.
It isn’t surprising to see an actress of her calibre pulling off a complex character gracefully.
Ravi Mohan fits perfectly into his role and flawlessly delivers the required emotions. His subtle expressions suit the confusing and evolving nature of the character.
Rohaan Singh impresses as the energetic young boy who yearns for a father’s love. Yogi Babu, Vinay Rai, TJ Banu, John Kokken, Lal, Lakshmi Ramakrishnan, Mano and Vinothini make their presence felt. Each of them has their share of contributions to the film’s flow of events.
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Final take
The emotionally satisfying movie has the necessary ingredients that are likely to attract a young audience. The sincere approach towards the storytelling through lively characters is powered by impressive technical aspects.
(Views expressed here are personal, edited by Sumavarsha)
