Vanakkam Chennai

My review: Vanakkam Chennai

Luck seem to smiling on the Udhayanidhi family. First when very few expected it to be a hit, Udhayanidhi's debut movie as hero "OKOK" became a blockbuster hit last year. Now when his wife Kiruthiga was making her debut as writer-director with "Vanakam Chennai" very few expected it to be watchable. Movie has got released amidst absolutely zero expectation but the end result is that movie is not only watchable but thoroughly enjoyable too.   

Though the movie's storyline has influences from a number of sources both domestic and international, "Vanakam Chennai" as a breezy rom-com works big time. Movie is simple in its storyline, screenplay and execution. The makers have not made any lofty claims about the movie to be the next big experimental film that would change the face of the Indian cinema and they don't pretend to do it too. 

Made in a lighter vein movie instills an infectious energy and cheerfulness into the viewers as it progresses. The romance also happens as the story moves forward. One can't point out a particular point to tell when hero or the heroine fell for each other. Like it happens normally most of the times especially when the couple start of as either  friends or foes the love that happens has no point source. Also that the movie's heroine is a strong character without being a female chauvinist (which is how a strong female character is usually conceived especially in the movie made by female movie makers) who has her fair share of insecurities and doubts is a refreshing aspect of the movie. 

Though the movie is not without its share of blips. Kiruthiga fails to decide where to end a scene as a result many comical and interesting scenes gets prolonged which cuts down the impact of the scene. She should either learn when to say cut during the shoot or sit with the editor and sharpen his scissors judiciously.  But considering this is her debut movie, may be it can be excused for the larger picture is enjoyable.  

Shiva has improved to a large extent in his acting but still it is way short of what is expected from versatile actors to have a long run in the cinema industry. He has tried his best in the emotional sequences but needs more effort. But it is a step in right direction for him. He has started trying new genres which is good for him. Priya Anand actually carries the movie on her shoulder. Her character is well written and she has well internalized it. She excels equally in comical as well as serious sequences. However she continues with her poorly done make-up this time too.  

Day has come when Shanthanam has become a liability to a movie rather than being an asset. He has started to become irritating with his oneliners. In this movie too his character could have been done by someone else. These are warning bells for him because it took a long period for a similar thing to happen for Vivek or Vadivelu. But it has been a fast rise and turning out to be a fast decline for Shanthanam. 

Anirudh's songs are already a rage with the youngsters. "Oh penne" is his signature melody while "Osaka osaka" is a delightful number. His background score is also good. Richard Nathan's cinematography has helped in presenting the movie in a grand and suave manner.

It is a promising debut for Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi. It seems to be the season of rom-coms. After the success of "Raja Rani", "Vanakkam Chennai" too will follow suit as an eminently watchable romantic comedy.

On the whole, "Vanakkam Chennai" will do good business in the multiplexes and cities with youngsters especially female crowd loving it. 

Bottomline: A breezy light-hearted romcom. 

3.5/5