Kathai Thiraikathai Vasanam Iyakkam

My review: Kathai Thiraikathai Vasanam Iyakkam

R.Parthiban is one of the few auteurs who graces Tamil cinema. Almost all his movies are original not resembling the other in any aspect whatsoever. And yet he has his own indomitable style of presenting the story and especially the dialogues almost have his unique quirk and wit, rich with wordplay all along. Many of his movies like "Houseful" and "Kudaikul Mazhai" were way ahead of the times at which they were released. One has not seen delusions and hallucinations so imaginatively portrayed as he did in "Kudaikul Mazhai" as far as Indian cinema is concerned. When such a talented auteur comes out with his movie, cinema connoisseurs are bound to look forward to it whenever it happens. "Kathai Thiraikathai Vasanam Iyakkam"  KTVI is his latest movie release which he has written and directed comes out with a quirky tagline " a film without a story"! 

KTVI is almost part autobiographical (can be of anyone's who aspires for original work in Tamil cinema) and part wishful. The fact that Tamil audience are warming up-to all sorts of new ideas in Tamil cinema must have emboldened the writer and director in Parthiban to have a field day with making the KTVI which shows on screen. He goes firing on  all cylinders right from the first frame until the end. There is no hesitation on his part be it the screenplay with all his non-conformity to the traditional template or his direction steering the movie in a lively light-hearted manner. As always his dialogues are terrific, almost warranting a second viewing to enjoy the missed ones. 

When so much of intelligence oozes in every frame it might get too overwhelming for a regular movie watcher. But uncompromising on his work Parthiban has manfully stuck to his strengths with the backing of  many familiar faces from the glamour world. First half is a breeze, never a dull moment, jets past you in a whiff. Second half gets a bit dragging towards the end, but the restlessness is more an offshoot of the story-line rather than the laziness of making. And the ending is brilliant, testimony to the confidence he has on the contemporary audience.  

Other than Parthiban, movie belongs solely to Thambi Ramaiah, who time and again surprises you with his enormous talent, be it comical or otherwise. Here too he is terrific in his comical avatar and just when you get used to his comical talent he sweeps you off your feet with that one scene in the hospital with his histrionic ability. Without him the movie would not have been half as entertaining as it is. Other than him among the newcomers, Vijay Ram as Suruli aka Murali impresses with his comical timing and Akhila Kishore with her acting abilities. Others are just about adequate. 

Technically movie is without any glitches while background score of Sathya is just about adequate. 4 songs composed by 4 music directors don't pass muster.

On the whole, KTVI is yet another promising movie that defies the Tamil cinema convention, be it in the storyline or the making style. It would be an utter shame if a movie with such cerebral inputs gets floored by those made by harebrained makers armored with marketing blitz.

Bottomline: An interesting novel attempt is an understatement

4/5