Tamanna , Barath & Santhanam are the three pillars on whom the super-structure of “Kanden Kadhalai ” (KK) rests strongly on. Incidentally “KK” is the remake of “Jab We Met ” , one of the biggest hits in Hindi last year. Written by Imtiaz Ali , R.Kannan has adapted it well into Tamil faithfully following the original for most parts with added local flavours & spicy comedy to boost.
First half wiz past even before one gets a foothold of the proceedings .It is delightful with Tamanna & Santhanam having a field day .Barath plays second fiddle to both of them before he comes to his own in the latter half where he finds the fine balance between subtlety & exuberance .
On the downside 2nd half sags a bit & screenplay plays truant before the movie gets over all of a sudden. Why even after knowing that Barath is not Tamanna’s lover Nizhalgal Ravi , Azhagam Perumal & Sapan Saran readily accept him as the bridegroom or don’t try to clear the issue is baffling. Also the reasons why Tamanna finally falls for Barath lacks plausibility & profundity .These are few minor glitches in otherwise well made movie.
Barath is Sauvé & stylish , has proved all his detractors wrong who questioned his selection for this role essayed superbly by Shahid Kapoor in the original. He has worked on his body language with subtleness of expressions & underplay of emotions .The end result is superb. Way to go Barath.
Tamanna has also done a tremendous job as “Anjali ” & the manner in which she has managed to show the contrast between the vivacity of the first half & sobriety of the second is treat to watch. Her interlude with Barath in her hostel about how naïve she used to be particularly with reference to that lodge episode would bring a tear or two.She once again vindicates how talented she is provided she gets the right scripts.
Santhanam rules the roost in a original character added in the Tamil version. It is one of his best so far. Unlike in many of his movies , here he is given ample scope & he has lapped it up with glee. He plays a very important role in keeping the movie lively with his timely & witty remarks.
P.G.Muthiah’s cinematography is flawless but he must have shown some contrast in the hues in accordance to the emotional shades of the lead pair which worked out splendidly in the original.
Vidyasagar is back after a long time with some hum worthy tunes .”Suthuthu suthuthu ” & “Venpanju megam ” are treats.
On the whole , the movie is a treat for whole family . Forget the comparisons & go with an open mind & come out satisfied.
Bottomline : Kanden Kadhalai - Vellum Manadhai..!
3.5 / 5
