With lot of expectations the movie "Thoovanam" had hit the theatres today.
I had watched this movie First day, First Show in Chennai.
I would write my detailed review on this movie later.
This review on Thoovanam was published in THE HINDU, Chennai Cine Plus today.
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Movie: Thoovaanam
Genre : Romance
Directors : S. Haricharan & Newton
Cast : Kaushik, Nethra, Bhanuchandar
Storyline : A story of young lovers who part ways only to unite and …
===
Just a cursory glance at the imposing names that comprise the technical team and you know Sri Vaishnavi Productions’ Thoovaanam (U) should belong to the ‘different from the usual’ league. The film lives up to expe ctations. Treated with finesse, it is an insight into the psyche of the present day youth. A whole new crop of actors makes a foray into cinema with Thoovaanam. However, hero Kaushik is a familiar (television) face.
Karthi (Kaushik), an architect, is desperately in love with Anu (Nethra). When his feelings go unrequited he’s unable to take it and attempts to take his life. Born and brought up in the U.S., Anu’s bold and brazen nature is very different from his. But soon she changes her mind and romance blossoms. It is at this point that the story takes an interesting turn.
When one proposes, the other accepts or rejects. Why such animus on Anu’s part? Her rudeness is as perplexing as Karthi’s bitterness. At no point does she lead him on, because the typical city-bred is shown as being open with all. The influence of his friends’ words is not spelt out strongly either. So you neither sympathise with Karthi nor empathise with Anu.
Kaushik is apt. Yet you can’t help feeling that he could have given more punch to his role. The pensive look he often sports doesn’t convey much. The slim, dusky and doe-eyed Nethra is fiery in comparison. But why does she shake her head so often? The three friends of Karthik — played by Maurya, Ponnumani and Suraj Krishna — make an impression. Tusharaa as the mute Gayatri could have been more expressive. And, of course, Sriman is a welcome surprise.
Madhu Ambat’s camera paints lustrous pictures in ravishing tones. His lighting is another enticing aspect. And be it the interiors, beach or roadside, P. Krishnamurthy’s (art) ethnic touch lends beauty and class to the ambience. Thoovaanam’s melodies (Isaac Thomas) are an aural delight. Thomas seems to believe in using very few instruments and making the most of them. His re-recording is particularly appealing. The violin in the titles (by Ganesh of Ganesh-Kumaresh fame) is an exercise in euphony, and the lilting theme song will ring in your ears for long. The concepts of the song sequences and the aesthetic use of graphics in them create admirable visuals.
Taut narration (Haricharan and Newton) aided by slick editing (J.N. Harsha) help Thoovaanam maintain its tempo till the end. Judiciously, the writer-director duo of S. Haricharan and Newton have eschewed item numbers, unbelievable f ights and contrived comedy, and have included peppy numbers for that sprightly feel. The clever balancing act should pay off.
Bottomline : More an urbanite’s look at love!
Thank you : Malathi Rangarajan!
I had watched this movie First day, First Show in Chennai.
I would write my detailed review on this movie later.
This review on Thoovanam was published in THE HINDU, Chennai Cine Plus today.
===
Movie: Thoovaanam
Genre : Romance
Directors : S. Haricharan & Newton
Cast : Kaushik, Nethra, Bhanuchandar
Storyline : A story of young lovers who part ways only to unite and …
===
Just a cursory glance at the imposing names that comprise the technical team and you know Sri Vaishnavi Productions’ Thoovaanam (U) should belong to the ‘different from the usual’ league. The film lives up to expe ctations. Treated with finesse, it is an insight into the psyche of the present day youth. A whole new crop of actors makes a foray into cinema with Thoovaanam. However, hero Kaushik is a familiar (television) face.
Karthi (Kaushik), an architect, is desperately in love with Anu (Nethra). When his feelings go unrequited he’s unable to take it and attempts to take his life. Born and brought up in the U.S., Anu’s bold and brazen nature is very different from his. But soon she changes her mind and romance blossoms. It is at this point that the story takes an interesting turn.
When one proposes, the other accepts or rejects. Why such animus on Anu’s part? Her rudeness is as perplexing as Karthi’s bitterness. At no point does she lead him on, because the typical city-bred is shown as being open with all. The influence of his friends’ words is not spelt out strongly either. So you neither sympathise with Karthi nor empathise with Anu.
Kaushik is apt. Yet you can’t help feeling that he could have given more punch to his role. The pensive look he often sports doesn’t convey much. The slim, dusky and doe-eyed Nethra is fiery in comparison. But why does she shake her head so often? The three friends of Karthik — played by Maurya, Ponnumani and Suraj Krishna — make an impression. Tusharaa as the mute Gayatri could have been more expressive. And, of course, Sriman is a welcome surprise.
Madhu Ambat’s camera paints lustrous pictures in ravishing tones. His lighting is another enticing aspect. And be it the interiors, beach or roadside, P. Krishnamurthy’s (art) ethnic touch lends beauty and class to the ambience. Thoovaanam’s melodies (Isaac Thomas) are an aural delight. Thomas seems to believe in using very few instruments and making the most of them. His re-recording is particularly appealing. The violin in the titles (by Ganesh of Ganesh-Kumaresh fame) is an exercise in euphony, and the lilting theme song will ring in your ears for long. The concepts of the song sequences and the aesthetic use of graphics in them create admirable visuals.
Taut narration (Haricharan and Newton) aided by slick editing (J.N. Harsha) help Thoovaanam maintain its tempo till the end. Judiciously, the writer-director duo of S. Haricharan and Newton have eschewed item numbers, unbelievable f ights and contrived comedy, and have included peppy numbers for that sprightly feel. The clever balancing act should pay off.
Bottomline : More an urbanite’s look at love!
Thank you : Malathi Rangarajan!
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