Vanakkam Chennai Movie Review
Director: Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi
Cast: Shiva, Priya Anand, Santhanam
Music: Anirudh
Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi has made a good directorial debut with Vanakkam Chennai . It is a feel good romantic comedy with peppy music by Anirudh and a rollicking performance by Priya Anand.
The film’s basic premise – of a romance between two people who are forced to share an apartment and live together but later fall in love is hardly original, but the glossy packaging with foot-tapping music by Anirudh makes it an easy watch.
The couple Ajay (Shiva) and Anjali (Priya Anand) shares a warm chemistry and it is perhaps the most enjoyable moments in this charming little film. It’s a good thing that the film’s merits far outnumber its flaws. Beneath its cheeky wit, predictably written scenes and some of those slapstick gags, Vanakkam Chennai proves that there is no expiry date to love stories in cinema.
Priya Anand has a pleasing screen presence and she is the pivot around which the film revolves. She simply steals the show. Shiva continues his predictable dialogue delivery and expressions once again. He needs to lose weight and also do a crash course in dancing. Santhanam is playing Love Guru for the n’th time and has become repetitive.
Krithika’s secondary players may come off as stereotypes on paper like the heroine’s dad or Rosy aunty who is very irritating. The film could have done with some tightening especially in the long drawn out second half and the climax scenes. Nitpicking aside, this is a breezy, enjoyable film by a debutante director who is learning the craft.
The highlight of the film is Anirudh’s music which has been blended to the narration. The Osaka.. song has been beautifully picturised and is in sync with the story and location. The Penne... song has also been well conceived and picturised superbly. Richard M Nathan’s camera and TS Suresh crisp editing are the other highlights.
The film has nothing new to offer but is still enjoyable due to its glossy packaging, rich visuals and lots of fun. It’s a charming film made with heart. Give it a chance, you won’t be disappointed.
