Movie: Kadhalum Kadandhu Pogum
Direction: Nalan Kumarasamy
Cast: Vijay Sethupathi, Madonna Sebastian, Samuthirakani
Music: Santhosh Narayanan
Cinematographer: Dinesh Krishnan
Editor: Leo John Paul
Genre: Comedy, Romance, Drama
Rating: ∗∗∗
What is it about: A story of an unsuccessful mobster Kathir (Vijay Sethupathi), whose life is interfered by a beautiful poetry Yazhini (Madonna Sebastian). They cross paths being neighbours and the events happening in their lives forms the crux of the story directed by Nalan Kumarasamy inspired from the Korean rom-com “My Dear Desperado”.
Why it’s disappointing: The films moves like a see-saw, you can’t really place yourself to dislike or to like this one. It moves at very slow pace, which becomes bit of a problem, making you quite restless. The other supporting characters weren’t established well to make an impact. As for example, the gangster who VJS works for, gets a great build up but goes cold as the movie moves forward. Then comes the role of Samuthirakani gets the same treatment. But one can argue the film is mostly about the two central characters, I agree to that but when there are supporting characters sewn in to the story, it has to have a mild impact on a subject like this. Which in fact demands it. The songs were quite average nothing to boast that it’s by Santhosh Narayanan, except for the “Ka Ka Ka Po” track.
What to watch out for: This film captures the audience attention mainly due to the lead pair. VJS and Madonna lure you enough with their convincing performances, that you get yourself to forget the flaws in the flick. The film has a comedy which is quirky and witty, though the one liners or the dialogues are not that impactful, delivery by VJS and Madonna make them quite strong.
VJS once again scores great on the performance, his happy go lucky and laid back acting has become his forte, which comes hands down. He can really mix emotions in to potion which creates a great impact. Comedy is his strong point and when he mixes that with his witty performance, it becomes irresistible. VJS did an amazing job as Kathir.
Madonna Sebastian, an actress just a movie old and can give many Kollywood actresses run for their money. No offence but there are hardly any female lead in Tamil Cinema in recent times, who can look good and perform as well. As Yazhini she was charismatic and energetic performing with glory. She makes a great case for a girl next door and one who can pit against a mobster. Madonna did a commendable job.
The cinematography by Dinesh Krishnan was great which was well backed by Leo John Paul’s editing. The background score by Santhosh Narayanan was catchy and suited the see-saw mood of the movie.
Verdict: Nalan dished out a rom-com of a different genre which might not agree to general audience, I haven’t seen the original so can’t comment on that, but it does have an influence which is not the generic Kollywood. A good watch for VJS and Madonna, who capture the audience with their delectable chemistry.
