BOTTOM LINE
Watchable Breezy OTT Watch
PLATFORM
Netflix
RUNTIME
2 Hour 22 Minutes – Romantic Comedy Drama – UA16+
What Is the Film About?
Siddharth, a Bengaluru-based structural engineer by profession, is in love with an upcoming model Nirupama but is against the idea of marriage and having kids. Meanwhile, a Chennai architect Shriya is all set to tie the knot with Karan, with whom she has been in a relationship for four years. Life doesn’t go as per plan for Siddharth and Shriya, who eventually bump into one another and love blossoms.
Performances
Nithya Menen is a tailormade choice to play an urban, independent woman who doesn’t subscribe to conventional views on marriage and motherhood. She infuses life into her portrayal with an elegant, spontaneous performance. However, the real surprise is the uber-cool Ravi Mohan, who slips so effortlessly into his role and carries himself with grace and a gentlemanliness we rarely see on screen.
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Several actors get to shine in their limited screen presence – Mano is a joy to watch as the cool dad to a rebellious daughter and Lal brings an earthiness, warmth in the shoes of a single parent. It’s a relief to see Vinay Rai not playing a villain and enjoying his ‘cool bro’ act to the hilt. Like always, Yogi Babu makes his presence felt, despite a few problematic jokes. Vinodhini Vaidyanathan is a hoot while one feels Lakshmi Ramakrishnan deserved a better written part.
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Analysis
Kadhalikka Neramillai comes from Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi (director and wife of producer/actor/politician Udhayanidhi Stalin), who has helmed multiple films (Vanakkam Chennai, Kaali) and an OTT show (Paper Rocket) in Tamil. She wielded the megaphone again this Pongal with a breezy rom-com that holds a mirror to a generation’s perspective towards love, marriage and parenting.
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Starring Ravi Mohan (formerly – Jayam Ravi), Nithya Menen and Vinay Rai in the lead, the film tackles many social taboos with a touch of lightness, humour and appreciably doesn’t judge its characters for its choices. Siddharth and Shriya are opposites who gradually realise they’re tailormade for one another – one is a structural engineer, the other an architect. They literally complete each other.
The film’s refreshing quality is its simple, non-preachy storytelling through a handful of colourful characters who defy norms, naturally. Siddharth wants a partner but neither a marriage nor a child. Shriya wants a child without a husband. Gowda is married and doesn’t want a child. Sethuraman is a gay man who is keen on raising a child with his partner.
The story ticks many boxes – discussing single parenting, the IVF procedure, acceptance of gay relationships, the price of going against the ‘so-called’ societal norms – and integrates all these dimensions into the screenplay seamlessly. It is smartly packaged as a light-watch – it works even if you appreciate its layers or not. There’s a sincere effort to ‘mainstream’ its theme and make it accessible.
The first hour is all about Siddharth and Shriya’s messy past and how they eventually come in touch with each other and experience a strange connection. The narrative, post-intermission, takes an eight-year leap, where the characters are wiser, matured and get a chance to renew their ties. Beyond their romantic connection, they’re also professionals now who’re pitted against one another.
Kadhalikka Neramillai has a rather shaky start – especially while dealing with the bromance among Siddharth, Gowda and Sethuraman. While one can understand the director’s effort to lighten the proceedings with the not-so-politically correct jokes, the elastic is extended beyond necessity. The film really finds its mojo when Siddharth and Shriya hit it off as strangers-turned-friends.
Kiruthiga’s maturity as a storyteller comes to the fore in the latter portions – where the characters are sorted out and truly get the time, space to understand one another. The presence of a child adds a layer of innocence to the sequences and it’s charming how the director explains the idea of a test tube baby to a school-going kid (without making it sound like a science lesson).
The pre-climax portion, where Siddharth’s ex returns and a typical storytelling trope of insecurity is employed between the couple about her presence, is slightly underwhelming. Barring this misstep, the film flows beautifully – mature treatment, good performances, soothing music; it has it all. Even with the ending, the intention is to emphasise the togetherness of a couple – and that it doesn’t necessarily need to be formalised through a marriage.
The key element to making films with edgy themes work – is the right sensibility, intent and not alienating the viewer in the process. Kadhalikka Neramillai is light-hearted and still not frivolous, niche and yet accessible in its treatment. It has all the ingredients to be a fun OTT watch with family.
Music and Other Departments?
AR Rahman’s presence is an asset to the film – not because of his ‘brand value’, but the true ‘value’ he brings to the product with a trendy album and a soulful, vibrant background score. Yennai Izhukkuthadi, Lavender Neramae and Baby Chiki Chiki are sure to stay with you long after the viewing. Gavemic Ary has shot the film aesthetically, staying true to its story while the editing is as good as it gets – ensuring a free-flowing, meaningful narrative.
Highlights?
Entertaining take on a niche theme
Fantastic performances by the leads
Technical finesse – music, cinematography in particular
Drawbacks?
Slow start
Not all the ‘bromance’ portions work
Resorts to a few cliches time and again
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes
Will You Recommend It?
Harmless fun for a home watch and an ideal watch with family.
Kadhalikka Neramillai Movie Review by M9
