A mostly perfect new-age romance full of heart

In a significant time jump post-intermission, Siddharth looks to be a different man with a poised demeanour, almost having shed all his buzzing energy. Shriya has her focus steady and it is refreshing to see that her priorities remain the same. Her character almost feels like the older, secure, version of Nithya Menen’s Tara in O Kadhal Kanmani. However, when Shriya and Siddharth’s lines cross again, it happens too soon, and too easily. A person vehemently opposing the birth of a child suddenly becomes a father figure. The justification for this is thrown to the magic that love begets.

The interesting conversations that could have emerged out of the film’s own themes like childbirth, free will, and choice, are swept away for good. Ironically, this somehow works in the film’s favour, but you would also like for a film to closely examine the themes it presents. The film still carries several merits for fleshing out a realistic contemporary romantic story but strangely remains uninterested in delving deep into its themes. Despite having a film beaming with potential, bolstered by equally justifying performance from Ravi and Nithya, the makers resort to a few body shaming jokes like Jalaja (Vinodhini) describing Nirupama (TJ Bhanu) as a ‘thodappakuchi’ (broomstick).

One of the biggest assets to Kadhalikka Neramillai is AR Rahman himself. ‘Yennai Izhukkuthadi’, which continues to top streaming charts, reverberates beautifully in theatres. It has been a while since we’ve heard a background score that is refreshing in its conception and runs seamlessly to suit this new-age story that could very well be the start of a new genre of movies that swears by its relatability to newer audiences.

With Tamil audiences staring at overused tropes of evidently over-the-top twists and turns, Kadhalikka Neramillai steps back and asks itself a poignant question, ‘How do we treat this film that prioritises the agency of a woman?’, ‘How do we present an idea that probes the existing status quo?’ It is a film that dares to take its audience on a familiar yet revamped route, towards a new and interesting space that might not suit everyone’s idea of a destination, one that is not bound by the confines of societal expectations or time.

Director: Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi

Cast: Ravi Mohan, Nithya Menen, TJ Bhanu, Vinay Rai, John Kokken, Vinodhini Vaidynathan

Rating : 3/5