Vinnaithandi Varuvaaya - Review by Vignesh

Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya, the film that created ripples and hypes from day one of the spoof adverts in newspaper, with the tagline “A different love story.. once again.” Was so-supposed to be a quickie finally hit the screens on feb 26, 2010.

This film remains close to my heart for two main reasons.

Reason 1: I could see myself in the character “Karthik” as a person who wants to become a film director. The dialogue “Engineering serntha udane mudivu panniten, velaikke aavathu. Cinema dhaan.” depicts me clearly. That was what I told my parents when I joined engineering.
Reason 2: Love with a malayali Christian.

Gautham Vasudev Menon seems to have clearly understood the mindset of the youth, especially when it comes to love. That can be seen in trisha’s character. A typical Chennai girl hit with uncertainities.

Silambarasan, a talented personality who is famous for interfering and worsening the plots has seemed to underplay himself throughout. With cinema as passion, “Karthik” seems to concentrate on love alone, in most parts of the film. As Karthik, he has done his part very well, compared to his previous flicks. Hope he remains the same. Way to go, Silambarasan !

The next lead pair, Trisha, obviously a wrong choice for the character “Jessie”, appears beautiful in each frame. Jessie is a character with uncertainity filled all around her life and her decisions. And Gautham has justified that clearly. Reminds the “move-on man !” type of chennai girls who don’t give a damn to others’ feelings.. When it comes to acting, it was really not her cup of tea. An emotionless and an expressionless part was her acting proves to be a big minus for the film. Sorry, miss Trisha.

Ganesh, the executive producer of all Gautham’s movies and the Managing Director of “Escape Artistes Motion Pictures (VTV as debut)” has appeared in this film, as he does for every Gautham’s film. He plays the role of a cinematographer and was quoted as the cameraman of Kaakha Kaakha. He adds a soul to the movie with his humor and expressions. But it is unclear how a cinematographer goes low to help in an assistant director Karthik’s love. He contributes a major part in some of the best scenes.

Manoj Paramahamsa, the cinematographer who debuted with “Eeram” has yet again proved that there is some magic in his lenses. Each frame looks rich and beautiful, the way it has to be. Lovely. As a friend of mine, I feel happy for Manoj. Love you buddy.

Anthony, one of the finest editors of today’s Kollywood, has not done justice to the movie. Movie lacks pace at many places. Severe trimming needed.

The Academy award winner, the “oscar thamizhan” Mr AR Rahman has come up with amazing unstructured songs that prove to be damn experimental. But, visually, there are songs that are not even needed for the script. Kannukul Kannai was placed, just for the sake of it. The soul stirring song “Mannipaya” that even had made me cry is a big mistake. This song was retained from “Chennaiyuil Oru Mazhaikalam” with a change in the lyric. Visually, Trisha and Silambarasan seem to be smiling and smooching throughout the song, DAMN IT !!! It is also clear that Gautham’s movies miss Harris Jayaraj’s music.

Thamarai, the “kavi kudil” also a major part of the film, has come out with cute lyrics, especially with “Anbil Avan” and “Mannipaya” song.

Finally, the class-craftsman Gautham Vasudev Menon, the director of the movie has done a pretty good job with direction. He seems to be the master of first half when it comes to screenplay. Though the second half received weird responses, I would personally rate it as the best of Gautham Menon’s. Climax could have been better. Cutting off the unwanted scenes, the director should have shown more scenes, related to Karthik’s professional life and his imbalance with love and his profession. That would have done some justice to the screenplay. As he promised, this film is sure a good treat when watched without expectations. Claps !

Summarization :

The film seems to be a mere extension to the first half of the “Vaaranam Aayiram”, considering thhe factors like ‘love at first sight’, ‘dad sentiments’, etc. And partly resembles “500 days of summer” and a couple of other Hollywood flicks. A same old story with a different and interesting characterization. Needs a good welcome.

Positives –
1. Jessie’s characterization
2. AR Rahman’s music
3. Ganesh
4. Dialogues
5. Manoj Paramahamsa’s Cinematography

Negatives –

1. Screenplay
2. Trisha’s acting
3. Anthony’s editing

Rating : 3/5

Verdict: A feel-good film, yes.. with no magic and less romance.