Kadhal Solla Vanthen Review

Kadhal Solla Vanthen has been on the waiting-for-release list for more than one reason for many. This movie marks the return of Boopathy Pandian after the successful Malaikottai. It consists of music by Yuvan Shankar Raja and marks the debut of Balaji Balakrishnan (STAR Vijay TV’s Kana Kaanum Kaalangal, Pattaalam) and Meghana Raj (Bendu Appa Rao RMP -Telugu) in Tamil. Added to this, from the moment it was launched in early 2008, it has been in the tabloids for the amount of changes the casting has been gone through. At one stage, it seemed like a musical chairs contest rather a casting call.

2 years later, the movie releases with an awesome soundtrack, some commendable performances and natural cinematography. But when it comes to the storyline, you can pretty much figure it out within 20 minutes of the movie starting. Once again, I won’t be divulging into details but given Boopathy has penned the story again after Malaikottai, one can expect some rib-tickling moments. A mention must be made for Karthik Sabesh who plays Nanu Prabhu (Balaji)'s loyal friend, Petha Perumal. Even though the character of the best friend has become somewhat of a caricature in Tamil cinema lately, he is a pleasure to watch. He has very few serious scenes but even so, is immensely comfortable in front of the camera. Hopefully, this newcomer will be seen more often. As Nanu Prabhu, Balaji displays the varying emotions of first year college student -fresher- but still has a long way to go. The lovely Meghana leaves much to be desired as Sandhya. She fits the bill in the pretty category (reaping from the resemblance of Nayanthara?) but she's yet to show her heritage in talent as the daughter of yesteryear actors Sundarraj and Pramila. Even if for a few minutes Arya surprises but only because he is there (eye candy anyone?). Like the parents of both leads, he has very little to do.

Where the story falters, the music saves the day, to a degree. Yuvan's trusted mascots Vijay Yesudas and Karthik alongwith Udit Narayan, Chidambaram Sivakumar and Yuvan himself form a male only album. I don’t know if this was a gimmick but it definitely works with the story. The only thing I would complain about is that given the immense success of Paiyya, why does Yuvan settle so quickly on the Saamy Varuguthu track? As a typical brash masala track, it seems out of place both in the film and on the album.

This one is strictly for a lazy afternoon with nothing much to do.