Movie: Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom
Director: Balaji Tharaneedharan
Cast: Vijay Sethupathi, Gayatri,Bagavati Perumal,Rajkumar, Vigneshwaran
Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom is about a man who suffers from temporary memory loss just a couple of days before his wedding; and how his friends try to hide it from his family and fiance, hoping that he would get his memory back soon. Reportedly, inspired by a real life incident, it is interestingly narrated, with humour and suspense woven in. Tharaneedharan, a short film maker, who has penned dialogues for a couple of films (Varnam) strikes the right note in his very first effort.
Vijay Sethupathi is on a roll since his brilliant portrayals in Thenmerku Paruva kaatru and Pizza, and renders yet another splendid performance here as Prem. With perfect voice modulation and body language, the actor is delightful to watch. In less competent hands, the role could have been overplayed or ended up as a caricature. Watch Sethupathi’s bewildered expressions and his puzzled refrain of Ennachu....?’ as his friends try to gently nudge him through various embarrassing situations. Prem does realise that he has lost bits of his memory, and is confident that it was a temporary problem due to his accidental fall, and that he would be back to normal in a day. The film is sans any songs. The supporting cast lends strong support. Bagavathi, Rajukumar and Vigneshwaran who play the protagonist’s friends do a fine job with their roles. The trio generate many fun moments as they try to revive Prem’s memory in various ways, and guard him from embarrassing situations. The bonding among friends and their understanding of each other is conveyed here. Gayatri ( of 18 Vayasu) appears in the closing moments as Dhana, Prem’s love and fiance.
But the character’s presence is felt throughout. There are a couple of hilarious moments. Like the scene at his home where Prem having no memory of his earlier animosity with a cousin, welcomes him warmly, the latter astonished and emotionally touched. There is an element of suspense when Prem’s friends take him to the marriage hall hoping the sight of Dhana would revive his memory. What follows is hilarious.
Verdict: Humorous, engaging, and a wholesome family entertainer, Naduvula Konjam.... is a film you wouldn’t like to miss.