The first half with its crude comedy, jarring at times, leads one to believe that the film would be a mindless comic caper. But the latter part makes up for it, taking a total about-turn. The plot takes a serious turn, the situations motivating and inspirational. Director Govinda Murthy (aka Murthy, with two films to his credit) tries to infuse some freshness in the plot, empowering his women characters, and showcasing them as examples of what a woman could do if she puts her mind to a cause. Saranya gets a role of substance. As Parvathi, a mother and a mother-in-law who has to cross various hurdles to make the dream of her son-in-law come true, she infuses life in her role and is the film’s key strength.
The director has tried to keep the earlier part breezy and light hearted. But it’s comedy that is gross and lacks subtlety. Karthik (‘Mirchi’ Senthil) is a cheerful, carefree guy, his parents running a roadside eatery. An incorrigible flirt, he continues the habit even after he had found a girlfriend in Subha (Ishara). He was a bane to his father who resented his irresponsible ways. But it’s the latter’s frequent taunts of whether he aimed to be a ‘collector’ that gives Karthik the motivation, he setting out to make a point. Setting his heart on becoming an IAS officer, support for him comes from unexpected quarters. Does Karthik achieve his aim despite the various odds stacked against him?
Senthil is adequate in his role, Ishara suitably fitting in. The comic antics of Singampuli as the local politician who hounds Subha with crude overtures of love, is unbearable at most times.
The mainstay is Saranya as Parvathi. Initially against her daughter Subha marrying an IAS aspirant, she later becomes the motivating factor in their lives. There is a mild twist here and a back-story for her changed attitude. For Parvathi it was a second chance at doing the right thing, a journey of redemption. Rarely would you have seen such a positive encouraging mother/mother-in-law on screen. And for this, the director should be applauded. Saranya strikes the right chord, Parvathi evolving into an exemplary character worthy of emulation and admiration. The contrast between the attitude of the two fathers is brought out effectively. Karthik’s father is selfish and unmindful of his son’s desires and aspiration; Subha’s father is actively supportive of his daughter’s happiness. Ilavarsu and Naren as the respective fathers lend adequate support.
The director conveys a relevant message to all parents who disown their children and create hurdles in their way when they go in for a love marriage. It’s a message that is positive and heart warming.
The narration may lack polish and finesse, but appreciable is the director’s effort to give a positive feel to his film with his different take on relationships.