'Kadhal Solla Vandhen' (Tamil, Romantic Comedy, 2010)
Director- G Boopathipandian
Cast- Balaji, Meghna Sunder, Sabesh Kartik, Heera, Leena, R.Sunderrajan, Thambi Ramaiya
Music- Yuvan Shanker Raja
In director Boopathipandian’s earlier films ‘Devathayei Kandein’ and ‘Thiruvilayaadal’, there was romance with humour weaved in. And he returns with another love story — humour in the lines, fun-filled moments, and a racy pace which keeps the audience engaged for most part.
The plot revolves around a college fresher’s attempts to woo his senior and convince her of his deep love for her. The lead pair Balaji and Meghana is apt in their roles. Lanky Balaji (he was one of the boys in ‘Pattalam’) blends in well with the role of Prabhu, a gawky teenager who experiences the first flush of love when he sets eyes on the pretty Sandhya.
The raw edge to his performance gives a natural feel to the character. A new entrant to the college, Prabhu’s late realisation that Sandhya is a senior and a couple of years older to him, is no deterrent for his love. His wooing her persistently as he waits for the opportune moment to express his love, his tricks to ward off her unwanted suitors, are enjoyable.
Oblivious of his feelings for her, Sandhya strikes an easy camaraderie with him, indulges his quirky acts. How the love story culminates is the rest. The film often reminds you of films like ‘7G Rainbow Colony’ and ‘Kadhal Kondein’.
The songs are melodious (Yuvan Shanker) and placed suitably. Debutant Meghna (daughter of actor couple Sunderraj-Pramila Joshai) cuts a pretty picture, has a wholesome appeal, and essays Sandhya with maturity.
Sabesh Kartik as Prabhu’s buddy peps up the narration and keeps it lively. While the rest of the script is meticulously etched, the climax is a bit of a let down, the closing scenes having an unfinished flat feel. ‘Five years later…’ goes the end caption. And even as we wait to see what had transpired during those five years, the end titles roll, and we still keep waiting for something to happen! The director could have worked out his climax better.