‘Kalavani’ (Tamil, Comedy, 2010)
Direction: Sargunam
Cast: 'Pasanga' Vimal, Oviya (debut), Thiru Murugan, Saranya, Ilavarasu and others
A Well-crafted screenplay paced with humour, finely etched characters and dialogues that have a natural feel makes Kalavani an enjoyable experience. Writer-director Sarkunam shows an amazing grip over his narration in his
very first effort.
Though it’s a romance set against the backdrop of two feuding villages, it's appreciable that the director has stayed away from violence and gore. His depiction of the growing love between Arakki, a carefree youth with his tricky ways, and Maheshwari, a high school girl from a neighbouring village is engaging. Vimal’s (of ‘Pasanga’ fame) Arakki is a delight to watch. Debutant Oviya, strikes the right chemistry with him. Scenes of Arakki intimidating his mother to part with money for his alcoholic binges with his buddies and the mother’s fear and indulgence of her son’s antics, are brought out well. So is the strained one between Arakki and his Dubai-returned father. Saranya and Ilavarasu fit in beautifully as the parents.
Hilarious are the scenes where Kanja Karuppu is constantly made a scapegoat by Arakki and gang. Debutant Thirumurugan who plays Ilango, the heroine’s brother and Arakki’s tormentor is impressive. The attitude between the duo, takes an interesting turn in the finale.
Don’t miss the amusing sideplay on the screen as the end titles roll. ‘Kalavaani’ is a not-to-be-missed experience.