Films that delve into relevant issues are a rarity on Tamil screen. And the ones that depict it in a realistic form, sans cliche, melodrama or commercial trappings, are rarer still. Aadhalal Kadhal Seiveer comes as a breath of fresh air. Clear and focused in it’s screenplay, it is sensitive in it’s handling of the issue of premarital sex and teen pregnancy. Brilliantly narrated by Suseenthiran, it capsules a relevant issue in a crisp 106 minutes of viewing time.
The film opens with a college campus love story. The early part is breezy, the scenes having a smooth flow. The costumes and make-up are natural, the campus ambience having the right feel. Debutant Santosh (son of film producer Ramesh Babu) with his boy-next door-looks, fits in suitably as Kartik. Essaying Shweta is Manisha (of Vazhakku Enn 18/9) who brings out the confusion and helplessness of the character adequately. Their friends are a contrast here. Kartik’s supportive buddy (Arjun of Kadhalil Sodhappuvadhu Eppadi) gives him tips to woo Shweta. While Shweta’s friend Jenny (debutante Archana) is against the affair, even playing spoil sport. The duo leave their mark, pepping up the early part with their spontaneity. The lines are well written and meaningful.
Shweta’s discovery of her pregnancy, and the course the love affair takes, is depicted with conviction.
It touches on the unfortunate consequences when youngsters go for instant gratification of their desires, without a thought to the consequences.
The director crafts these moments with insight, and an element of unpredictabilty. The impact on the lovers due to family pressure, their confusion and ego problems, is well brought out here.
And thankfully there is no preaching, moralising or melodrama. Well enacted by Thulasi (playing Shweta’s mother) is the scene where shocked by her daughter’s pregnancy, she reveals it to her husband (Jayaprakash). Poornima in her come-back role as Kartik’s mother has less to do. Balanced and realistic are the scenes where the two families meet and discuss the issue.
At one point, when Kartik’s thuggish aggressive uncle is brought into the story, we tend to think that the director would use the easy way of violence to solve the issue. But fortunately it doesn’t happen that way. Yuvan Shankar Raja’s background score is a key strength to the film.
Towards the end, the irony of it all cannot be missed. The crucial issue that had given heartburn to the couple and their families, lies forgotten, orphaned, and abandoned. Like the little boy in the finale, on whom the camera lingers, an epitome of the harsh stark reality of life. The heart wrenching climax is sure to touch an emotional chord.
Verdict: Aadhalal Kadhal Seiveer is an experience not to be missed.
Director- Suseenthiran
Cast- Santosh Ramesh, Manisha Yadav, Arjun, Archana, Thulasi, Poornima Bhagyaraj.