Perhaps, ‘remake’ happens to be the favorite word in the dictionary when it comes to filmmakers in Kollywood. Well, it’s more illustrious with our ‘King of remakes’ (Jeyam Ravi-Raja) and films of Dhanush where you don’t spot a single difference from the original version.
But here’s debutant Kumaravelan breaking these clichéd formulas. His grand idea of just adapting the story of Lal Jose’s ‘Classmates’ with a new-fangled screenplay makes him dignified as a proficient filmmaker. As mentioned by the filmmaker much prior to film’s release, only two sequences have been lifted from the original version. Our heartily regards to this debutant for such a commendable effort of coming up with an unparalleled remake version.
The film opens with college students of academic year 2000 amassing for a reunion. Shiva (Prithviraj) is on his flight from Mumbai while his other classmates: Meera (Priyamani), daughter of MLA, Karthik (Jeeva), Vasu (Karthik) and others have already assembled. Getting back together after 8 years takes them back to nostalgic bittersweet days of their college life. After a span of time, it’s revealed that students have gathered for their classmate Sakthi’s (Sakthi) death anniversary, an asthmatic patient who passed away during his final year in college. Sakthi’s father (K. Bhagyaraj) and wife play perfect hosts inviting the students, who are well settled in their lives with perfect job and marriage. But latter in the evening, as Meera heads to Shiva’s room to revive their broken love, she’s blown out of waters to see him chocked with a guitar string.
What follows next is a turn of events where suspicions become order of the day. Sakthi’s father embarks to unravel the hidden mystery behind this gruesome incident.
But the biggest question here is– Was it an attempt of suicide or homicide?
Prithviraj comes up with a commendable show. If you had watched ‘Classmates’, you’ll find that he has matured a lot in his performance from the original version. Thanks to Priyamani! She doesn’t imitate Kavya Madhavan (enacted her role in Malayalam version). Looks like Prithviraj and Priyamani would bag a special for ‘best onscreen chemistry’ for this year. Their previous month’s Malayalam release ‘Puthiyamugam’ indeed won more laurels for them and ‘Ninaithale Inikkum’ isn’t an elision. Karthik Kumar gets off well suiting the role of a filthy rich guy. Vishnuvpriyan is okay. Actor Jeeva requires special mention. Comparable to his previous films, he gets a meaty role to play. The actor has well carried out his parts with rib-tickling one-liners. Apart from adding to humor quotients, Kumaravelan has offered him a prominent role and makes sure he’s present all throughout the show. Bhagyaraj looks perfect in his role of a friendly father.
Vijay Antony has done a perfect job with his musical score. Be it the melodic ‘Nanbanai Partha’ or the fast-beat ‘Mere Piyaa’, they’re top-notch.
Balasubramaniam delivers eye-catching visuals with his spellbinding cinematography. Certain dialogues do touch your heart, specifically the final word of conclusion by Bhagyaraj to Prithviraj.
Finally, ‘Ninaithale Inikkum’ is a poignant film that has a middling start and gradually brimmed with interesting moments.
Hats off to debutant Kumaravelan for a colossal directorial… We look ahead for his yet more laudable shows. With Sun Pictures vigorously promoting this film through their wide-range of media networks, the film is sure to make it big on box office.
Verdict: Strongly recommended…
Rating: 4/5
-R. Richard Mahesh/ Sampurn Media
Tamil Film Review: Ninaithale Inikkum (2009)
Ninaithale Inikkum- Classy remake of ‘Classmates’
Production: Gemini Film Circuit, Sun Pictures
Direction: G.N. Kumaravelan
Star-casts: Prithviraj, Priyamani, Sakthi, Anuja Iyer, Karthik, Bhagyaraj, Jeeva, Vishnuvpriyan and others
Music: Vijay Antony
Cinematography: Balasubramaniam
Editing: Sreekar Prasad
Choreography: Prasanna, Sujith and Dinesh
Lyrics: Annamalai, Kalai Kumar, Priyan, Sheeba and Prabha
Public Relations: Johnson