'Yuvan Yuvathi' (Tamil)
Director: Kumaravelan
Cast: Bharat, Reema Kallingal, Sampath, Santhanam and others
It was 'Ninaithale Inikkum', a remake, that director GNR Kumaravelan began his career with. But the film didn’t turn out as exciting as its original Malayalam version, 'Classmates'. And this time, the director has attempted a straight story with 'Yuvan Yuvathi'.
Penning the screenplay for the story written by S Ramakrishnan, the director has kept his treatment light and fluffy with enough room for comedy. He shifts ambiance as the story progresses, from urban Chennai to exotic Seychelles, and then to Usilampatty from where protagonist Kathir (Bharath) hailed.
The story centers on a young couple and their frequent encounters which lead to some unforeseen consequences. Kathir, a small town boy and ashamed of admitting it, is desperate to make it to the US and live life to the fullest. But when his dream is just about to realise, comes a glitch. Left in a similar situation is Nisha (Reema) who had set her mind on going to the US, but Bharath unintentionally becomes the reason.
But before that, Kathir is duly attracted towards Nisha after meeting her at the US Embassy, makes excuses to move closer to her. The role offers no challenge to Bharath and doesn’t tap any of his talent. Reema Kallingal puts in the right expressions and carries her chic costumes with elegance. But the pair look mismatched and there is no on-screen chemistry.
While Kathir changes his mind after learning Nisha’s reason for going to the US, his father (Sampath), a bigwig of Usilampatty, misunderstanding the situation, kidnaps Nisha. Even if Bharath rescues Nisha, she thinks that Bharath purposely planned it. It’s ten months later that we see the duo in Seychelles. It’s probably the best part of the film. Not because of any exciting twists in the tale, but more of the eye catching location and it’s breathtaking beauty, all captured splendidly by the camera (Gopi).
In the third episode of the film, it’s back to Kathir’s roots — Usilampatty. Where Kathir’s father had finalised his son’s marriage, and strangely even brought his future daughter-in-law to live at their house. Kathir, not aware of the developments, makes a trip home, optimistic that he would convince his father about how serious he was this time about the girl in his life. The finale is about who would have the last word, the father or the son.
Much of the film’s relief comes from Santhanam who plays Kathir’s companion. Occupying almost equal footage to the hero’s, he spices up the proceedings. Vijay Antony’s music is peppy and youthful. An average entertainer, Yuvan Yuvathi may not bore you. But it doesn’t have that fizz to keep one completely engrossed in the happenings.