Film- Maranthen Mannithen (Tamil)
Cast- Aadhi, Lakshmi Manchu, Tapsee, Sandip, Suja, Balasing
Director - Kumar Nagendra
Set against the backdrop of the 1986 Godavari floods, It depicts the inner turmoil of a newly wed couple, who facing impending death, come clean on their past and gain each other's love and confidence. A bilingual (the Telugu version 'Gundello Godari' released a week back),debutant director Kumar Nagendra has made a good effort in creating a human drama against the backdrop of a natural calamity. It has an interesting premise and some good moments. But they are few and far between.
The scenes of the flood ravaging the village, and the villagers trying to escape it's fury, are realistically captured. Rarely has a natural calamity been depicted with such conviction on Indian screen. As the villagers try to flee to safety, newly weds Malli and Chitra, manage to cling on to a floating haystack. With death staring them in the face, the duo narrate to each other their pasts, clearing doubts about people who had come to wish them with expensive gifts on their wedding day. The couple fighting the fury of the waters, even as they come to terms with their inner conflicts is a metaphor well conveyed. The story of Malli is about a fisherman (Aadhi) who is coveted by Sarala the fish merchant's flirty daughter. Sarala (Tapsee)chases and teases him, he maintaining a safe distance. And one day Malli finds himself framed in a police case,the reason not far to seek. These episodes are interesting, the track well crafted. Aadhi with his rough look and demeanour fits into the role suitably. Tapsee is a revelation. Alluring in her half-sarees, she sizzles as the playful the flirty coquet Sarala. Their love making is aesthetically captured.
The film's key strength is the cinematography by Palanikumar, specially in the flood-scenes.
While the Malli-Sarala episode is engaging, the script does a nosedive in the second track. Chitra tells Malli about her life in Kancheevaram, her love for her childhood sweetheart (Sandip), and of the couple of lecherous men who had tormented her. The episode is dragging, lacks depth, the narration flat.
The saving grace here is Lakshmi Manchu's credible portrayal of the distraught orphan Chitra. There are the loose ends. Like, it's not explained how Malli and Chitra came to be joined in matrimony. The two item numbers seem forced in. Also, the flavour is more Telugu than Tamil, giving it a 'dubbed' feel.
The Verdict: While It may appeal to Telugu audiences, Tamil audiences may not emotionally relate to it. The film has an interesting premise. If only the second half had been scripted in a more coherent, and in a more appealing way.