Film: Oruvar Meethu Iruvar Sainthu
Director: Balasekharan
Cast: Lagubaran, Swathy, Sanya Tara, Bhagyaraj and Visu
Director Balasekharan has returned after a fairly long sabbatical with Oruvar Meethu Iruvar Sainthu. Remembered for the unusual and much appreciated climax twist in his Love Today, he springs quite a few surprises on audiences in his latest flick as well, but not very impressive ones. Though touted as a comic entertainer, there’s not much to laugh about here.
The film opens with Ganesh, a youngster, in ochre robe in a temple town. Recognised by his old friends from Chennai, he runs away from them. Questioned by a man (Bhagyaraj) who was a witness to his strange antics, Ganesh narrates to him the happenings that led to the situation he was in. About his love affair with Savita (Swathy), of his altercations with a cop who was her guardian of sorts (Raj Kapoor) and the unacceptable bizarre condition Savita had put if Ganesh intended to marry her.
The relationship between the cop and Savita is ambiguous. He was her neighbour, but it wasn’t clear why he was coming to her aid every time. Also, the director could have Aadded some background to his characters. The brutal cop threatens and warns Ganesh after being outwitted a few times by the youngster, leading one to think that there will be a face-off sooner or later. But they remain just empty words.
Lagubaran essays Ganesh, a youngster caught in a dilemma, with casual ease. However, the lead pair, who shared a fine chemistry in Raattinam (their debut film), seem mismatched here.
The script rests on a premise that is difficult to digest, unless the director backs it up with convincing follow-ups. But that’s missing here.
Ganesh’s story shifts to Hyderabad midway through, where he meets Kavita (sanya) and gets drawn to her after a few encounters. And when the duo decide to get married, up pops his past. The director brings in another twist here, an anticipated one.
There are too many coincidences. These are not explained clearly, even after matters are put in their proper perspective later on. A little bit of interest is generated in the climax by veterans Bhagyaraj and Visu. What’s catchy about the film is its title, apt for the story. If only the script was better crafted.