Tamil Movie Review

Vinnai Thaandi Varuvaaya is a captivating love story, narrated with precision in Gautham Vasudev Menon's signature style. The appeal of the film is enhanced by the lead pair Simbhu and Trisha with their fantastic onscreen chemistry, the terrific music by Oscar winner AR Rahman and the stunning visuals from Manoj Paramahamsa. Anyone who has fallen in love can relate to the story.

The Story begins like this, Karthik (Silambarasan) a mechanical engineering graduate from a Hindu Vellalar community who's just out of college, dreams of becoming a film maker. He meets IT professional Jessie (Trisha), a Malayalee Christian girl and falls in love at first sight. Karthik lives with his parents, on the ground floor of a house owned by Jessie's father (Babu Antony), whose family occupy the top floor. Karthik befriends cinematographer Ganesh (producer Ganesh) who helps him get a job as assistant to acclaimed director K S Ravikumar. Meanwhile, the love-struck Karthik follows Jessie wherever she goes. One day unexpectedly he confesses his love for her.

Jessie, however, is shocked and more concerned about her father, who she knows would never agree to such an alliance. Their personalities too are poles apart. Jessie is cold and controlled, while Karthik is passionate and impulsive. He strongly believes that Jessie is concealing her true feelings for him. Finally after several meetings they come to an agreement to be just friends, but a train journey from Alleppey draws them closer and Jessie's real feelings are revealed. Just when everything seems to be perfect, Jessie expresses her uncertainty over the relationship. She wants romance, but with the consent of her father, which leaves Karthik in a state of confusion. After several mix ups, Jessie finally tells Karthik that she will not meet him any more and has decided to marry a boy of her father's choice. The movie's suspense and tension lies in whether Karthik and Jessie unite in wedlock or part ways. The end is unconventional.

The film is more character driven than incident driven and truly belongs to the lead pair Simbhu and Trisha. Simbhu delivers a knockout performance devoid of his usual antics. With his body language perfectly suited to a love smitten boy of his age, aided by apt dialogues, he scores in every frame and is a treat to watch.

The credit goes to Gautham Menon for his inspired casting. Trisha in a complex part is a revelation. She slips into the role of a cold hearted beauty with ease. Trisha's character is enhanced with minimal makeup and simple outfits by Nalini Sriram. There's a sprinkling of humor as the one-liners and gags shared by Ganesh and Simbhu evoke instant laughter. Among the supporting cast, Babu Antony, Kitty, Uma Padmanabhan are convincing.

AR Rahman spells romance in every song whether it's the opening delight Hosana or the poetic Omana Penne, his music simply rocks. Manoj's camera beautifully captures the lush greenery of Kerala, picturesque old churches of Malta and some fresh locales in the USA. Antony's slick editing and Rajeevan's art direction add to the authentic feel of the film.
There is, however, a downside. The movie drags and moves at a slow pace in the second half. Some of the dialogues, including the altercations between the lead pair, are repetitive.Despite all this, Gautham weaves a romantic, magical tale which will linger in our minds for a long time. Devoid of clichéd villains, silly comedy and mindless action, VTV should not be missed.