This Kanmani is more than just OK!

I confess. I am not a Mani Ratnam fan.

I’m an old-fashioned critic and cynic. But even I have to admit that after watching O Kadhal Kanmani, I have been forced to reconsider my views on live-in relationships and those who opt for it.

Need I still spell it out? The film is a winner and by a clear margin!

 Mani’s film, the plot of which revolves around two young lively characters namely Tara (played by Nithya Menon) and Aadhi (Dulquer Salman), has some exceptional acting, brilliant cinematography, scintillating music and sensible editing all of which combine well to make it a delight to watch.

Aadhi, a game developer, meets Tara, an architect, at a Mumbai railway station. The two have something in common. Their priority lists have career ranked way over marriage. Er.., actually, the word marriage doesn’t figure in either of their lists.

The circumstances under which they meet is as interesting as the manner in which their relationship progresses from one stage to another. Right from the time of being an acquaintance, to the time Tara chooses to move in with Aadhi, the story moves seamlessly and dare I say, flawlessly. Importantly, it moves in a fashion that keeps you engaged.

The beauty of the film lies more in the second half when the families get to know of their controversial move. How the two go about defending their decision and in the process, end up searching their souls to seek out what they really want in life is what the film is all about.

Mani Ratnam needs to be congratulated for several reasons. First, the courage for having broached upon a subject that has for long been shunned by Tamil filmmakers. Second, the manner in which he seems to have narrated the story. Taut, sleek and sensible is how I’d like to define it.

Last but not the least, I am really impressed with the manner he has showcased Aadhi’s character. Daring to  be different and independent but at the same time, being responsible and practical, Aadhi comes across as a man who likes to stand his ground. A welcome change from the way heroes in movies based on interpersonal relationships have been showcased until now. Yes,  and by that I am referring to directors who deliberately make their female characters assume the moral high ground over their male ones. However, Mani Ratnam doesn’t do any of that. He simply holds out a mirror to society for it to know what it now looks like.

Finally, before I wind up, I’d like to say something to those of you who, like me, still believe in the institution of marriage and are worried about the film being against it. I’d say to you all, DON’T WORRY. I had a smile when I left the theatre after the film ended.  So will you.

- by Manigandan K R