Aandavan Kattalai Review
Director: Manikandan
Cast: Vijay Sethupathi, Ritika Singh, Yogi Babu, Nassar
After Kaaka Muttai and Kuttrame Thandanai, director Manikandan once again impresses us with his third outing Aandavan Kattalai, a charming feel-good drama.
Manikandan has adapted Arul Chezhian's relevant story on how youngsters follow illegal shortcuts to fly to foreign countries and land in unnecessary troubles. The biggest strength of the film is the seamless screenplay written by Manikandan, Arul Chezhian and Anucharan. The non-preachy approach and genuine humor not only matches our expectations but also creates the much needed awareness for the fast food generation.
Gandhi (Vijay Sethupathi) comes to Chennai to get passport and visa along with his friend Pandi (Yogi Babu) to settle down in London so that they can clear their debts.
However, they only approach middlemen to get the tourist visa and provide fake names under the spouse section. While Pandi successfully clears the visa process, Gandhi decides to settle down as an accountant in a Koothu Pattarai run by an honest artsist (Nassar). In order to maintain the Mr Clean image, Gandhi tries to take out the fake spouse name 'Karmega Kuzhali' and to his luck he finds a journalist (Ritika Singh) with the same name. But will an unmarried girl accept to provide documents to a total stranger?
Manikandan has got the perfect cast, Vijay Sethupathi easily slips in any given character and his ability to handle various emotions is his biggest strength. After Vijay Sethupathi, it's Yogi Babu who steals the show with his quirky one liners and comic expressions, the first half completely belongs to him. Though Ritika looked alien for a Tamil journalist, she attracts us with her uninhibited charm and scores well with her cute expressions.
The rest of the actors including Nassar, Singam Puli fit the bill while Sivagnanam Aravindhan, who play the Sri Lankan Tamil is a revelation.
The constantly moving camera of Shanmugha Sundaram perfectly captured the mood of the actors while the gentle editing of Anucharan without any jump cuts is a big plus. Music composer K's songs and background score helps the movie to convey many hidden messages in more effective way.
The film has covered all relevant issues including greedy house owners, plight of Sri Lankan refugees, money milking brokers and how they trap innocent people for their own good without being too loud and everything is woven within the screenplay and apt characterization !
Overall, Aandavan Kattalai is a must watch for all the ardent movie buffs. We are sure that this honest attempt from Manikandan will not disappoint you!
