February 14 Tamil Movie
"February 14" is a film that has much more in common with "Kadhal Kottai". Both the films are made with a basic premise that for love to blossom, presence of heart is more important than the physical presence. The best thing about this movie is its series of well-honed naturalistic performance, and the weakest aspect is its superfluous story.
The story is centered around Bharath (Siva) a dude from Thamaraikulam in Madurai goes to Bangalore to study visual communication. Renuka Menon (Pooja) at the behest of her grandfather (Pyramid Natarajan) comes from US and joins the same college. Siva instantly falls in love with Pooja.
Pooja born and brought up in the US finds it difficult to find people matching her tastes and interests and detests anything of Indian ness. In an incident, everyone in the college decries the screening of a short documentary film on India made by Pooja. Heartbroken by the opposition, Pooja decides to return to the US. Worried by her decision, Pooja's grandparents approach Siva to somehow stop her from going back to US.
Without disclosing his identity, Siva keeps sending letters to Pooja in the name of Mr. 'X' appreciating her work, likes and dislikes. This changes her mind and stays back in India. Siva continues to shower encomiums and cajoles Pooja through his letters. Over a period of time, Pooja creates a strong bond with 'X', which is woven around mutual interests.
With the help of Siva, Pooja makes desperate attempts to know who the 'X' is. In one such attempt, she sends 'X' a watch. The watch falls in the hands of the villain. The story line, which till now was about candyfloss romance, takes a tumultuous turn and the problems abound.
Does the problem get resolved? How does it get solved? The climax gives the answer to these questions.
After his excellent performance in "Kadhal", Bharath has once again displayed his acting prowess not only in dancing, but also in dialogue delivery, humor and action. It's his energetic performance that drives the movie throughout.
With this film, Renuka Menon is making her debut in Tamil film. There is nothing much to tell about her, except in the climax when she gives a glimmer of performance. But that is not enough to make her memorable.
Vadivelu's comedy though stale, does bring a smile at times. Suman Shetty, Santhanam, Sathyan appearing as Bharath's friends add to the comic scenes.
Camerawork from R.Rathnaelu is appreciative. Praise should be offered to Bharadwaj for his melodious music, especially "Laila majunu Poithan…" "Othaiya Rataiya..." "Unnpeyar Ennada..." which will remain in the lips for sometime to come.
M.P. Hosimin, who took his tutoring under Shankar as an associate, has handled the story, screenplay and direction. What he does not do is provide any character to root for, so that it's hard to care whether the lovers win or lose at the end.
Slow-burning but ultimately a rewarding film.
