Nadodigal Tamil Movie
Nadodigal directed by Samuthirakkani and deviating from stereotypes is just brilliant. This story on friendship and love carries a message for GenX who seem to be so carried away with their passions for the opposite sex.
Karuna (Sasi Kumar), Pandi (Bharani of Kallori fame) and Chandran (Vijay Vasanth of Chennai 600028) are close pals. Karuna is in search of a government job so that he can wed his uncle's daughter whom he loves. Chandran wants to set up a computer center. He loves Karuna's sister Pavitra (Abhinaya).
Their lives are full of fun, so typical of young men until Karuna's friend, Saravanan visits them. When Saravanan attempts suicide, the truth about his love affair is revealed. He and Prabha are in love, but their parents do not approve of their choices. Instead they prefer to choose someone else for their children.
Moved by this story, Karuna decides to help Saravanan. He with his friend's assistance plans on kidnapping Prabha and uniting the lovers at a temple. They succeed in their mission despite hurdles and misery, like Chandran losing one leg and Pandi losing his hearing. As for Karuna, he loses the girl he loved. But is it all well with the new couple? As the story unfolds in the second half, Karuna and his mates realize with disappointment how Saravanan and Prabha have let them down.
The story is not just about friendship and sacrifices only. It cautions young lovers who jump into bed at the first instance but lack the grit to build the relationship in the face of life's struggles. "And this is what worries parents of today," says the director, "they are not against love," he opines.
The director also takes up cudgels against caste coming in the way of love. When Karuna's parents object to his sister's relationship with Chandran, Karuna tells him that parents should bear in mind their children's happiness.
Supporting the story is the humour laced dialogues and of course Kanju karuppa.
The casting of the film is excellent. Sasi Kumar excels in his role as Karuna. Bharani's expressions are just great. He is a face to look out for. Vijay Vasanth acquits his part well. Both Abhinaya and Anaya are refreshing faces and are good. Some moments linger in your mind especially the relationship between Chandran and his father.
Shot in Nammakkal, Rajapalayam, Erode and Thirunelveli by Kathir, it is a visual treat. The first half builds up a good tempo and the second half is quite unpredictable. The only sore thumb sticking out in the story was the item number when the friends drive down in the night to Namakkal.
Nadodigal entertains and is thought provoking. Told in simple narrative style it is presented most realistically and is a treat for lovers of good cinema.
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