Kanpesum Varthaigal is the latest in the long line up of romantic flicks that are so much a staple of the film industry. What is interesting about the film is that all the romance happens in Singapore and the action shifts to Chennai for the climax. Director Balaji has made every effort to avoid stereotypes. The character of hero Mahesh (`Mirchi' Senthil ) is in an example. He is a jobless young man , living in Thiruvarur with his parents, but hanging out with his friends all the time. However, he is also a district level shuttle cock player. His father (Livingston) is tired of his antics, specially when Mahesh is involved in a brawl, and attempts to end his life. A shocked Mahesh then asks his friend and relative Appu Kutty (Muruga Dass) who has recently found a job in Singapore to send a work visa for him as well, and most of the action takes place there. Arriving in Singapore, Mahesh is impressed with the orderly life there, and vows to try for citizenship. Mahesh's presence of mind in solving a crisis on the job front brings him to the notice of the manager of the construction site (Kathiravan Kanthavelu), who helps Mahesh progress in his career. Happily he moves on to his next plan-of identifying a woman who is also Singapore citizen, so that he can also gain citizenship. When he comes across Janani (Iniya), he thinks he has been very clever, since Janani's friend Nimmi (`Jangiri' Mathumitha tells Mahesh that the girls are Singapore citizens. Janani is beholden to her uncle (`Naan Kadavul' Rajendran) who is planning to marry her as his second wife himself. However, Mahesh makes her fall in love with him gradually. The scene where the two of them walk around wearing placards saying `I proposed, she said yes' makes you smile and enjoy the flavor od romance. However, Mahesh finds out that Janani is only on a work permit and is upset. The same day her uncle Rajendran finds out about her love and forces her to return home. The rest of the story revolves around whether love conquers all. `Mirchi' Senthil and Iniya come through with above average performance. On many occasions the dialogues (by Senthilkumar) are pretty good, although they are a bit lengthy at times. Cinematographer Naga Krishnan shows you some lovely locations in Singapore, and not just the touristy spots. A good attempt, but following just four characters is a bit tiring. You come away wishing for a slicker narration. Verdict: A good `Trip' to Singapore from your cinema hall. |
