Amidst commercial masalas where there are plenty of stunts, romance in foreign lands, among other so-called inevitable things, comes 'Maalai Pozhudhin Mayakthilae'. An experimental movie which is set in a coffee shop.
A solid two hour film, it traces the emotions of people who visit a coffee shop.
Debutant director Narayana Raghavendra Rao has touched up on lives on three sets of people who come to spend their evening at the coffee shop and the twists and turns that occur in their lives form the crux.
The budding romance of a wannabe filmmaker, disturbed marital life of a techie, business troubles of the manager of the coffee shop are dealt with in detail.
Unfortunately the problem with the movie is its pace. It proceeds on its own pace that seems to hamper the flow. But that has smartly been overcome by good background score by Achu and bright cinematography by Gopi Amarnath. His bright visuals are the talking point of the film.
Ajay (Aari) who wants to become a filmmaker comes to the coffee shop to meet Jiya (Subha). After acquaintance, he is attracted to her.
Meanwhile in the next table at the coffee shop is Satish (Balaji) who brings his wife Ramya (Tejaswini) and his son. The couple fights for petty issues and their relationship is on the verge of breaking out.
The manager of the coffee shop (Subbu Panchu) has his own issues to be sorted out in his business. And there is a writer (R S Sivaji), who spends all his time at the shop watching the people who come there.
As time goes, Ajay decides to open his heart to Jiya, while Satish finds a solution to get his relationship back on track.
Aari, who made his debut in 'Rettaisuzhi', has done his best. Especially as the climax approaches, he excels in his character. Subha, who looks alien to a Tamil girl, plays her part well.
Subbu Panchu deserves a pat for pouring right emotions as a confused man who struggles to keep his business interest intact.
Balaji and Tejaswini as troubled couple fit the bill. Sivaji plays the writer.
With just a handful of characters, the director has managed to make a two-hour long film that has its own highs and lows. Had the narration been pacier, 'MPM' would have ended up as a breezy entertainer. |
