Called the king of screenplay, the acclaimed actor-director Bhagyaraj has managed to keep his reputation intact with Parijatham which introduces his daughter Saranya on the big screen as a heroine.
Parijatham certainly comes as a refreshing breather among a deluge of action films.
Bhagyaraj has got the mix of humor and sentiment right, and there is an element of surprise in the screenplay too.
Surendar (Prithviraj), the only son of businessman Santhosh (Prakash Raj) and Seetha (Seetha), is an eligible bachelor. The family shifts to a small town near the city. Seetha arrives first to set up the house. Sumathi (Saranya), whose father (Sarathbabu) was rich once upon a time, ekes out a living as a domestic help. Seetha employs her and soon is charmed by Sumathi's cute ways. So Seetha decides that she would be the right bride for her son. But she dies even before she could tell others of her decision. The plot thickens and there is plenty of twists as to whether the two youngsters get to marry. Prithviraj, with his natural, underplayed performance, proves his mettle. There is a spontaneity to his work. Saranya, who acting in her genes, matches him with her nifty work.
Saranya has an author-backed role, and she has understood the responsibility and delivered a neat performance. In the initial frames, one gets to see glimpses off her mother Poornima.
Prakash Raj lends his weight to the character- his fatherly affection reflecting in every frame. Seetha is as ever dependable. Bhagyaraj in a cameo adds further mirth and urgency to the proceedings.
Debutant Dharan's musical score is pleasing on the ears.
The film's failing could be that the climax is predictable. But the strength is that the screenplay is gripping and interesting. The mix of humor, youthful romance and a touch of romance make it all worth a watch.
