Parthiban the creator took a back seat for many years playing second fiddle to the actor until a couple of years ago when he made a stunning comeback with ‘Kathai Thiraikathai Vasanam Iyakkam’. His follow up to the little gem ‘KIN’ impresses to a certain extent with a quirky screenplay.
Kevin (Shantanu) is an NRI on a visit to India to finish a business deal and his call taxi driver Rangarajan (Parthiban) convinces him to stay in a bungalow for which he is also a caretaker and his wife Mohini (Parvathi Nair) works as a maid. It is obvious that the crippled Rangarjan does not satisfy his wife physically and slowly Shantanu is drawn towards Parvathi and what happens next is told at a leisurely pace topped by an unexpected climax.
Parthiban has kept his promise to Bhagyaraj and has well and truly rediscovered Shantanu who breathes life into the character of Kevin with his subtle acting. Parvathi Nair as the deprived wife Mohini is excellent breaking the stereotype for heroines not only in character but also in the glamour department. Parthiban the actor has gone all guns blazing with his double meaning dialogues which garner the applause providing the edge to his role. Thambi Ramaiah tickles the funny bones playing the role of a man who forgets things every minute. Simran puts in a cameo literally on a cellphone as the conscience keeper of Shantanu.
C. Sathya’s music is a big plus with all the songs pleasing to hear complimented by an apt background score. The cinematographer, editor and art director have worked together to deliver clean images. Justifying the title Parthiban plots the screenplay like a mystery thriller and all the clues he leaves, which seem superfluous when watching become clear after he fills in the blanks in the climax. His understanding of the psychology of the human mind translates well in his storytelling. Young filmmakers can take a cue from the pro, of how to make a fairly engaging movie in one location with a minimalistic approach. Even after leaving the theater the audience will try to sort out the puzzle and that in itself is proof that Parthiban is on par with modern filmmakers.
On the downside the intensity between the characters is missing and so the time between the set up and the big payoff at the end is most times taxing to view. Unlike ‘KTVI’ this one does not develop in an organic way even though Parthiban may have intended it that way considering the screenplay. The dabble with horror in the beginning sticks out as an unnecessary irritant.
Verdict: Go for the different screenplay where whatever you see is not what it seems
