Kadhalikka Neramillai (2025) – A commendable concept undermined by weak storytelling. Watch it for Nithya Menen’s performance but don’t expect much else.
Directed by: Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi
Starring: Ravi Mohan (Jayam Ravi), Nithya Menen, Yogi Babu, T.J. Bhanu, John Kokken
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Language: Tamil
Synopsis:
Shriya is heart-broken when her plan to start a family with the person she loves comes crumbling down. Siddharth who’s an environmentist never wants to have kids. The two of them are forced to reevaluate love, family, and relationships. Shriya’s life intersects with Siddarth’s again, 8 years after they parted ways. As they rekindle their romance, Siddarth encounters a surprising connection that changes everything.
Performances:
Ravi Mohan (Jayam Ravi):
Ravi does justice to his role with solid acting but struggles with the lack of depth in his character. His performance is sincere, though the writing prevents full emotional engagement.Nithya Menen:
Nithya is the film’s highlight. She effortlessly carries the emotional weight of the story with subtle, nuanced acting. Her performance shines, but the weak screenplay diminishes its overall impact.Yogi Babu:
Unfortunately, Yogi Babu’s character feels underutilized. His comedic talent is barely explored, and it seems his role was included solely to attract audiences to the theathers.Supporting Cast:
The supporting actors deliver performances in line with their roles but don’t stand out significantly. They contribute to the narrative without adding much depth.
Technical Aspects:
Direction (Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi):
Kiruthiga takes on an ambitious subject with urban, forward-thinking themes. However, the storytelling is marred by childish and cringeworthy moments that feel out of place in an otherwise mature narrative.Music & Background Score (ARR):
A.R. Rahman’s music, while decent, is underwhelming by his usual standards. Only one song stands out when listened to separately, but within the film, the music doesn’t elevate the scenes. The background score is passable but not memorable.Cinematography & Visuals:
The visuals are clean and aesthetically pleasing. The film successfully captures an urban, modern feel, which suits its themes well.Production Values:
The production quality is top-notch, and the film benefits from smooth visuals and well-executed technical elements.
Strengths:
✔ Nithya Menen’s Performance: A standout, delivering subtle and emotional acting.
✔ Urban, Progressive Themes: The film introduces fresh ideas about relationships and family, sparking meaningful conversations.
✔ Kind Treatment of Characters: The film avoids demonizing flawed characters, adding realistic shades of grey to the story.
Weaknesses:
❌ Weak Screenplay: The narrative is predictable and lacks the conflict needed to make the story engaging.
❌ Childish Story Moments: Certain scenes (e.g., breakup songs and football match depictions) come off as immature and out of sync with the film’s tone.
❌ Lagging Pacing: The film drags in places, making it difficult to stay invested.
❌ Underutilized Yogi Babu: His potential for comic relief is wasted, reducing his role to a mere name on the poster.
My Personal Take on Cinema:
Kadhalikka Neramillai had the potential to be a groundbreaking romantic drama with its fresh urban concepts, but it falters in execution. While the themes are commendable, the treatment of the story is too simplistic and often cringeworthy. Certain moments felt juvenile and disconnected from the overall narrative’s intended maturity.
The film deserves credit for its respectful portrayal of flawed relationships and for avoiding cliched villainy in its characters. However, it fails to create the emotional connection needed for a memorable experience. ARR’s music, though competent, is far from his best work, and the film’s pacing issues make it a tiring watch.
Overall, while Kadhalikka Neramillai introduces thought-provoking topics, it falls short of its potential due to poor execution and lackluster storytelling.
Final Rating:
2/5
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