Kaatru Veliyidai Movie Review

Writer & Director : Mani Ratnam
Producer : Mani Ratnam
Cast : Karthi, Aditi Rao Hydari
Music : A.R.Rahman
Cinematography : Ravi Varman
Editor : A.Sreekar Prasad
Production company : Madras Talkies
Running Time : 140 mins

The film Revolves around the love story of a pilot VC (Karthi) and a doctor Leela (Aditi Rao Hydari). They have contrastive characters, yet find themselves attracted. There is also a past connect between both. The hero appears tough, but soft hearted, while the heroine is flimsy outside, but strong inside. The journey of their romance & Kargil war effects forms the main plot of the story.

Karthi as Officer VC alias Varun; has shed down weight and looks perfect fit for the pilot role. He looks dashing in few scenes, somehow the close up shots doesn’t suit him with this outlook. His performance in the climax scene is worth mentioning. Officer VC is a typical Maniratnam’s hero.

Aditi Rao Hydari as Doctor Leela is beautiful and her acting is simply astonishing. Expressions are lovely; Perfect lip sync, good choice of dubbing artist. Watch out for her performance in the Romantic scenes in first half. Karthi – Aditi chemistry works well.

First time seeing R J Balaji in a serious role, not bad though. Rukmini gets good screen space. Her dance in Tango song was good. Delhi Ganesh has nothing much to do. Shraddha Srinath’s cameo doesn’t stick with us.

A R Rahman’s album is already a chartbuster – Songs are of different variety. First half of  the film covers 4 songs. Second half has ‘Nallai Allai’ and ‘Vaan Varuvaan..’. All the songs except ‘Azhagiye..’ are in bits and pieces. Songs are visually appealing. Ravi Varman’s cinematography is easily the biggest strength of the film. Visuals are Simply mind-blowing. Location selection has also played a key role.

After OK Kanmani, Yet another romantic film from the great director Mani Ratnam. Story is very simple, revolves around war (Kargil) and love. Typical Mani Sir style of characterizations and dialogues. First half is filled with lovely romantic scenes and songs in regular intervals, it’s a treat to watch. Second half is slow paced, As the entire story was revealed in the first half, there is nothing much to show in the later half. Ending was good. The climax portion has typical director’s touch.

Mani Ratnam fans are going to lap this film. For others its a worth watch for the Music, Visuals and Aditi’s performance.