2 / 4 STARS
DIRECTOR: PRABHU
ACTORS: ARJUN, PRAVIN
ACTRESSES: RUCHITA, SONALI BENDRE
MUSIC DIRECTOR: DEVA
STORYLINE:
"Guru Paarvai" started the "I don't know who you are but I'll wreck your life" revolution. "Kannodu Kaanbathellam" continued it. "Hello" continued it. What will finish it?
In Kannodu Kaanbathellam, Pravin's character loves Ruchita's character, but she does not reciprocate his love. Arjun plays a rich man looking for a bride, and he goes to "ponnu pakku" Ruchita. But Pravin lies to Arjun and says that since they both love each other, Arjun should go away -- and so he does. But Ruchita, to get Pravin her back, says Arjun came back later again and their marriage has been finalized.
Meanwhile, Arjun sees and falls in love with Sonali Bendre. She is about to agree to his marriage proposal when Pravin and Ruchita come in. In front of Sonali Bendre, to keep up the lie, Ruchita says that the marriage between her and Arjun has already been finalized. Hearing this and thinking Arjun is not a faithful man, Sonali Bendre runs out on him.
Ruchita, after this incident, also falls in love with Pravin, and they become lovers. Here Arjun does an about-face, going from hero to villain, and he will not let the two young lovers alone because they ruined his love. He tortures them and makes every moment of their lives a living hell.
COMMENTS:
There is one extraordinarily well-done scene in this movie and that is the exact scene where Ruchita wrecks Arjun's love and life. The emotions are well-played on and Arjun acts well. The audience does feel sorry for his character, and does not consider the scene overly sentimental.
There's a fairly good comedy track, too, especially the scene where Manivannan jumps into a pothole because he is giving "jol" to Ruchita.
But the most unconvincing aspect of the entire deal, I'm sorry to say, was the transformation of Arjun into a villain. He acts well, but is not given enough background to explain why he becomes such a villain, and (spoiler) his sudden transformation at the end back to a good guy is given even less chance to ferment.
This is a movie that could have been very great. Unfortunately, it misses the mark. But after the movie is over, we do feel fairly satisfied, I'll give it that.
NOTE ON THE MUSIC:
Nothing very impressive music-wise. The best song is probably "Mona Lisa."
RECOMMENDATION:
Wait and watch it on video.
VIJAY VANNIARAJAN