REFUGEE

By Aravindan D.I.
Film: “Kandein Kadhalai”; Director: R. Kannan; Cast: Bharath, Tamannaah, Santhanam, ‘Nizhalgal’ Ravi; Music: Vidyasagar; Rating: **

“Kandein Kadhalai” is a remake of hit Bollywood film “Jab We Met”, which starred Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor. Director R. Kannan has made subtle changes in the screenplay to suit Tamil audiences and it is sure to pass the box-office test with flying colours.

The film is undoubtedly a clean family entertainer. While Bharath plays Shahid’s role, Tamannaah essays Kareena’s part of the bubbly and talkative girl.

The film starts off just like the original - the dejected hero, hurt by a failed romance and family problems, gets into a train. The leading lady, bubbling with youthful zest, is travelling by the same train to her hometown Theni.

When the hero is grilled by the ticket examiner for travelling without a ticket, Tamannah steps in and saves him by paying off the penalty. And when Bharath alights, the girl follows him to console him and in the process misses the train.

Their journey by road to Theni, followed by Tamannaah’s quest for her lover and how her positive energy inspires Bharath to rebuild his father’s business forms the rest of the story.

Even though Bharath falls head-over-heels in love with Tamannaah, he helps her run away from home and escorts her to her lover’s place.

But Tamannah is in for a shock as her lover refuses to accept her. Bharath then finds her, brings her back to her family and after much melodrama, the hero and heroine are united.

Bharath is definitely a revelation. In the first-half, his emotions are muted as per the needs of his character but in the second-half, he is into his elements and has a ball.

With each film of his, he is showing signs of maturity in his acting.

Tamannaah truly breathes life into the film. She floors the audience with her lightning smile and amazing expressions.

Tamannaah’s beauty gets accentuated by the apt choice of costumes. And her non-stop chattering leaves the audiences asking for more!

Santhanam has a field day and his comic acts tickle the funny bones of viewers.

Muthiah’s cinematography is definitely one of the films strengths - the picturesque locales of Ooty have never been shown more beautifully in any other film!

The music by Vidyasagar is good and soothing to the ears.

On the flip side, the second half drags a little but is saved by an interesting climax.