Kadhalikka Neramillai Movie Review: A Sincere Attempt with an Uneven Execution

Rating: 2.5/5
Cast: Nithya Menen, Ravi Mohan, TJ Bhanu, John Kokken, Lal, Yogi Babu, Vinay Rai, Mano, Vinodhini Vaidyanathan, Lakshmi Ramakrishnan
Director: Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi
Produced by: Red Giant Movies
Streaming On: Netflix

Overview:
Kadhalikka Neramillai, starring Jayam Ravi (Ravi Mohan) and Nithya Menen, premiered on Netflix on February 11th in multiple languages. Marketed as a classy and breezy romantic entertainer, the film was released for Sankranthi but failed to make a strong impact at the box office despite receiving decent word-of-mouth publicity.

Story:

Set in Chennai, the film follows architect Shreya (Nithya Menen), who discovers her partner’s infidelity just before her wedding festivities begin. On the other hand, Siddharth (Ravi Mohan), a structural engineer, enjoys a laid-back life and avoids marriage and parenthood. A series of events lead Shreya to conceive through IVF and sperm donation, coinciding with Siddharth’s anonymous contribution. This sets the stage for an unconventional romantic drama.

Performances:

Nithya Menen and Ravi Mohan deliver compelling performances, fitting their roles with ease. TJ Bhanu and John Kokken maintain the narrative flow, while Lal, Yogi Babu, and Mano add value with their notable presence. Vinay Rai, though introduced strongly, becomes irrelevant later in the film. Vinodhini Vaidyanathan and Lakshmi Ramakrishnan play their parts adequately.

Analysis:

Kadhalikka Neramillai attempts to craft a contemporary love story infused with modern beliefs and Gen Z ideals. However, its storytelling suffers from inconsistency, particularly in the first half. While the second half aligns better with the narrative, the pre-climax and climax sequences fail to leave a lasting impression.

The film introduces several intriguing themes, such as Shreya’s mention of PCOD influencing her decision to conceive early and the character of Sethuraman, a gay man aspiring to have children. While these elements bring a refreshing change, they are not explored in depth, making them feel like missed opportunities. By the midpoint, Sethuraman’s role remains unclear, and Shreya’s pregnancy journey with PCOD is barely addressed.

Despite having the potential for an impactful conclusion, the film reverts to conventional storytelling with a clichéd jealousy track before the climax and an abrupt ending. While it tries to advocate for bold choices, it ultimately follows a predictable route.

Positives:

• Strong performances by Ravi Mohan and Nithya Menen
• A few pleasant and engaging moments
• AR Rahman’s soothing music

Negatives:

• Inconsistent narration
• Lack of depth in exploring crucial characters and themes
• Inclusion of formulaic elements that dilute the uniqueness of the plot

Verdict:

Kadhalikka Neramillai is a well-intentioned film that falls short due to its uneven execution and lack of strong emotional impact. While it features commendable performances, a few heartwarming moments, and a memorable soundtrack, its shortcomings in narrative depth and character exploration make it an underwhelming watch. However, viewers seeking a fresh take on romance may still find it worth exploring.