Writer/director Manikandan is on a roll, after the stupendous hit of “Kaaka Muttai” which crossed boundaries and received recognition as well as acclaim everywhere is now back with “Kuttrame Dhandanai”. The titles of his movies generate curiosity and so does the title of this movie as well.
This “Whoddunit” murder mystery is set in an absorbing environment. The characters are not filmy and are the ones amongst us. The grayness of the characters too is a true reflection of the world, where greed and opportunism tops the mind and heart. The plot sets in after a very lengthy drawn out introduction. But even after the murder gets exposed the script refuses to gather pace. Though the viewer is prepared for this slow pace from the beginning, the screenplay despite staying true to reality fails to excite. The loose ends don’t end in a knot and the climax just falls apart. The story loses focus in spite of the tunnel vision.
Vidharth is wonderful in his role. He has carefully played his role with subtlety though there was potential to go overboard. The female leads in Aishwarya Rajesh and Pooja Devariya do justice to their roles. Pooja deserves special mention. The supporting cast including the veterans Rahman and Nazeer present themselves affably.
The cinematography is well executed keeping in mind the lead role’s handicap. Dialogues are good and the editing could have been a lot better. Ilayaraja is inconsistent in this movie that has no songs. The direction is up to the task.
KD could have been much better than it turned out to be. This 95 minutes movie surprisingly feels longer than it actually is. The intentions are good, the messages understated and Manikandan once again restrains himself from taking the regular route. Perhaps he could have worked on a tighter script.
KUTRAME DHANDANAI – KURAIVU !!
2.75/5
B.U.Shreesha
