MM is by debutant Rathna Kumar for first time producer Karthik Subbaraj. KS has a very good reputation in Kollywood and when the producers decided to release MM along with the giant Mersal it was a giveaway that they were confident about their product.
MM is the extended version of the director’s short film. Despite that RK has woven a wonderful tale that encompasses all emotions that young hearts endure during love. What makes MM worth watching is for the way melodrama is kept aside, as manner in which the story takes centre stage by being as much as natural as is allowed on celluloid. The subtle humour serves as a sound foundation and helps in the scenes connect to the audience smoothly. The writer’s punch in a few scenes is very evident, especially the pre interval block where he takes on an issue that is annoying but is handled with wit and that is brilliant. Yes there are a few downsides, the length could have been trimmed and it’s cliché ending could have been handled better.
What ups the ante for MM is the way the director has managed to draw out performances from his cast. MM could not have been as good had it not been for its actors. Vaibhav delivers a knockout performance and this is clearly his best to date. But even he is overshadowed by the natural brilliance of Vivek Prasanna who is the surprise in the film. Priya the heroine of the movie impresses from the very first scene and is very good in her role. The rest of the cast support very well.
Cinematography by Vidhu Ayyanna is very pleasing to the eyes while Pradeep and Santhosh Narayanan rock the music scene with their fun songs and a terrific back ground score. The dialogues are well etched while direction for a debutant is top notch.
MM is not a perfect film but is made with a lot of passion and sensible writing also with a lot of heart. Kollywoody has a new talent in the form of Rathna Kumar. MM undeniably should manage to hold on its own this Diwali purely on content.
MEYAADHA MAAN – MENMAI!!!.
3.25/5
B.U.Shreesha
