NALLA PERAI VAANGA VENDUM PILLAIGALE – REVIEW
Cast: Senthur Pandian, Preethy Karan
Director: Prasath Ramar
Nalla Perai Vaanga Vendum Pillaigale offers a glimpse into the lives of today’s youth, focusing on their impulsive attitudes towards relationships and sexuality. Set over a single day, the film’s main protagonist, Ravi, serves as a prime example of misguided priorities and an inflated sense of self. After a hiatus of 9 years, director Prasath Ramar is back to deliver an unconventional film.
The film’s strength could arguably be its attempt at realistic dialogue. The conversations between Ravi and his friends will feel authentic to some people, mirroring the casual bravado of young men. However, there’s a fine line between realism and repetitiveness, and the film unfortunately teeters towards the latter. It tries to build a relatable narrative, but the prolonged focus on trivial pursuits – bike rides, extended beach conversations – make the viewing experience tedious rather than immersive.
While the film initially seems to hold a neutral perspective on its characters’ actions, a preachy undertone emerges as the story progresses. This undertone is most prominent in the confrontation between Ravi and Arasi. It creates a forced moment of “realization” rather than allowing for nuanced self-reflection on Ravi’s part.
The film holds attention due to its unconventional lead characters, who are far removed from typical cinematic heroes or heroines. Some comedic elements work, but it gets caught between trying to be a tongue-in-cheek adult comedy and a serious exploration of contemporary youth.
In its attempt to be bold and offer social commentary, Nalla Perai Vaanga Vendum Pillaigale sacrifices the possibility of exploring genuine emotional complexity in its characters. It’s not devoid of merit, but you’d wish you had a keyboard to skip certain parts.