NAIYAANDI MOVIE REVIEW

Naiyaandi marks the return of Dhanush to lighthearted cinema after a slew of intense roles in the last few years. He joins hands with Director Sargunam for a comedy entertainer set around  Kumbakonam.

Dhanush plays Chinna Vandu, the youngest of three brothers, who falls in love with Vana Roja (Nazriya) when she comes to visit her grandmother, coinciding with the village carnival. After a few hiccups, their romance becomes mutual.

Chinna Vandu has to then handle his family members particularly his lovesick elder brothers and also a dreaded goon who sets his eagle eyes on Roja.

The initial segments of Naiyaandi are hilarious, with an animated introductory credits sequence establishing how Dhanush's two elder brothers are totally down on luck when it comes to marriage. The interval segment has another enjoyable little animated sequence which sets up the second half for plenty of situational comedy.

But, Naiyaandi turns out to be a really predictable affair for most of its running time, with the second half offering some solace thanks to the hilarious histrionics of Sreeman and Sathyan. Sreeman takes the cake among the performers and all the little efforts that he takes in order to look fit for romance and marriage, are laugh-worthy.

After we are entertained for a sizable portion of the second half, the climax again meanders to cliched territory as we have the villain and his sidekicks locking horns with the hero, in a stylized little 'filmy' stunt sequence before the expected 'happy ending'.

Dhanush isn't required to strain much and he waltzes through his role. His introductory sequence is vibrant and he shares decent vibes with the likes of Soori and Sathish. The expectations from this powerhouse performer are sky high and whether Naiyaandi has lived up to his caliber is highly questionable.

If it was 'brother' in Raja Rani, 'fraud' is the word for young Nazriya in Naiyaandi, and she looks sparkling as ever in a sizable role. She is addressed as 'aayalu' by her near and dear ones in the movie. Soori turns in another typical performance, nicely settling into the 'rural comedian' space.

Vamsi Krishna as the baddie, is as predictable as ever and we are accustomed to such villainy in numerous Tamil movies. Naren does an earnest father's role yet again with ease. Veterans, Pyramid Natrajan and Meera Krishnan, play the parents of the three brothers with good effect.

The technical aspects of Naiyaandi are good with Velraj's visuals being crystal clear even in those night shots across a paddy field dotted with windmills. The songs, shot in exotic Swiss locales are pleasing to the eye, though their placement leaves a lot to be desired. The room in Dhanush's house where all the bells and lamps are stacked up, and one where Dhanush and Nazriya share a few intimate moments is another visual highlight of Naiyaandi.

Ghibran's work on the background music is admirable, with the mounting expectations surrounding his work on Vishwaroopam 2's BGM score. The young composer has tastefully used instruments such as santoor and saxophone and he has done his best for every scene in the movie. The way the old Doordarshan theme has been used, is also very apt and timely.

On final analysis, though Naiyaandi brims with good technical values and a solid star cast, the novelty factor in the movie is minimal. When names such as Dhanush and Sargunam are associated with a movie, expectations are naturally high but Naiyaandi's brand of family entertainment is one that has been seen plenty of times.