Every once in a while there comes a movie which makes you believe that Cinema is more than just a form of entertainment, that it's a far more powerful medium, capable of changing lives and touching souls. "Mayakkam Enna" might just fit into that category in the books of most, but make no mistake, it's that kind of film which will have its share of detractors but even they would be hard pressed not to appreciate its inherent quality and emotional depth.

Tastefully filtering the film through an aesthetic sensibility, Selvaraghavan teams up with his brother for the 4^th time, to chronicle phases in the life of a struggling freelance photographer, Karthik (Dhanush), seamlessly incorporating his joy, sorrow, failure, trials, tribulations and finally, success, into the narrative.

Selvaraghavan sure knows his beans when it comes to dark comedy. Without attempting anything really groundbreaking he manages to suck you into his characters' lives with his unique brand of storytelling, masterfully paving way for some great situational humor, peppered with dialogues oozing with wry wit, delivered effectively by an incredibly talented cast (most of who happen to be newcomers).

However that is only until the protagonist starts losing his way after coming face to face with some harsh realities which psyches him out and threatens to wreck his career. The film then slips into a doomy turbulence, but the lead pair takes it upon themselves and turn in tour de force performances which practically lights the screen up.

Dhanush has proved his acting credentials time and again and he firmly re asserts them here once more. Be it those moments when he depicts the passion a photographer would have for his job by displaying ecstasy when he lets a leaf cut through the rays of the sun, swirl down and land on his face or when he slowly starts losing his mind and starts to abuse everyone near and dear to him or when he silently breaks down and apologizes to his wife for his violent outburst (a scene that will haunt you for days to come), he proves that the national award he received was no flash in the pan and is well within his rights to fancy himself to get it again.

As in most of Selva's films the heroine gets a role on par with the hero and has she done justice to it or what! This has to go down as one of the finest performances by a debutant female lead in the history of Tamil cinema. It's so good that sometimes Dhanush's performance looks ordinary next to it!

The cinematography is lush and makes the film look so alive although you can't help but feel that on most occasions it is just a tribute to the director's vision. G V Prakash has come up with one of the best albums of the year and apt placement aided by stylized picturization only makes things that much better. The background score is another pillar of strength for the film.

All said "Mayakkam Enna" is not for everyone especially for lovers of mainstream commercial cinema who like their films to bend genres and keep the popcorn popping. Some parts of it need to be felt more than "seen". However, for patient viewers who seek out meaningful cinema this one just takes the cake with the cherry on top.


VERDICT - AN EMOTIONALLY RICH FILM, CELEBRATING LOVE, LIFE, THE RARE SECOND CHANCES IT OFFERS AND THE OCCASIONAL MIRACLE.

4/5.