Director P V Prasad, who brought action romance thrillers back in action with his Kadhalil Vizhundhen is returning now with Eppadi Manasukkul Vandhai. As unambiguous as the title sounds, Eppadi Manasukkul Vandhai is a love story that is about a young man who is even ready to commit murderous crimes to retain his love. Prasad has again travelled the Kadhalil Vizhunden path; only that Eppadi Manasukkul Vandhai is not as dark as its predecessor.

Prasad banks this romance action drama upon his leads Tanvi Vyas, Vishwa and Irfan. All of them are new to the film camera (with the exception of Irfan who earlier appeared in Kana Kaanum Kalangal and a couple of other TV shows) and it shows. Tanvi, who was Miss India in the year 2008, plays the bone of contention between two men – the girl who triggers murderous instincts among one of the guys.

The movie treads along as a simple love story. Vishwa is the son of a dhobi who falls in love with Tanvi, the rich girl. While he pursues his love valiantly, there are a few hurdles he must pass. To set them straight, he tries to take things in his hands, most of which are not in his control.

Vishwa’s flowing tresses and facial hair make an interesting personality. He also has complete control over his dancing skills. On the other hand, his acting capabilities are questionable. He falters in the simplest of emotional scenes resulting in his character losing credibility.

There’s a reason why pretty girls are selected as Miss India and Tanvi Vyas is a living proof for that. Since she does not have too many heavy duty scenes, she pulls it off without any major glitches. Irfan’s television experience comes in handy and he plays the role of a rich lad who has ambiguous feelings towards a girl.

Another character worth mentioning is Ravi Kalai, who plays the corrupt cop. His character is strongly fleshed out in the beginning but it gradually falls into the shallow depths of predictability when the truth about him slowly comes into picture. Cinematographer Vijay Milton is responsible for the often incisive dialogues of the movie. A curious, yet not so unnatural progression for him from cinematography to dialogue writing. AJ Daniel’s music scores well in the hummable En Kadhal Nee Dhaane song.

Eppadi Manasukkul Vandhai has traces of Kadhalil Vizhundhen but it’s not the same love story. It has its heart in its place and the fact that Prasad has peppered it with enough plot twists and turns makes it worth a watch. It’s an engagingly shot, albeit not brilliantly performed, movie that might provide good time pass.

Having said that, the first half-hour of the movie is agonizingly slow. As the director tries to lay the movie’s premise, it staggers to find foothold and remains so until it picks up pace.

Verdict: Tough Love!