96

Ever since the release of the teaser and the 'Kaathale Kaathale' song, the Vijay Sethupathi - Trisha starrer '96, became one of the most expected films, among the youngsters and film buffs. This feel-good romantic entertainer is finally out and here is our review.

If you've had seen the trailer of the film, then you need no introduction to the film's plot. Two schooltime lovers, Ramachandran and Janaki Devi get separated due to unavoidable circumstances and they lose touch. They're put together yet again after a long gap of 22 years through a school reunion. What happened in their lives in these past twenty-two years is what 96 is all about. Will Ram (Vijay Sethupathi) and Jaanu (Trisha) join hands and get to live together now? Catch the film to know the answer.

96 has two powerhouse performers taking the center-stage, who carry the film on their shoulders. Their effortless and intense acting takes you through various emotions. There is one particular scene post-interval, where Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha converse with each other, recollecting their post-school and college memories. That scene is an example to prove why Vijay and Trisha are tailor-made for the characters of Ram and Jaanu. Vijay Sethupathi's casual portrayal as Ram looks lively, while Trisha scores with a subtle yet intense performance as Jaanu. Going down the line, Ram and Jaanu will be one of the most remembered characters in Tamil Cinema and '96 will be a remarkable addition to Vijay Sethupathi's and Trisha's filmography. Devadarshini, Bagavathi Perumal, and Aadukalam Murugadoss add to the fun quotient throwing up some light-hearted moments.

Adhithya Baaskar, Gouri, and Niyathi Kadambi, who play the childhood versions of Vijay Sethupathi, Trisha, and Devadarshini respectively garner quite some attention. It is an impressive debut for Adhithya, who looks believable as an innocent chap. Gouri is fantastic as young Jaanu and her expressions are top-notch. Niyathi scores with the limited space given to her.

Director Prem Kumar should be lauded for beautifully executing this product. The writing is neat and confined with no deviations, and he goes a step further with the execution. The visual treatment of the film is a lovable feast to the human eyes.

Right from the special thanks card, the film begins with the sounds taking the driver's seat. The beautiful picturization of 'Life of Ram' song gives a wonderful start to the film, and there is no looking back at all. The school portions in the first half will surely bring out nostalgic memories for many. 96 will help you revisit your school days and your first love.

The screenplay is filled with so many subtle 'WOW' moments that will please you. The magical placement of 'Kaadhale Kaadhale' song is a highlight. Not just that, there are ample examples to supplement this point. 'Yamunai Aatrile (Thalapathi)' song finds the right place in the movie, striking the perfect chord. The best part about 96 is the mood of the film, that doesn't change at any juncture. The breeziness is spread throughout and there is no melodrama at all.

Due credits to director Prem for a beautiful and a heartwarming climax, without any cinematic compromises. The entire second half of the film has only two characters, Ram and Janu, who leave no stones unturned. 96 is full of love, romance, and beautiful emotions with a heartwarming screenplay. Catch it to get immersed.

A section of the audience might feel the pace of the film as a concern in the second half, but that doesn't seem like a major complaint at all. The music lovers might feel that 'Anthaathi', and 'Kaathale Kaathale' could have been more extensively used.

Govind Vasantha's songs and background score is the life of the film and it feeds the right emotions. 96 is a musically rich film and kudos to Govind putting out a soulful score. Shanmuga Sundaram and Mahendiran Jeyaraju's visuals look colorful, capturing the beauty of nature apart from the beauty of the leads. In a fast moving world like this, we tend to miss the scenic beauty that is around us in our day to day life, and 96 will be a reality check to that. Govindaraj's editing looks mature and neat with no external hindrances.

To put it in simple words, 96 is a breezy and heartwarming romantic tale that Tamil cinema audience shouldn't miss. The entire team of 96 have come together to throw some positivity to the audience.

[Reviewed after a special preview show on Monday, October 1st. Movie releases on Thursday, October 4th.]

Anthaathi
Vocals: Chinmayi Sripaada, Govind Vasantha, Bhadra Rajin, M Nassar
Lyrics: Karthik Netha, C Premkumar (Poem)

Owing to Govind Vasantha's independent band background, we finally get a 7 minute track in Tamil cinema. Though the final minute and a half includes a narration of a poem, it still counts! Touching the base of alternative rock, Govind manages to weave out a song that would linger in the hearts of the listeners for a long time. It is very interesting how they have resorted to tones that carry a natural quality. Infusion of such tunes, and a rhythm that allows you to comprehend the travel in this song. How it begins on a light, yet magical note on the keys, and transforms itself into an intense expressive poem. Chinmayi, Govind and Bhadra have crooned this song wonderfully, to say the least! However, we have a winner in the form of Karthik Netha. While we are addicted to the tune and progression of the track, Karthik effortlessly steals our attention with his lyrics. They're both contemporary and profound. Director Prem Kumar's vision is an extension of this track that leads us to his poem narrated exquisitely and expressively by Nassar. Without much doubt, Anthaathi is the pick of the album!

The Life of Ram
Vocals: Pradeep Kumar
Lyrics: Karthik Netha

Being a violinist himself, Govind Vasantha sneaks a solo for himself! Because why not? Show-stealer is what he becomes at the end of it. The tune is pretty simple, he doesn't try to complicate much in terms of the complication. But, where this track wins is in its suave presentation. Based out on the guitars, we hear them subtly, yet clearly! This song has some sweet points. The guitar strumming, violin piece, flute insertion, and Pradeep's euphonious voice, to name a few. There's a lot to talk about Pradeep's range and voice texture, but that would require too much space. In a nutshell, he can single-handedly guide you through a journey of emotions. Be it reciting a verse, or just 'Thaane thaane naane'. Once again, Karthik Netha's words seem closer to you than they actually appear! They're more than just a few words intertwined.

Yean
Vocals: Gowri TP
Lyrics: Karthik Netha

A sad ballad in that will deeply etch itself into your heart. Yean is a question she asks him, Yean is a question she asks herself. Yean yearns for love, for intimacy and strength. Ugh, why does Karthik Netha constantly have to be the scene-stealer? Thanks to Gowri TP, this song finds its place in the soul of the listener.

Vasantha Kaalangal
Vocals: Chinmayi Sripaada
Lyrics: Uma Devi

In '96, we are taken back in time to '76, the year Hotel California (Eagles) released. As much as Hotel California can stand the test of time and resonate in the hearts of the rock-lovers even in this millennium, Vasantha Kaalangal might play the same game. Moreover, it is truly descriptive of '96's theme, thanks to Uma Devi. You travel through a rock introduction and walk into a portal that leads you to melancholy. The guitars take you to wonderland and back, and you're looking to swim in nostalgia, aren't you? Chinmayi's fluent rendition increases the worth of the song.

Thaabangale
Vocals: Chinmayi Sripaada, Pradeep Kumar
Lyrics: Uma Devi

Apart from being another expedition into some deep emotions, Thaabangale is a song who's structure reminds you that Govind's roots lie in independent music. Not because of the desolation that constructs itself, but because of the instrumentation and arrangements. Intricate usage of the guitars leads to the rhythmic ecstasy that acts as the cornerstone of the song. Apart from the fact that Chinmayi and Pradeep weave beauty into the song, Uma Devi understands the conscience behind the theme and keeps delivering lines that are admirable!

Iravingu Theevai
Vocals: Chinmayi Sripaada, Pradeep Kumar
Lyrics: Uma Devi

Iravingu Theevai is the élan vital of '96. A fervent composition that has many layers to it. The orchestration is brilliant and it gives you a fulfilling feeling. The formation of this song, and the way it has been crooned could give you an idea of how Ilayaraaja churned out hit songs that were acute in terms of tunes. Chinmayi and Pradeep take control of the song, and give life to Uma Devi's lyrics. This song could go a long way too!

Kaathalae Kaathalae
Vocals: Chinmayi Sripaada, Govind Vasantha
Lyrics: Karthik Netha

Kaathalae Kaathale was initially noticed in the teaser of '96. It was received with affection, warmth, and a great deal of adoration and is still being widely admired. This song is the sound of nature, ie., the chirping of birds, the flowing of a stream, Chinmayi's ever-sweet vocals and Govind's violin that has a tone of silver. It is known that lovers express by singing. But here, love expresses itself through music. Even the breath isn't let alone. The lyrical portions are not much, but they give us the much needed emotional push. Whatever said and done, Govind Vasantha is all over this song with his composition and captivating violin piece. It holds us in its palm and gives us a perspective of a love song that we've not seen before!

Kaathalae Kaathalae (Reprise)
Vocals: Kalyani Menon, Chinmayi Sripaada, Govind Vasantha
Lyrics: Karthik Netha

Except for the fact that this song has Kalyani Menon's voice overlapping the original version, everything remains the same. However, it doesn't lessen the feel instilled in us by the original