KALYANA SAMAYAL SAADHAM MOVIE REVIEW

The trailer and the Mella Sirithal song of Kalyana Samayal Saadham (KSS) were too clean and family friendly that you wonder why the U/A certification. But once you are into the film and with an important twist, you realize its justification, as the debutant director Prasanna has taken on a much tabooed but a very pertinent and relevant issue of current times.

Kalyana Samayal Saadham is actually a misnomer if you look at it very superficially, as the film does not in any way deal about the food items served in a wedding. However, tease the outer layer out, you may actually get to realize the reasons for such nomenclature.

KSS is a thorough urban flick and its subjects occupy the upper middle class society. It is about the traditions and practices related to wedding orchestrated by parents.

Primarily, R S Prasanna should be appreciated for his mojo on taking on a subject for his first film that many would think twice. His light hearted treatment of a serious stigmatized social issue which is one of the top reasons for many a marriage to break is noteworthy. His sugar coating of a scary ‘pill’ is actually interesting.

Additional dialogues by Arun Vaidhyanadhan, say the title card. And the dialogues, be it from Arun or from Prasanna, are much enjoyable and convey the mood of the scene perfectly. The father-daughter affection is beautifully brought out with a hug from Delhi Ganesh to Lekha with ‘un choice edhuvaa irundhalum, idhu maaraadhu’ and a cute ‘bikela starting troublenaa choke podanum, lifela starting troublenaa joke podanum’ from Crazy Mohan. “Idhu namma amma appa thatha paatti kalyanam” is a spot on take about arranged wedding.

There are quite a lot of delightful scenes. The one where Prasanna resolves the mandapam issue is unexpected and endearing. And Delhi Ganesh returning his favor in a coffee shop is fitting too.

Actor Prasanna and Lekha Washington fit in their roles effortlessly. It’s after a while we see the lead artists but their pairing is fresh and apt. Their interactions are very natural, realistic and nothing over board. The altercation during the ‘sangeeth’ night is a clear example of this and the dialogues are real, like how real people talk. The casting of not only the lead team but also of support crew is perfect. Delhi Ganesh and Uma Padmanabhan as Lekha’s parents deliver fine. Out of Prasanna’s friends, the one playing Gautham takes the cake as he is very natural in his US friend avatar.

Arora’s music is graceful, in sync with the flow of the film and the songs are also placed well. Krishnan Vasanth’s camera work gives a pleasant feel through out.

There are of course moments where you feel the film has taken on a slow narrative, with voice overs a little stretched.

Toting all up, Kalyana Samayal Saadham, is a practical take on a very serious issue but laced with lighthearted approach.