Yaradi Nee Mohini - Review

Movie : Yaradi Nee Mohini

Director : Javahar

Casts : Dhanush, Nayan, Raguvaran, Karthick, Karunas

Music : Yuvan Shankar Raja

If you like feel-good love stories mixed with a lot of comedy and sentiments then, Yaaradi Nee Mohini is an ideal treat for the entire family. All credits go to debutant director Jawahar, Selvaraghavan’s long time associate for remaking his guru’s Telugu super-hit Adavari Matalaku Ardhalu Verule into Tamil. It is a well packaged film that will appeal to a broad spectrum of audiences.

The film works big time due to perfect casting. Dhanush is an unemployed lower middle class guy, hankering after good things in life and trying to improve his English to impress his girlfriend. Clearly Dhanush is at home doing this kind of role as some of his earlier hits were based on a similar image that he has among the masses.

It is an omnibus entertainer where all the nine “Rasas” to make us laugh, cry, enjoy our favourites dancing to hit music, and the underdog triumphing in the end. The public wants to be entertained and want to forget all their worries and have a nice time.

Vasu (Dhanush) is an irresponsible son of a disciplined school master (Raghuvaran) who lives off his father till he sees a girl Keerthi (Nayanthara). He is smitten by her beauty and soon manages to get a job in the same software company that she works. He joins as her trainee and after a couple of episodes in India and Australia, he proposes to her. But he is shocked to hear that she is already engaged to her cousin and her marriage will happen soon.

Vasu is heartbroken and his dad who meets Keerthi gets humiliated by her. The old man dies due to a heart-attack and a depressed Vasu decides to go with his friend (Karthik) to his village where he is getting married. The big twist in the story is when Vasu discovers that his best friend’s bride-to-be is none other than Keerthi! Now it is our hero’s turn to win over everyone in the huge household and the bride.

The first half is totally city based and tickles your funny bone especially the conflict between the father and son, their slow bonding and then the tragedy. The first half belongs to the late Raghuvaran, he is brilliant as the strict father who secretly loves his son. Did he have any kind of premonition about his real life death? Aspiring and current actors may please dip into this particular performance for future references on Raghuvaran- it is one of his best. Be it his break down scene after his son cries for the first time, or the scene where he walks away offended after his son tell him to take retirement.

The film also belongs to Dhanush and Nayanthara, who strike a good on-screen chemistry, which makes the love story tick. Dhanush’s ability to bring a character vibrantly to life, with all the nuances of anger, frustration, humour and tenderness is reason enough to see this film. Nayanthara looks sensational and has done a great job in perhaps the meatiest role she has done so far where she has equal footing as the hero, while the same cannot be said about Karthik who has an insipid role, while Karnas comedy makes you laugh. Yuvan Shankar Raja’s background score and music is pleasing especially the melodious Yengeyo Partha.... and Oh Baby.. which is beautifully picturised by Jawahar as a music video with Rahasiya. Camera of Siddharth is another highlight of the film

On the downside, the film is too long especially the second half. The basic plot of the film is inspired from Aditya Chopra’s classic Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge and a few other Bollywood feel-good films. On the whole, the likeable leads and Raghuvaran’s performance make it enjoyable. It’s well packaged and great fun.

Verdict: Enjoy