Review Overview
Performances
Screenplay & Direction
Technical Aspects & BGM
Earnest, but beware of clichés!
JK Enum Nanbanin Vaazhkai is yet another earnest attempt from Cheran that brims with positivity and unfeigned characters. But, it comes at the risk of sounding schmaltzy and trite, which is slightly a worry.
Cast: Sharwanand, Nithya Menen, Santhanam, Jayaprakash, Prakash Raj
Story, Screenplay & Direction: Cheran Pandian
Dialogues: S Ramakrishnan
Production: Dream Theatres
Director of Photography: Siddharth Ramaswamy
Music: GV Prakash Kumar and Siddharth Vipin
Editing: Rama Rao
Cheran’s long-pending film JK Enum Nanbanin Vaazhkai has been finally released by his newly launched distribution network C2H (Cinema To Home) through DVDs and online platforms. After navigating my nearest distributor on their website, I placed my order and got it delivered at my doorstep in a span of fifteen minutes by one of their dealers. Swift and tidy purchase. And at just Rs. 50, it’s highly economical too. This is in fact the first time I’m reviewing a Tamil film after watching it on a DVD at the comfort of my living room. Now, let’s talk about the film.
JK Enum Nanbanin Vaazhkai tells the story of Jayakumar, played by a lethargic Sharwanand, whose life turns upside-down after a reckless accident. After being a carefree job-going youngster who is profligate in his expenditures to becoming a fast-rising entrepreneur who has an eye for creativity, talent and novel concepts, Cheran captures the life of Sharwanand with a refreshing approach but the familiar tropes with which the backstory – which forms the crux of the film – has been narrated is a huge let down.
JK Enum Nanbanin Vaazhkai is so unlike Cheran’s previous films which were mostly hard-hitting tearjerkers or moving family dramas. Cheran’s films have been long-known for patronising the need for a genuine friendship and how it could be an impetus to change the person’s perspective of the world he/she lives in. JKENV comes as a whiff of fresh air for the way the characterization of the lead roles have been depicted. In fact, it’s almost similar to the poetic relationship Sneha and Cheran share in Cheran’s Autograph, his best film till date.
Sharwanand’s entrepreneurship ideas are pragmatic, inspiring and will make audiences wonder what if they implement them in real life. Nithya Menen looks all angelic and oozes charm and grace whenever she appears on screen. The supporting cast in Santhanam – who has done a fairly good job with his one-liners, if not the best – Prakashraj and Jayaprakash add good value to the film’s serene atmosphere.
The clichéd flashback, predictable screenplay and incoherent editing bring down the essence of the film which could have been a bracing movie-watching experience otherwise. Siddharth has done a pretty good work with his lens and Ramakrishnan deserves mention for his crisp, life-affirming dialogues. Siddharth Vipin has churned out a middling background score.
To sum up, JK Enum Nanbanin Vaazhkai is yet another earnest attempt from Cheran that brims with positivity and unfeigned characters. But, it comes at the risk of sounding schmaltzy and trite, which is slightly a worry.
JK Enum Nanbanin Vaazhkai Movie Review Rating: 2.75/5
Written by Surendhar MK