Review Overview
Performances
Plot & Narration
Technical Aspects and Music
Sensible, light-hearted drama
Kootathil Oruthan is a sensible, light-hearted drama which stresses upon a much-needed message in the most harmless and sometimes cheerful manner.
Cast: Ashok Selvan, Priya Anand, Samuthirakani, Bala Saravanan, Nasser, John Vijay, Bagavathy Perumal, Anupama Kumar, Sanjay Bharathi & others
Cinematography: PK Varma
Music: Nivas K Prasanna
Editing: Leo John Paul
Written & Directed by: TJ Gnanavel
Produced by: Ramaniyam Talkies & Dream Warrior Pictures
Release Date: 28-07-2017
Run Time: 02:00:20
Kootathil Oruthan is a sensible, light-hearted drama which stresses upon a much-needed message in the most harmless and sometimes cheerful manner.
The story revolves around Aravind (played by Ashok Selvan), a middle bencher who fervently yearns for earnest appreciation in his life. In comes Janani (Priya Anand), a star performer and a state topper. How their lives intertwine, Aravind’s self-discovery and Janani’s role in his life forms rest of the plot.
The first half moves steadily, fairly engaging till the interval scene. Bala Saravanan’s one-liners bring the roof down at regular intervals and keeps the spirit up whenever the proceedings feel generic. Despite the formulaic establishment of lead characters, debutant director Gnanavel has showed maturity with his subtle presentation and crisp yet meaningful dialogues.
Although director Gnanavel takes a done-to-death route in the second half, he manages to leave an impression among viewers with the last 20 minutes, where the story shifts gears, making the audiences leave with a satisfactory nod.
The casting makes the film click, be it Samuthirakani or Ashok Selvan or Priya Anand, they have done enough justice to their characters. It would, definitely, not be an understatement to call Kootathil Oruthan as Ashok Selvan’s best onscreen performance. He slips into the role of a middle bencher effortlessly with the perfect body language and a restrained dialogue delivery. Priya Anand nicely complements Ashok Selvan, emotes well and puts up a fine performance.
Music composer Nivas Prasanna’s background score really adds strength to the story, with Leo John Paul’s fab editing work which keeps the runtime in check with just 120 minutes.