Kaatru Veliyidai - Alaipayuthe Part 2
So,
I got the opportunity to see the First day First show yet again for another
film, this time at Abirami Cinemas, Chennai. It was a full house as expected.
Most of the fans who were cheering and whistling when Mani Ratnam, AR Rahman,
Karthi and Aditi’s names appeared on the screen must have been in liquid form
when Alaipayuthe was released. I compare Kaatru Veliyidai to Alaipayuthe
because in a way, this film is a sequel, if I may say. Mani once again delves
on his most favourite subject Marriage & Relationship, which I had written
in a previous article which you can read here. Having seen Alaipayuthe during
my college days, I could relate to this movie and see why the Millenials
cheered all through the movie especially during certain scenes and dialogues.
The
film is shot in and around Srinagar in bits and a majority are sets recreated
and the backdrop of the film is another Mani Ratnam favourite – War. This time
it is the one India fought & won at Kargil. The whole movie is a visual
treat with the most beautiful Kashmir shown so elegantly and the fall of the
Pakistan flag in a scene when the whole theatre cheered so loudly. To see
fighter jets take off and land is a bonus. The film is a love story between two
people with a lot of other characters woven in the film, another trademark of a
Mani Ratnam film. Though it’s about 30 years since his biggest hit Mouna Ragam released,
Mani continues to be the master of narrating love stories in a way that is
unique to him. This film will be for the Millenials what Alaipayuthe was for
us, the previous generation.
Karthi.
Am personally so happy for this guy for he got to do this film with Mani. What
a transformation from the non-stop chatter-box boy next door guy that he used
to be in his previous films to where he has landed up in KV! Boy, am impressed.
Perhaps, he may not do another film with Mani. Or vice-versa. But his
performance stands out. From the opening scene till the end, it’s him all the
way. Aditi didn’t seem a bit like a newcomer. And dubbing – Wow. No way one
could say she doesn’t know Tamil. A bit of melodrama here and there but that’s
what her character is in the film. She plays a Doctor. Soft-spoken but a strong
woman.
The
story is of an Air Force pilot falling in love with a Doctor but they are
comparable to darkness and light. As Varun (Karthi) says rightly, what is light
without darkness. So true. It’s a relationship I can relate to in my own life.
And so many of you can, perhaps. Many
times, a couple (or a to-be couple) prefers to break the relationship because
of the factors that they think are not aligned to each other. Successful
relationships are all about over coming that. And that’s what KV is all about.
It’s almost a musical in a way with 3 songs playing mostly in the background
while Azhagiye, Vaan Varuvaan and Sarattu Vandiyile are beautifully picturised.
Again, one can relate to so many references, frames and visuals with previous
outings of Mani Ratnam all through the songs. Those in their late 30s and 40s
are sure to feel nostalgic. Those in their 20s would love the concept of the
film. Those above 50 may not have much to say about the film anyway. AR Rahman
has carried the heavy burden of the story and narration partly on himself. The
music is mesmerizing and travels along with the film.
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