Idhu Enna Maayam - Magic lost in translation

Bharath Vijayakumar

If there is one thing that you cannot complain about A.L.Vijay, it is monotony. Almost each film of his has been on a different genre. Looks like Idhu Enna Maayam is his attempt at a breezy romantic comedy.

Plot:

A team of failed stage artists form an agency that would help people succeed in their love by creating artificial scenarios. When one such case involves the ex lover of a team member things get complicated.

Cast:

The lead pair is so crucial to such a film. Vikram Prabhu does not pull this one off very convincingly. He does emote with conviction but somehow he does not really fit in to make this character lovable on his own. Keerthi Suresh with her physical attributes that perfectly encapsulates glamour with her girl next door looks, makes an impressive debut in Tamil. Kavya Shetty is gorgeous and is likeable as the girl whose love goes unrequited.There is an entire gang of comedians trying their bit to infuse some comedy. Only Charlie is convincing of the lot. Each of the others make an impression at some point or the other but fall flat overall.

Crew:

The songs of G.V. Prakash are quite soothing. But the hummable quotient is low and they really do not stay with you. Nirav Shah is brilliant as usual with his visuals.The film has a pleasant feel to it thanks to this man.

Direction:

The essence of Idhu Enna Maayam is quite interesting. The narration too is not bad. It is in the execution that there is a major amiss. The scenes that we should have been rolling out with laughter manage only a smile here and there.

You just cannot have girls acting as guys with funny moustaches to bring out laughter. We wouldn't mind the plausibility of this in an all out comedy venture.But this film is not one. The reason for the break up between the lead pair is also quite flimsy. The consistency in their characterization also goes for a toss. Or was it intended to be like that? The heroine says she believes in 'Love at first sight' but falls for the hero only after a particular incident that reveals his character. Contrarily for the hero who earlier lectures that love should happen only after understanding each other cupid strikes at the first glance of the heroine.The film also trudges along slowly in true A.L.Vijay style. It wouldn't have mattered had we connected with the romance on screen like the one in Madarasapattinam.

Bottomline:

Magic is not just about the input and the output. The transition phase where the magician has us hooked is the most important. Idhu Enna Maayam probably had this magic on paper. But on screen some of this 'Maayam' actually goes 'Maayam'.

Rating: 2.75/5