Kaadhal Enbadhu Podhu Udamai Review - Mature Content Discussed With Dignity!

Ashwin Ram

Kaadhal Enbadhu Podhu Udamai is a conversation drama starring Lijomol, Rohini and Vineeth in the lead roles. The film is directed by Lens and Thalaikoothal fame Jayaprakash Radhakrishnan.

Premise:

Lijomol is a lesbian, she reveals about her relationship to her parents after being nervous about it for quite some time. Their instant reaction, arguments, discussions about it and their final say on their daughter’s feelings form the story.

Writing/ Direction:

A very thin line, however the topic is peculiar and a sensitive one that deserves to be discussed. While the audience are aware of what the film is about, leisurely landing on to the conflict might be patience testing, however there is an underlying reason as to why Lijomol’s character is hesitant to open up. Initially we form a great liking for Rohini and her daughter’s friendly bonding, but she turns the table around when put in a complicated situation, the transition occupies time and is shown in a humane manner. The conversation stretch between Kalesh Ramanand and Vineeth is fascinating, the former tends to be progressive but acts baffling during a topic by subtly ridiculing the homosexuals, later Vineeth sharply pinpoints it. Likewise, the film corrects itself as time passes, the Police station scene involving Deepa Shankar’s family felt irrelevant at the beginning, but it beautifully connects when she positively reacts to Lijomol’s situation. The director has undoubtedly treated the chosen subject with respect, but the storytelling needed more flavour. Though the talkie portions in the later part are sensibly written with a steady flow, it gives a debate show feel. Lijomol’s partner comes up with an empathetic flashback, but sadly gets an outdated ending in a TV serial mode. The romantic montages lack creativity, in fact it would have been poetic if the team had opted not to showcase any. The last scene conveys the mother’s mindset, but there is no fulfillment to the story arc, thankfully the final shot at the beach gives a meaningful end. A couple of payoffs seem to be forceful, the Barbie doll one at the very end and needless to place Vineeth’s justification on his second marriage through a shallow backstory.

Performances:

Such a calculated performance from Lijomol, kudos to her decision to portray an in-depth bold character on the big screen. Fantastic roles for Rohini and Vineeth, they have their own drama going on, they both bring in their experience to portray the complexities well. Deepa Shankar in a house helper steals the show by being the devil’s advocate, her portions are clap-worthy not because of the comical nature, mainly for being an understanding and accepting woman. The other casting choices were organic for the situations.

Technicalities:

There are a couple of montage songs that sound old-school. The tunes of the background score are decent, but end up being a mixed bag, because the instruments used match the intended treatment but do not gel with the novelty in the subject. Cinematographer is neat and gentle, despite most parts taking place at the same location, the wide range of camera angles are a relief. Apt editing for the slowburn approach, but the intercuts during the opening stretch were completely unnecessary.

Bottomline

Covers a noble topic with an interesting set of well-written characters who make the film neat by arguing their perspectives. There are pacing issues and at times it is talkie portions galore, yet a decent watch on the whole.

Rating - 3/ 5