Premise: Abishan Jeevinth and Anaswara Rajan meet for a potential matchmaking opportunity. They both instantly connect as they used to be schoolmates. They decide to open up their unexpressed feelings they had for their loved ones during their school days. For which they go on a date trip and it forms the remaining story.

Writing/ Direction:  A template romantic film that carries fun elements for the most part, then gets into some emotional layers towards the end. Despite a routine structure, debut director Madhan has etched his screenplay carefully in the intention to constantly entertain the audience. The story is simple, yet made in a relatable manner with every single character adding values to the subject. The school episodes are nostalgic, filled with lively stretches and such a joy to watch. The school life and the characters are metaphorically linked with some aesthetic shots. While the first half is engaging, betting on the setups done through moments, the second half gives that satisfied feeling with the payoffs presented as full-fledged scenes. While we tend to think that certain subplots are abruptly left out at the halfway mark, the final hour makes sure everything gets a fitting closure. Another likeable fact is that the film respects both its hero and the heroine, does not really focus on one side, both their love stories are given equal importance. Many memorable aspects in the film, the best is the scene taking place at a coffee shop between the protagonist and his first love, it is beautifully performed, perfectly directed and what not. The film never felt lazy, it kept on trying and there was a genuine effort in everything that was done. Something creative with the approach and something refreshing about the writing throughout. On the flip side there are some bothersome flaws too, the central woman character was made to casually deal with certain mistakes made by the protagonist. Some forceful co-incidences just to make things more cinematic. Unwanted Tourist Family reference plus a cameo kept just for a cheap clap moment. Stretched a bit at the end to dramatise the climax, still it worked as the commercial touch is placed right.

Performances:  Abishan Jeevinth puts up a decent show as a newcomer, he does sound screechy when he has to exaggerate and despite clean shaven, he did not fit in the shoes of a school boy to the fullest, overall he seems to be fine and has believably played his hesitant-natured role neatly. On the other hand, Anaswara Rajan strikes a sixer straightaway with no inhibitions, she portrayed her gutsy character very well throughout the film. She has dubbed in her own voice, her dialogue modulation suits the situations perfectly. Rest of the casting choices are great as well, especially the girl who played the Muslim character Anisha was the best. Also, Saravanan’s versatility was on full display.

Technicalities: Fairly convincing album from Sean Roldan, but the film definitely deserved something special and sweeter from him. Not that the songs were bad or anything, but the spark was missing. The background score values the flow and is impressive. Good quality camera work with nice lighting, covering various angles within a scene and the women artists looked delightful on-screen. Neatly edited overall, apt placements of the reminder shots helped the storytelling, however some initial shots showcased the listener and not the speaker, probably to erase the lip sync issues. Solid work by the art department, with respect to the thoughtful gifts, artistically looking hero’s house, etc.

Verdict: A rom-com that gets most things right. Abishan's Performance and Sean Roldan's songs could have been better. We have gotten a creative debut director named Madhan with a vibrant voice, who offers plenty of fun moments throughout and enough emotional touches towards the end. 

WITH LOVE - A meticulously made breezy entertainer!

Rating - 3.25/ 5.