Premise: Samuthirakani works as a car driver for Gautam Menon. When Gautam Menon flies out of the country for a month, Samuthirakani converts the car into a cab to earn money. What happens after Gautam Menon’s return forms the crux of the story.

Writing/ Direction: The posters and the title gave a feel of the ‘Green Book’ movie. There is a sort of philosophy in the core and the realistic approach the genre demands is delivered. Initial portions between Samuthirakani and Gautam Menon’s family set the mood right, the bond between them is established with a few neat moments. The story then enters a simpler zone; while the destination has a worthy purpose, the journey remains straightforward. The taxi driver episodes are repetitive in staging across both halves, yet they stay true to the film’s grounded tone. The film leans on a simple idea and attempts to present it in a broader way. The scene involving Karthik Kumar and Badava Gopi comes across as light, and the rest of the subject builds on it. The relatives angle is familiar, and Samuthirakani’s separation from his family conveys the intended emotions in parts. A few humane situational dialogues are clap-worthy and bring in pleasant moments. Feel-good emotions are attempted, with certain scenes offering warmth. Even the interval block, where the central character assumes to have accomplished something big, reflects his emotional state effectively.

Performances: Such an apt casting, the choices truly elevate the story. Samuthirakani as an innocent and honest car driver fits perfectly into his character. While it’s a cakewalk role for Gautam Menon, he carries the sophistication of a businessman with ease. Lakshmi Priya Chandramouli and Abhirami support the drama well, contributing neatly within the narrative.

Technicalities: Some soulful songs add value on the emotional front, backed by calming tunes and sweet vocals. The background score is neat, without unnecessarily exaggerating the flow. The colour tone is earthy without much processing, and the seaside visuals give a breezy feel, while the close-up shots support the dramatic aspect. The film could have benefited from some trimming to enhance engagement, as the pace remains relaxed.

Verdict: Casting is a great value addition, especially the male leads. With a valuable message at its core, the film works better in its moments and intentions. A shorter runtime with tighter situations and a more cohesive flow could have improved the overall impact.

CARMENI SELVAM – A simple, feel-good human drama!