Plot:

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True to the title Pannaiyarum Padminiyum is about the emotional bond that grows between a Pannaiyar (Jayaprakash) and a Padmini car that is left in his custody for a few weeks. His fondness for the car leaps in bounds and he hopes that it remains with him forever. The car also becomes a source of pride for his dear ones that include his wife(Tulasi) and his driver Murugesan  (Vijay Sethupathy). Whether the car remains with them and the subtle emotional play that happens between these characters with the car as the pivot, is ‘Pannaiyarum Padminiyum’ for you.

Cast:

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A big hug to Vijay Sethupathy for continuing to do these sorts of films!!! His presence does bring a sizeable audience for these films which usually would have to rely on positive word of mouth. As Murugesan he charms with his nonchalant performance. This is certainly a performance and a film that he can be proud of. Jayaprakash in the most important role of the film is absolutely brilliant. As the naive and good hearted pannaiyar he amazes right from the first frame. Just watch the scene at the start where he hops towards the car when it first comes to his possession just like a kid would pounce on a candy. That this man is an able performer is well known through the supporting characters that he has played all along. But carrying the soul of the film from the start to the end is something different and Jayaprakash comes up with a performance that makes it difficult for us to even think of an alternate actor in this role. He is matched equally by Tulasi who plays the perfect foil. With her expressive eyes she is a bundle of emotions. The cute little tit for tat battles that this aged couple play which keeps their romance fresh is so endearing on screen. Bala  (who played the driver character in the short film) as Vijay Sethupathy’s sidekick lights up many scenes. His counters that work as comedy punches has been used most judiciously which works well. A little overdone and it could have resulted in monotony. Aishwarya makes a neat impression in her short screen time.

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Debutant Justin Prabhakaran’ tunes are soothing with each song being a pleasant listen. The songs too have been captured poetically. Cinematographer Gokul Benoy has captured the scenic beauty of the countryside as well as the detailed interiors of the houses beautifully. There is a particular shot when the main focus is given to empty cooking vessels as the scene of action happens in the background. In a film that tries to establish the bonding between humans and an inanimate object such minute nuances which act as subtle references is an enriching experience to the audience. Editor Sreekar Prasad has not rushed any scene and makes this pleasant drive worthwhile. A National award winning technician working with this young team is praiseworthy.

 

Direction:

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Arun Kumar has made a film that is emotionally fulfilling. There will be people who might feel that the magnitude of the emotional connect shown with the car is slightly exaggerated. But this film stands out because of that. For those of us lost in wild pursuits it shows that there are so many minute joys in life that we miss out. It is a film that captures the intricacies of human emotions beautifully. The film does not move at a rapid pace. But this is a film which is supposed to be like this. It makes you invest your time in the characters and embrace yourself with their emotions.

Bottomline:

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A pleasant drive sans any bump that makes you soak in unadulterated emotions and leaves a smile in your face.