Kadhalum Kadandhu Pogum movie review: Breezy fun-filled entertainer not to be missed!

Direction: Nalan Kumarasamy

Cast: Vijay Sethupathi, Madonna Sebastian, Samudhrakani

Vijay Sethupathi and Nalan Kumarasamy made a huge impact when they joined hands for a quirky black humor film ‘Soodhu Kavvum’ in 2013. Exactly, three years later the duo has recreated the same magic with their unconventional rom-com ‘Kadhalum Kadandhu Pogum’.  Madonna Sebastian of ‘Premam’ fame makes her debut in Tamil and proves that she is an actress of substance. 

Kathir (Vijay Sethupathi) is somewhat a dumb henchman to his area’s councillor, who is also a thug. His only aim in life is to become the owner of a bar. He returns after a five-year stint in jail for a crime committed by his boss, after the latter promises to reward him lavishly. Kathir is annoyed and frustrated when his requests ‘to own a bar’ are ignored.  He often gets into squabbling and invariably ends up losing, reiterating the fact that he is incapable of being a goon.

Then we are introduced to Yazhini (Madonna) from a small town Villupuram whose ambition is to make it big in the IT industry.  She comes to the city and gets a plum IT job. But her happiness is only brief as the company in which she works shuts down due to recession. Now, a jobless Yazhini is determined to prove her worth and shifts to a lower income group flat, where her new neighbour is Kathir. The rest of the movie is about how these two individuals with different dreams get acquainted and how they develop an easy relationship narrated in a cheery manner.

Vijay Sethupathi walks through his unconventional character effortlessly. With an author-backed role, Sethupathi who broke all stereotypes of ‘filmy heroes’ shines in each and every scene. With Nalan, he is at his best. Madonna is refreshingly charming with her girl next-door looks and is equally impressive. Both of them compliment each other with their captivating performances.

Though a remake of a Korean film ‘My Dear Desparado’, it is Nalan’s approach adding local flavours and quirky presentation, which makes all the difference.  The pace is slow but does not come in the way of making an impact on the content. Santhosh Narayanan’s background score is wacky and intriguing and elevates the mood of the film to a different level. The songs also blend with the script.

Overall, a breezy fun-filled entertainer not to be missed!