Idhu Namma Aalu movie review: Fails to come out as a concrete story

Cast: Simbu, Nayanthara, Soori, Andrea

Director: Pandiraj

Simbu and Nayan are coming together on screen after almost a decade. Director Pandiraj seemingly inspired by Simbu’s numerous real life affairs including one with Nayan and pulled a casting coup by bringing them together for a breezy rom-com. Also it looks like Simbu sportingly allowed him to a take a dig at his real-life to reveal his side of the story.

Siva (Simbu) is a team leader at an IT company in the city and his schoolmate-cum-friend-cum-two-wheeler driver is Vasu (Soori). Siva visits his hometown, as his father (Jayaprakash) wants his son to get married to a girl of his choice. The moment he sees Myla (Nayanthara) there, he is smitten by her beauty and agrees to the marriage.  Myla is a strong girl and wants to know more about Siva before giving her nod. She probes in to his love affair with Priya (Andrea Jeremiah) who actually is her friend. Siva being a straightforward person reveals the reason behind the breakup with Priya. Later, the couple get engaged.

All seems well with the lovebirds engaging in never-ending phone calls and exchanging gifts etc. However, Vasu hiring a detective to find out Myla’s past didn’t go well with the latter. Meanwhile, while they try to patch up, a twist happens where the dads of Siva and Myla fight over an issue. Will Siva ever marry Myla at all or is the engagement called off?

Simbu, though back after a hiatus in a full-fledged love story is in good form. With his characteristic dialogue delivery and thankfully not going overboard, the actor has made an honest attempt and impresses. Nayanthara looks matured and comes out with a clean performance. Essaying their original self as Siva and Myla is a cakewalk for them. It is Soori who is otherwise loud who steals the show with his hilarious one-liners. Andrea is adequate in her role. The first half though moves in a slow pace, it is sort of breezy and cool. Same cannot be said for post interval portions. Since most of the second half is the conversation between Siva and Myla, after a point it gets tedious. The main problem with INA is that Pandiraj, (known for his sensitive portrayals) fails to come out with a concrete story. As a result, we really don’t feel for the characters. Cinematography by Balasubramaniyem is colourful and glossy. STR’s younger brother Kuralarasan makes his music debut. He has given decent songs and a background score.