Cast
|
:
|
Vijay
Sethupathi, Trisha Krishnan
Adithya
Bhaskar, Gouri G kishan, Niyathi Kadambi
Devadarshini,
Bagavathi Perumal, Aadukalam Murugadoss
Janagaraj
(Cameo)
|
Director
|
:
|
C.
Prem Kumar
|
Cinematographer
|
:
|
N.
Shanmuga Sundaram
|
Music
|
:
|
Govind
Menon
|
Editor
|
:
|
R.
Govindaraj
|
Producer
|
:
|
Madras
Enterprises
|
Release Date
|
:
|
4
October, 2018
|
Length
|
:
|
2
Hours & 37 Minutes
|
Language
|
:
|
Tamizh
|
My Thoughts
’96 which is written and directed by C. Prem Kumar is a beautiful
dedication to first love and its ability to change people’s lives forever. K Ramakrishnan
aka Ram and Jananki Devi S aka Janu, who are classmates, love each other. Due
to certain situations, they part their ways. However, their love for each other
cherished in heart and they continue to remain as an important part of their
lives although they are miles apart. What happens when they meet after 22 years
forms the rest of the story.
‘96 gives a realistic perspective
to unrequited love. It poetically narrates the importance moving on while also
acknowledging that love for each other could never die! It also has a very
walk-down-the-memory lane kind of feel. It makes us nostalgic with floppy
discs, absence of mobile phones and with the sheer simplicity of that era. It
also reminds us of the days when we used to wait days and years together just to
see someone. The school uniform, prayer session, student’s attendance taken by the
teacher, lunch session and then the long walk or maybe a cycle ride back home is
captured realistically. Also, the use of Illayaraja’s melodies through the
movie is an added bonanza.
Although the movie begins through Ram – his nomadic lifestyle and
the way he enjoys his solitude – ’96 is also about Janu. It is about
them
and the journey they embark away from each other, yet emotionally entwined
forever. The screenplay is commendable and not a single moment or dialog seems
wasted or out of context. The editing makes the scenes flow with ease, building
the anticipation and revealing their thoughts, emotions, their pasts and present.
The background music elevates the feel and Kaadhale
Kaadhale leaves a bitter-sweet aftertaste.
Vijay Sethupathi as older Ram, needless to say, makes the character
instantly adorable, sweet and cute. With his silence and occasional smile, he makes
us pine for lover like him. He is not the typical stalking or the go-getter
hero we usually get to see in movies. Instead, he values the choices of his
girl and just stand by her. Kudos to Aadithya Baskar who enacts the role of
younger Ram. He has, thankfully, never tried to be a mimic. However, their
similar physical attributes makes it easier to relate to the character.
Contrast to this, the younger Janu looks nothing like the older one. But, with
her own individuality and because of her bold rather realistic characterization,
Gowri becomes instantly likeable. Hang on, I wanted to save the best for last –
Trisha as older Janu gives goosebumps when she is first shown on screen. She
looks simple and that very simplicity coupled with the maturity that only age
can bring, makes her look real. Janu breaks all the clichés that Tamizh cinema
has had about women characters in general. She is married and has a daughter too.
But she never shies away from letting Ram know that she still loves him and she
always him. Of course, she also clarifies that she is peacefully marries and
has no complaints.
Devadarshini, Bagavathi Perumal and Aadukalam Murugadoss as well
as the actors who play their younger selves. All of them are natural actors and
they only add to the realism.
In short, ’96 gently nudges the audience to
fall in love. At the same time, it requires them to also accept the reality and
just move on if things doesn’t go as planned. (Spoiler alert: I really thought that they will at least hug each other
and cry on each other’s arms!)
’96 is an experience – don’t
miss it!
Rating
5/5
(Well, it’s an
impeccable movie!!!)
Now, I must go and watch this movie!
ReplyDeleteYou better do. Don't miss it!!!
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