A tale of two lovers, a girl so innocent yet with a confounded nature and a guy who is caring and conservative. The long cherished American dream of the 80s, contrary nature of the Indian culture pitted against the west and memorable characters were all commingled into one, Pirivom Santhipom, a novel written by late writer Sujatha almost two decades back. Now, we have the celluloid version of the masterpiece titled Anandha Thandavam directed by Gandhi Krishna, the maker of Chellamey. Aaskar Ravichandran has produced the film after the blockbuster hit 'Dasavatharam'.

Raghupathi (Siddharth) after completing his engineering studies goes in pursuit of the right job to suit his profile. But, luck doesnt favor him and he continues his job hunt bolstered by his ever friendly father. On his return trip from an unsuccessful job interview, he meets the jubilant Madhumita (Tammanna) and love sparks in his heart. Madhumitas parents are the open-minded and spoilt upper class people with abundant wealth. They betroth Raghu to Madhu and also get him a job for their daughter's well being. In comes Radhakrishnan alias Rad (Kishore), who's wealthier and smarter than Raghu. He lives in U.S. that makes Madhumita opt for him. The estranged lovers' next meet in America sets off a whirlwind of events as Rathna (Rukmini) falls in love with Raghu and Madhu seeks solace in him once again as she finds about her husband's extra marital affairs.

Sujatha's writing have never failed to impress and about two decade back, all the technological and cultural mayhem that prevailed in USA impressed the readers. He portrayed that the west is not heaven and it has its own share of cons. Director Gandhi Krishna has captured the essence of the novel and the theme supported by a fresh cast.

Debutant Siddharth looks charming and has abundant scope to perform in a subtle yet sensitive role. For a newcomer, he fairly passes with believable expressions, be it the part of a ditched lover, a conservative young man or the criss-crossed lover who can't decide upon the right person. He has few flaws on his side that could be sharpened with experience. Tammanna tries her hand at a bubbly young girl who's carefree and don't have profound thoughts. She did a neat job yet such a role didn't suit her that perfect. Rukmini shot to fame for her performance in Bharathiraja's 'Bommalattam' but this time around she has less screen space yet a plausible play. Kitty in the role of a responsible father sheens on screen and is a sensible demeanor that is appealing. Other supporting cast is right choices with apt roles, so they do fairly well within the space available.

Gandhi Krishna's adaptation of the novel retains the essence and flavor of what Sujatha tried to convey. Extra-marital affairs, dating, public display of affection, drinking and divorce are mundane activities in the west which is not so widespread in India. The concept has a slashing impact on us for people who hail the west for being so extroverted. The director conveys the message with the characters and their careless attitude towards life without any sensitive emotions or goals. But, as a matter of fact the romance factor in the film doesn't appeal and the screenplay goes on a snail's pace. Sujatha's dialogues are crisp at places which is a welcome relief to the audience. The characterization and cast is good yet something goes amiss in the filmmaker's narrative style that shows the characters as more childish lovers making us unable to connect with them.

GV Prakash Kumar has composed the musical score which has only a mere number of hummable tunes. The background score creates the romantic mood with some mellifluous interludes. A tweak in the tunes selected for the songs could have made things better. Jeeva Shankar's cinematography captures the scenic locales of Ooty and the glittering streets of America admirably. The director of photography deserves a laudable pat on his shoulders for his slick work. Editing by VT Vijayan bolsters the camera work but he should have used his scissors aptly to carry the screenplay faster.

The novel that came in Anandha Vikatan had Sujatha written all over it. But, such a piece of work cannot be retained in a movie yet a taut screenplay, more lively characters who make sense, a tad touch of appealing romance would have made 'Anandha Thandavam', an enjoyable romantic entertainer of the season.

Ahh...
Cinematography, Scenic locations and Story

Eww...
Screenplay, Characterization and Music



Verdict: Watch it for the good visuals and Sujatha_s disparate story