‘Pokkisham’ reminisces the memories of a young man’s love life in the 70s by means of letters that is hardly heart touching at any point of the run time.

Set almost three decades back in the year 1970, it is a laudable and daring venture by director Cheran to set his storyline way back in time which is almost fading to an end in the 21st century. Art director Vairabalan is the pillar behind this achievement for he made sure every object that comes on celluloid is dated in the period which gives an aesthetic touch. The film begins with the caption that its literature in celluloid but doesn’t justify the phrase in the end.

In the eyes of the protagonist’s son Mahesh (Aryan Rajesh), the love story of the 70s era unfolds in style revealing an old Calcutta with British style buildings and the technology yet to knock the doors. Lenin (Cheran) works as a marine engineer in Calcutta port and a fond lover of literature. In a visit during his vacation, he assists his father (Vijayakumar) in the hospital to recover from Ulcer. Juxtaposed to his father’s bed comes a new patient and her daughter Nadheera (Padmapriya) with no one to give them a helping hand. Along with his father, Lenin willingly helps the damsel in distress and takes care of her mother. Impressed with his concerned nature, Nadheera develops a close acquaintance with him. Later, when he has to leave, he gifts her a book through his father and the couple starts communicating through letters which were the best means in those times. Their acquaintance gets known to the family members but when all seems to end well, Lenin loses track of Nadheera.

Cutting to the present, the story again travels with his son to a cliched end! Definitely, the story sounds promising on paper and very poetic in the way it was meant to be made. But, the making style misses the charm and long distance relationship in the classic period is near to irksome. Every time the guy is waiting for letters, letters and more letters!

Cheran is quintessential in his role and his acting skills are quite good especially when he picks up roles that suit his looks best. With a melancholic look in his eyes, he sheens as an actor but sadly it’s not that perfect in the direction part. Padmapriya has the decent looks and believable as a Muslim girl. She doesn’t have much of a part to play and moreover hides her face in the Burkha whenever possible. Supporting cast including Vijayakumar, Ilavarasu and others is a coup.

Sabesh and Murali had worked hard as ‘Pokkisham’ is all about human emotions and except for few poetic words it is music that dominates the screen space. Songs are mediocre but it is the background music that is disappointing. Even though it might sound grand and innovative for the unacquainted, many of the tracks are direct rips from famous Hollywood flicks.

Cinematography by Rajesh Yadav is top notch and a crowning jewel for the period film. When we sit with expectation filling our heart that is a Cheran film, the bearable first half and the tedious second is a pain to sit through. ‘Maya Kannadi’ was a fiasco better forgotten but on the whole it is another forgettable venture.

‘Pokkisham’ about the memoirs of letter is bit outdated in the internet world and the untouching love makes things more bothersome.

Verdict: Untouching snail paced treasure trove