Usually cinematographers who turn directors focus more on gloss and go weak on content. National award winner K V Anand, in his maiden directorial venture Kanaa Kanden has been an exception. He has given the right mix of a good story line with entertainment values.
Bhaskar (Srikanth) a research scholar in the University submits a thesis on conversion of sea water into potable water. He bails out Archana (Gopika) a childhood friend from a marriage that she does not like. Bhaskar is forced to bring her to Chennai where they live together. But slowly both of them reveal their deep love for each other which they were never able to express for years and they get married. Bhaskar becomes successful in his research to make pure water and he gets a doctorate for it. Bhaskar refuses to sell off his technology to private firms since he wants it to solve the water scarcity of the country and hence tries to give a proposal to the government. Archana's college-mate is Madan (Prithiviraj) a business consultant. Madan offers financial help to Bhaskar for setting up the desalination plant and gets some papers signed. Later on Madan's evil designs surface when he uses the signed papers to hijack the project. A battle of wits and brawn takes place and all this leads to a dark and potent twist in the tale and a chilling climax, with Bhaskar finally emerging as the winner.
Srikanth as Bhaskar has given a good performance as the entrepreneur and the lover boy. His on-screen chemistry with Gopika is very evident in the songs. Gopika is totally at ease and has performed equally well. Prithiviraj gives a mind-blowing performance as the suave- handsome criminal who uses more brain than brawn to outwit his enemies. He steals the show. Vivek fails to evoke any laughter. Amitha in the cameo role as Professor is impressive. Anand deserves credit for apt casting and a fine screenplay. Towards the climax the director brings in some illogical sequences to bring about a hasty end.
Vidhyasagar's music is already a hit and the songs are well picturised. Soundarrajan's camera is a plus point especially in the song sequences.