You do not have to be a legal expert to know that an eight-year-old is not vested with the right to fight for an issue legally. But in Vannathu Poochi, the child protagonist wins a legal battle against her parents, on the grounds that she was deprived of parental affection. Surprisingly, the judge does not see anything amiss in the whole issue, passing the verdict that the child is entitled to stay with her grandfather. "It is her birthright to choose the alternative in the event of the negligence of the parents. If the child has the maturity to understand the travails, she is within her rights to seek the legal angle," opines the director in his end message.

It's a moot point as to how the message will go down with the audience. Though the ultimate message is debatable, producer-director Azhagappan deserves a pat on the back for creating a clean film. He has harped on the theme that children ought to be showered with love, care and affection before the transition period to adulthood.

The storyline could not have been simpler. Working couple Arun (Siddharth) and Chitra (Madhavi Sharma), caught in the quagmire of the competitive world, have no time for their only child Divya Bharathi (Sri Lakshmi). A loner, Divya finds love and affection in abundance from her grandfather (Bala Singh), who had been deserted by Arun. Things reach a pass when Arun is shell-shocked upon Divya's refusal to come back from the village. A heated argument between Divya and her father culminates in the sudden decision of Divya to fight for justice.

Newcomers Siddarth and Madhavi Sharma are equal to the task of handling the difficult role of the parents. The two have performed well, content to play second fiddle to the protagonist child artiste. Sri Lakshmi has essayed her part well, not going overboard with her emotions, with restraint as her watchword. With a striking resemblance to actress Swarnamalya, Madhavi is at ease in front of the camera.

Revathi's cameo in the climactic stage is a laudable effort. The veteran is at home in a tailor-made situation as the judge, substantiating her points with a detailed explanation. The comedy track by the fringe artistes is an eyesore and an avoidable exercise.

Not the sort of movie to set the Cooum on fire. Nevertheless, the committed efforts are all there to see.