Kannum Kannum - a polished gem from debutant director Marimuthu, a challenging role well performed by Prasanna and the entire team. Love must needs be a part of all Indian cinema. But the love that has been captured in Kannum Kannum defies conventional narrations, yet this plausible plot reaches out and touches the audience in the most simple, emotional and appealing fashion.
Sathyamurthy (Prasanna) is an orphan, a civil engineer by profession and an accomplished poet in his free time. One day, in a moment of inspiration, he writes an impressive poem. He asks his friend to mail it to a popular weekly and travels out of town. When he returns, Sathya is thrilled to find his poem published, but is shocked to see that the name of the writer is given as Shenbagavalli. Who is this person with the nom de plume (pen name) of Shenbagavalli and how can she claim to be the writer of his poem? Accompanied by his friend (who forgot to mail Sathya's poem), he storms into the magazine's office and extracts the Shenbagavalli's address. He promptly writes to her and they establish a steady stream of correspondence. With the scanty information exchanged through letters, a feeling of mutual friendliness and warmth overwhelms both of them. Finally, Sathya expresses his romantic feelings to her but she replies with a curt note informing him of her forthcoming all-India tour.
Unable to bear the suspense, desiring to meet the woman of his dreams, Sathya goes to Courtrallam to locate the mysterious writer. He stays in his friend Ashok's house and quickly mingles with the large family comprising Ashok's three sisters and his father (Vijayakumar). Ashok's youngest sister Aanandhi (Udhayathara) had gone on a long tour and will return only after a few weeks. Sathya successfully establishes a cordial relationship with the three girls, becoming their 'Anna'; through them, he genuinely enjoys the love and affection, the warmth of a caring family that he has missed since birth. He learns every detail about the family members, likes and dislikes, quirks and strengths. By the time Aanandhi returns, Murthy has become 'Anna' to the three sisters and a surrogate son to the lovable father.
But destiny has other plans. While on a bike ride with Murthy, Ashok dies in an accident. To Aanandhi, Murthy appears as the chief malefactor, the reason for her brother's untimely death. She despises him from the very moment she sees him. But Murthy, feeling guilty that he may have been the cause of his friend's death, dutifully takes up Ashok's responsibilities, and gets the first three sisters married. But still, Aanandhi nurtures a hatred for him.
In a moment of insight, Anandhi and Sathya recognize each other. Confused, dazed and disappointed, Sathya faces yet another terrible dilemma. Aanandhi wants him but he is adamantly unwilling to accept her. So who wins in the end? Destiny or love?
There is absolutely no violence, no vulgarity in Kannum Kannum. The film is full of emotional nuances and simple moments. But its exclusive metaphorical treasures melt audiences' hearts with their poignant reality. The film is another remarkable addition to Prasanna's film career. He has done a marvellous job. Udhayathara too has given a commendable performance along with the supporting cast. Vadivelu's comedy in the movie is good.
Dialogues are lively exchanges devoid of double entendres and satirical punches. The climax is decent and fitting, reflecting a sane collective opinion. All credit goes to debutante director Marimuthu, who has handled the story, screenplay and direction with inspiring clarity in the theme as well as characterizations. Balasubramanian's camera has poetically captured the splendour of Courtrallam replete with its waterfalls and lush greenery. The impressive house in which a major portion of film was shot is lovely. Songs with Dhina's music are good.
Kannum Kannum is a sparkling family entertainer worth watching with the whole family. But if your Tamil is weak, please take an interpreter to better appreciate the dialogues and poetic exchanges.
