Director Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi has teamed up with Vijay Antony for the first time with Kaali, which happens to be her second directorial. The first 7 minutes of the film that released on Youtube, created a certain amount of promise. Has the promise lived up?
Bharath also known as Kaali (Vijay Antony), comes to India in search of his biological mother and father after a bad dream disturbs him psychologically. He meets various people during the search for his real father and mother. Who are Kaali’s parents and whether they are alive or not, is what Kaali's plot is all about.
Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi as a writer is impressive in parts. To an extent, the story seems complete, but the screenplay and direction do not look convincing mainly due to a less engaging narrative. The audience do not get anything fresh to see as the film deals with a template sentimental drama. Though the mood of the film is comprehensible, if the screenplay had a potent emotional quotient, it could have connected well with the audience. The film’s biggest negative is the lack of an emotionally gripping screenplay.
The essence of the film doesn't fulfill its purpose due to the slow screenplay and melodrama. Having quality performers like Nasser and Jayaprakash onboard, the makers could have utilised them to the fullest. On a positive note, the feel-good ending is appreciable and works in favour of the movie.
There are 3 different subplots inside Kaali and Vijay Antony delivers his usual performance in all of them. However, one might feel that he could have been more expressive, as his face lacks the enlightenment factor that is expected. The four heroines do not spoil the flow of the film, but at the same time, they do not leave an impact as well. The saving grace in the cast would be Yogi Babu, who scores the best with his one-liners as they come as a relief to the viewers.
Richard.M.Nathan's cinematography is lively, giving the film a natural flavour. Vijay Antony's background score was not very effective, though it is better than the songs. As said earlier, Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi as a director could have done a better job by creating an engaging screenplay.