Vaanam Kottattum (VK) is a multi-starrer drama that stars Sarath Kumar, Vikram Prabhu, Shanthnu, Nandha, Radikaa Sarathkumar, Aishwarya Rajesh, Madonna Sebastian, Director Balaji Shakthivel, Amitash Pradhan, in principal roles. Written by Mani Ratnam, along with the film's director Dhana, VK is produced by Madras Talkies.
Chandra (Radikaa Sarathkumar) doesn't want her children Mangai (Aishwarya Rajesh) and Selvam (Vikram Prabhu) get exposed to the feudal violence that led Bose (Sarath Kumar) into serving a jail term for committing two murders. Years go by, and her children lead normal lives until her husband finishes his term and returns to their household.
Bose's return reignites the feud. Will vengeance consume the lives of his children or not forms the crux of the film. Vaanam Kottattum perfectly follows the staples of a family drama with beautifully fleshed-out characters and moments that make us forgive the familiarity of the premise.
The dynamic between Selvam and Mangai is explored clearly and the writing makes us root for the characters. There are endearing moments that make us want to root for them. The moments do not feel inconsequential as they add more emotional depth to the plot and its characters.
The siblings' relationship with Bose's elder brother (played by Balaji Sakthivel) gives rise to many warm moments, besides playing a pivotal in the story. Sid Sriram's music elevates the emotional beats. Notice the scene where Chandra reacts to the news of Bose's release from prison. Radikaa's nuanced acting in that particular moment is wonderfully complemented by a portion 'Kannu Thangam' song in the background.
The film organically gives rise to such flourishes, packed with good musical cues. The breezy moments are equally balanced by the drama without letting one overpower the other. However, the film's portrayal of its brooding villain (played by Nandha, in a dual role), is a bit shallow, when compared to the other well-etched characters.
Post interval, the film tends to meander a bit and the second half becomes a bit overlong. Despite such issues, we do have some rewarding portions in Bose's realization of the changing world and his struggle to grasp it. Vaanam Kottattum ends on a predictable note, but the familiarity rarely lets you distract from the poignancy of this drama.
Vaanam Kottattum is filled with evocative mood and atmosphere. Be it the rustling machinery of the sunlit paper mills or the quaint interiors of Chandra's household, the visuals deliver a pleasing effect.
The narrative is highly benefitted by the ensemble acting, and director Dhana manages to extract good performances, and the crackling chemistry between Sarath Kumar and Radikaa is evident in the emotional scenes. One cannot overlook the influence of Mani Ratnam's aesthetic in VK, but Dhana brings a unique directorial voice to this heartwarming drama.