PremiumAdai Mazhai Kaalam Review: This heartwarming Malaysian film on second chances is led by an endearing star cast
Karthik Shaamalan's feel-good romantic fantasy drama delves into the concept of second chances and makes for an enjoyable watch, thanks to the engaging storyline and charming star cast
Last Updated: 04.40 PM, Jun 11, 2023
Story: A 22-year-old man gets a second chance at life, where he travels back in time and to the future. Will he make the most of the opportunity this time around?
Review: They say if you ever get a second chance in life, you've got to grab it with both hands. But, what if that opportunity arises after you die? Director Karthik Shaamalan's feel-good romantic fantasy drama delves into the very same concept.
The crux of the story might remind one of Samuthirakani's Vinodhaya Sitham, in which Thambi Ramaiah gets another chance to mend his ways in life after he passes away in a road accident. However, the plot is a far cry from it.
Here, we meet 22-year-old Suriyan (Loga Varman), who is pursuing social science in his university. The life of the affable and fun-loving Suriyan takes a dramatic turn when his proposal is rejected by his secret crush Chandra (Thia Lakshana). To cheer him up, his friends take him out on a motorcycle ride when he meets with a ghastly accident and dies on the spot.
But, it seems like the Grim Reaper (in the form of a malfunctioning tab here) made a mistake and accidentally took his life instead of a 70-year-old man. A former cupid arrives to his rescue and offers him two more chances to live his life - one in his past and the other in his future to make up for the gaffe. Does Suriyan make the most of the second chance in life?
Just like its title, Adai Mazhai Kaalam is the kind of film that would make for an enjoyable watch along with a hot cup of coffee on a rainy day. The film is an entertaining brew of many soul-stirring moments, some that bring a smile to your face and others that make you ruminate about your life.
Check out the trailer below
One of the major highlights of the film is the nuanced performances of the star cast. While Loga Varman excels as Suriyan who grapples with myriad emotions with effortless ease in the different dimensions of life, giving him apt company is Thia Lakshana as Chandra, who beautifully transforms from a poised youngster to a reticent and imperturbable single mother.
Special credit goes to the supporting cast as well, especially Suriyan's mother Alagamma (Evarani), whose blindness doesn't stop her from living life to the fullest and Suriyan's friends, played by Jaykishen, Vicky Rao and Ruvela, who take us down the memory lane to the fun-filled college days. Even professor Mayilvaganan (KS Maniam), whose mantra of life is 'Carpe Diem 'and Sasitharan Rajoo, who plays the former cupid, strike a chord as the characters are well etched.
Karthik Shaamalan, who has also doubled up as the cinematographer, has aptly captured the beautiful locales, culture and the ethnic diversity of Malaysia. The songs, too, are beautifully infused into the storyline.
Though the concept of Joie de vivre has been explored in many Tamil films, including the recent Nitham Oru Vaanam, what works for Adai Mazhai Kaalam, is the fresh casting and the unique treatment of the concept.The way the makers played around the eclipse and the names of the lead characters is an interesting touch.
Having said that, the film is not devoid of cliches. At times, it might feel like the scenes are stretched, a tad too long, and a crisper editing could have helped, but they do not really affect the flow of the narration. Barring a couple of minor glitches, this film is worth a watch!
Verdict: This Malaysian romantic fantasy drama, helmed by Karthik Shaamalan, is like having a hot cup of coffee on a rainy day. The feel-good film that revolves around second chances, makes for a pleasant watch, courtesy the interesting storyline and a fantastic star cast.