Yaanai movie review: This Arun Vijay-Hari film has real good moments few and far between

1.5/5

Plot: The Arun-Vijay starrer revolves around the clash between family members; also interlaced with romance, sentiments and comedy, completing the picture of a perfect masala movie. It’s as if Hari sat down and thought of what could make Yaanai different from all of his films down the decades, and came up with nothing.

Review: Yaanai is in no way different from Hari's previous films. It reminds us of Singam, Vel, Venghai, and quite a few others, in many places. The filmmaker’s protagonists, usually, go to any extent to make their families happy. In Yaanai, too, Arun Vijay's character doesn't think twice about choosing his family over his lady love.

In pretty much the same formula, the narrative attempts to be realistic and gritty. Through the use of an express fast narrative, we learn how the good guys eliminate the bad guys, as usual. In many ways, Yaanai is exactly what you expect from the trailer. But, honestly, Hari has slowed down in this one. Shots are less rapidly cut. Characters, conflicts, and emotions can be discerned at least. Arun Vijay fits perfectly into his role of a faithful and caring son. He excels particularly in emotional sequences. And, shows that he can deliver; be it a performance-oriented role or a formulaic concoction. Priya Bhavani Shankar has got some scope to act and has seized the opportunity to give a mature performance. No masala movie is complete without the mother figure, and the best dramatic scene in Yaanai involves Raadika Sarathkumar and Arun Vijay.

But Yaanai seems very talky. It does try to create some dramatic tension by revealing things slowly; for instance, why Ravi (Arun Vijay) stands by his family all the time, despite getting repeatedly hurt by them. The effort on paper does translate to screen, sometimes. But, not always. I neither could feel for the characters nor remain invested in their fate. Who will tell Hari that "more mass" does not mean "more action"?

With good writing, Yaanai could have become something. The film is a bit regressive, but I'm not saying Yaanai is unwatchable. The film is essentially a tribute to masala fare of the 80s and early 90s. Its very existence is a result of melodramas doing well at the box office once again.

If Yaanai still manages to keep you engaged at the superficial level, it is largely because Arun Vijay, Priya Bhavani Shankar, Yogi Babu, Raadika and others are effective. And, thanks to Anthony's brilliant editing, the movie does not sag at any point. You feel sorry for Samuthirakani. Why don't directors give him less predictable roles?

Verdict: An average time-pass film that sticks to a tried and tested formula.