Ullam Ketkume - Review

(Pic adopted from Indiainfo)

Ullam Ketkume is a clean, refreshing movie on college romance, friendship, sacrifice and lots of fun. After an impressive debut with 12B, famous cinematographer Jeeva has directed this one.. It was under production for a long time, (audio was released in 2003 !!) but the movie has come out good.

The movie begins with a batch of 1999 meeting in their friend Imaan’s (Arya) wedding. In this reunion, five main characters - Shaam (Shaam), Pooja (Laila), Priya (Asin), Irene (Pooja) and Imaan think back their good old college days, their friendship and romance. Imaan and Irene loved each other and there was a love triangle with the other three. The movie nicely portrays what happens in each person’s love life.

It is a simple story but the way the flashbacks are introduced and handled is quite interesting. Fortunately, there is no old comedian or lead character shown to be studying in the college. All the lighter moments happen within the interactions of 6 or 7 main characters. Within the few minutes of the movie, we understand who loves who.. but the director cleverly gives no clue about who has paired with whom, when the present life is shown. It is only towards the end that we realize what happened. Even though there are some heartbreaks, it is refreshing to see the good friendship continue after the marriage.

This should probably be the first hit movie of Shaam.. After a forgettable performance Girivalam, lucky he got a solid role. He has done the youthful playboy part well in the first half. Arya’s subdued performance is a pleasant surprise compared to what we saw in Arindhum Ariyamalum. They are highly believable as college mates, without any aura of heroism around them. The three female stars not only look good and dance well, they have some real good screen time too. Asin is gorgeous as an Iyengar girl, Pooja is cute and pleasing whereas the surprise package is Laila. Though her dialogue delivery and behavior in college seem irritatingly childish, one can forgive her for still making us engrossed into the movie. All these characters bring back memories of goodold college days.

The supporting case of the friends and parents have done well too. The guy ‘Vasu’ makes us laugh with his cool dialogues, acts, goggles and pant. There are no unnecessary advise, sentiment or vulgar moments shown in other college movies. The climax is boring, predictable and unimaginative.

Raju Sundaram’s choreography has combined well with some peppy numbers from Harris Jayaraj.. “Face of ur generation” is cool while “Mazhai” and “Ennai pandhada” are romantic. the songs are hummable and foot-tapping. Sujatha has penned the dialogues quite youthfully. Jeeva is impressive with both camerawork and direction. Having chosen the pepsi ad slogan for the title, he didnt goof up like what Ananth Mahadevan did with "Dil Maange More".

I rate B+ for the screenplay, direction and cool performance by the lead cast.