Kadhalikka Neramillai

After a long time, I watched a movie that plays with a lot of emotions, accompanied by excellent background music. Unlike the usual films with heroes fighting with 1,000 gundas , 40,000 bullet shots but no single hit on hero body, and cars flying and touches airplanes, this one felt refreshing. However, the story plot might make it uncomfortable to watch with family. It's better suited for watching alone or as a couple but the comedy scenes are definitely enjoyable and bold. The music and songs are fantastic and have already made their way into my playlist.

Not sure if this marks Ravi's comeback, but his acting has been elevated to the next level. Hats off to the director for this incredible story. Nithya Menon - applause!

**Kadhalikka Neramillai** (2025) is a contemporary romantic comedy directed by Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi and produced by Udhayanidhi Stalin under Red Giant Movies. The film stars Nithya Menen and Ravi Mohan in lead roles, with a supporting cast that includes Yogi Babu, TJ Bhanu, and John Kokken. The main characters are Siddharth (Ravi Mohan) and Shriya (Nithya Menen) - who with her fresh, young face and talent keeps us rooted but would do well to reduce her weight, else she runs the risk to losing fine roles and might end up playing Ravi's mother in the next movie.

The story revolves around Shriya, an architect - who at a whim after a breakup - decides to become a single mother through IVF, and Siddharth, a structural engineer who freezes his sperm for future use. A mix-up at the clinic leads to Shriya being inseminated with Siddharth's sperm, and their lives intertwine years later, exploring the complexities of modern relationships, parenthood, and societal norms.

The film's sole strength lie is its **thought-provoking theme** and **stellar performances** by the lead actors. Nithya Menen delivers a compelling performance as Shriya, portraying her character's journey with depth and sensitivity. Ravi Mohan's portrayal of Siddharth is equally impressive, capturing the character's emotional struggles and growth. But despite their best efforts, the movie fails to take off due to the weak story line, and poor screenplay - and the Story Writer and Director fail in their endeavour to present the multiple facets of Single Motherhood. Many viewers might find the plot predictable and certain portions, particularly in the second half, less engaging. The film's pacing is slow at times, and some of the comedy elements feel forced.

Overall, **Kadhalikka Neramillai** is a half-charming film that attempts to balance entertainment with meaningful themes, making it a not-so-worthwhile addition to contemporary Tamil cinema.

My rating: 4/10.

Notes:

• Nithya Menen brings her natural charm to the role, making Shriya both adorable and memorable.

• Ravi Mohan, for a change, feels like he's at ease playing Siddharth. The scene with the two "oh"s is a good example.

• Vinay Rai (just being a chill gay dude) and Yogi Babu bring in the laughs. Missed them in the (rather cliched) second half.

• Seeing Lal play poker was kinda meta (for Malayalis.. hihihi, cue *Junglee Rummy* gibberish noises).

• ARR's soundtrack (especially Yennai Izhukkuthadi, Lavender Neramae) works big time here. The song placements are also neat.

• I think the work / professional "friction" angle is poorly integrated into the plot. How it brings Shriya and Siddharth back together is refreshing, however.

• I see a large chunk of the audience unnecessarily throwing shade at Kiruthiga Udhayanithi for tackling a very urban, contemporary, millennial romance. We need these too, and not just violent gangsters and (realistic) misery overload in Tamil cinema. Props to her tbh.

• I think the film's length could've been reduced a bit, especially in the second half. A 2h 10m runtime would've done the job without hurting the essence. That said, most of the supporting performances are on point. Special shoutouts to TJ Bhanu and Vinodhini Vaidyanathan.

Rating - 3.75/5

A vibrant entertainer manifesting on relationship and parenting portrayed through a splendid story narrative.

The plot of the story revolves around two ambitious professionals who have diverse ideology on committed relationships and how time and destiny brings them togethor forms the base for the storyline.

Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi has pulled off a fun to watch entertainer hilariously highlighting on the social stigmas with regard to single parenting, same gender marriage, one night stands, breakups and short term relationships. She has also pointed out the distinctive thought process behind the social taboos from the perspective of two different generations in the right proportion. The filmmaker has perfectly pitched the right emotions at precise moments that is evident through her robust screenplay writing.

Hats off to the director for the incredible casting in the movie. Nithya was absolutely living the character and gives an impression to the viewers that there is no other alternative to her character. Thoroughly enjoyed her performance. Ravi Mohan has pulled off his character charmingly alongside Nithya. Impressive performances by Lal,Vinay Rai,Yogi Babu,Vinodhini Vaidyanathan,T J Bhanu,Mano,Rohaan & Lakshmi Ramakrishnan.

Colourful frames by Gavemic U Ary & Lawrence Kishore's accurate cuts along with Music Maestro A R Rahman's groovy music and BGM's gave an absolute banger.

A definite go to movie for a relaxed fun to watch experience and take on relationships.

A modern new age coming of love, parenting complications shown in a different dimensions more seriously unlike other movies of coming-of age love like love today, lover, which was in comical and confused genre...the director trying to be revolutionary in this entire movie but finally showing up as love wins... Ravi and Nithya menon were perfectly cast especially heroine shown completely confused and trying to be more modern resonating current generation... But the key missing part here is the role of parents in guiding the confused youngsters were missing and shown that the GEN Z knows everything and parents has to be mute spectators ... Overall nothing preachy but just taken a modern flow .. songs were completely misplaced and not existing at all... Screenplay was decent and thanks to be not much preachy... Overall okie for one time watch.