Nilavuku Enmel Ennadi Kobam

I loved the movie's stunning visuals and the amazing background score by G. V. Prakash-it really made the film feel extraordinary. However, the story was a real letdown. It felt boring, and many scenes seemed like recycled moments from popular Dhanush films. The hero's dialogue even tried too hard to capture Dhanush's style, coming off as awkward and a bit irritating. The first half was sluggish, and the second half dragged even more. I had high expectations, especially watching it on opening day with a lively crowd, but it just didn't deliver the experience I hoped for. And if you were looking forward to a cameo by Dhanush, you're out of luck. Still, if you're a die-hard Dhanush fan, you might enjoy the numerous references to his iconic scenes. In overall a good feel good movie!

NEEK was....mid. Nothing new, except the new faces. The film looks great, but if you closed your eyes, it sounds (dialogues and music) like a regular lighthearted Dhanush movie. If that's your thing, you'll likely not mind, or even enjoy, this film.

The new cast was OK, nothing great but not bad. I wish them all the best. The highlight of the film, for me, was Mathew Thomas. I have no idea who RSquared is but she was clearly liked very much in the limited time she had on screen, apparently she's popular outside of films too. But that's about it.

The film opens with a stunning looking song with sambandham eh illadha lyrics and music, but OK. The film does get better from there but you can't unhear the formulaic background music you've heard in most of his previous films. Casting Saranya as the leads mom was very reminiscent of VIP. They made her deliver random English dialogues, I believe for some comedic effect, but it didn't work for me. Maybe reminding you of all Dhanush and his previous films was nostalgia baiting or to give Pavish Narayan a young Dhanush image, but for me, if felt like I was watching an older film with new cast, couldn't help it. I tried.

Overall - Dunno if calling NEEK 'a usual love story' was damage control to begin with, but Dragon won the Valentine's Day release window (based on the original schedule)

Pavish Narayanan's performance in his latest outing leaves much to be desired. His portrayal felt amateurish, lacking the finesse and depth expected of a lead, especially in emotionally charged sequences. The attempt at comedy was poorly timed and often fell flat, while the overall narrative sequencing was disjointed and confusing.

The film attempted to explore an emotional rollercoaster of love through two overlapping triangular relationships. However, instead of enriching the plot, the added complexities felt forced and diluted the emotional impact. The use of an additional catalyst in both relationships not only muddled the storyline but also risked sending the wrong message to the audience.

What's truly disappointing is the underutilization of seasoned talents like Sarath Kumar, Saranya Ponvannan, and even the promising Anikha. Their presence deserved a stronger script and direction. One can't help but imagine how much more compelling the film could have been had Dhanush taken on the lead role himself.

If there's one redeeming element in the film, it's the beautifully composed "Golden Sparrow" track - a rare moment of brilliance in an otherwise forgettable experience.

In the end, the film unfortunately feels like a squandered opportunity - a letdown that neither justifies its star cast nor rewards the viewer's time.

Overview The film was marketed as a typical love story, and that's exactly what it delivers-nothing more, nothing less. The core idea of the film didn't work for me, and the writing had nothing fresh or engaging to offer. The tagline, "Jolly ya vantu, Jolly ya Poga," sums it up perfectly: there's nothing to expect, nothing to take away-just an average love story with great music and occasional comedy.

Story & Writing The film follows a familiar romantic arc without any standout moments. The screenplay lacks depth, and emotional scenes don't land as intended. With no new elements to elevate the narrative, it feels like just another love story that fails to leave an impact.

Performance & Acting The male lead's performance is reminiscent of Dhanush's older films like VIP and Thangamagam, making it feel repetitive rather than refreshing. Moreover, the film doesn't provide much scope for strong performances. The emotional scenes, which could have been highlights, fall flat due to weak dubbing and unconvincing acting.

Technical Aspects While the film underwhelms in its storytelling, it does shine in a few technical areas:

Music: GV Prakash and Dhanush deliver an impressive soundtrack that elevates the film's mood.

Cinematography: Leon Britto's lighting and cinematography add visual appeal, making the film pleasant to watch.

Final Verdict This film might work for those who simply want to pass the time at the theater without expecting anything special. However, if you're looking for a fresh love story with strong performances and writing, this one may not be for you.

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A very light hearted movie. Unpredictable end but enjoyable. The subtle humour throughout the movie is very relaxing. Everyone performs adequately. The guy who plays the hero's friend Rajesh is outstanding. His face is very flexible and in split seconds he moves from one happy expression to a totally different one. Emote any expression effortlessly. Sarath kumar gives a dignified performance. This is a youth film. Oldtimers may criticize the storyline and the care free life of today's youth. But that's for real. GV Prakash's peppy songs and the BGM adds the feel of the movie. Some of the long shots from the cenimatographer...especially night shots are very pleasing. Altogether a very warm entertainer to spend the evening pleasantly. Thanks to Dhanush..the Director.