Oru Veedu Iru Vaasal

This is vintage Balachander. Contrived and manipulating, yet tugging at your heart. All performances are top-notch, as is usual in his movies. This is actually two movies put together. Their connection is contrived and hence the climax is a let-down. But individually, they are wonderful pieces. Violin virtuoso-brothers Ganesh and Kumaresh have been used brilliantly and have delivered excellent performances for their debut. Be forewarned! You'll feel depressed after watching the movie. But it is worth it!

There are so many things that are good about this movie that you wont know which one to start with. First, the story or stories....Two stories with a link, good idea and a nouvelle one at its time.. The acting is wonderful and the characters are well etched. The contrast between the location of the first film ( a silent forest bungalow and a hut and a waterfall) with the second (Namma Chennai Kodambakkam with its noise and crammed houses) is very striking. The dialogues are sharply written and rightly delivered by the actors.

The ending is simple and gives you a sense of "Thats life" . The movie is a good example of how non-formula movies can be made interesting with a surprising cast and no commercial elements. K.B. has given a good, simple and smooth movie with a good message.