RadhakrishnanParthiban’s films can be hit-and-miss affairs (mostly the latter because of his indulgences). His previous film, Kathai Thiraikathai Vasanam Iyakkam, worked very well as a quirky meta film. Koditta Idangalai Nirappuga is largely a miss, hitting the right notes only towards the end. It’s a hedonistic romantic drama with a climactic twist that lacks the zing such a genre-bending film needs.
The plot revolves around Kevin (Shanthnu), who comes to India from Australia for business reasons. On the suggestion of his middle-aged driver Rangaraj (Parthiban), he decides to stay in a guesthouse instead of a hotel. There, he falls for Mohini (Parvathy), the young and sensual maid, but it is only later that he realises the she is Rangaraj’s wife. Rangaraj has a disability of sorts, and so, there is unfulfillment in his marital life with the girl. And the physically attractive Kevin’s entry brings some sexual tension into the equation.
It is not often that Tamil cinema explores the sexual side in a relationship, and Parthiban attempts that with this experimental film, which, at times, doesn’t mind using the plot for titillation. The film is loaded with Parthiban-isms; some of it is witty while some are plainly indulgent and give the impression of the director trying hard to make the lines quirky because the audience expect that from him. And the final twist is nicely set-up (though you can guess it some way into the film), with Parthiban playing on the way we have been conditioned to watch a film over the years.
( 2.5 / 5 )