Review: 3 is sincere and refreshing

There's a defining moment in RK Productions' and Wunderbar Film's movie, 3, when Rohini meets her daughter after an extended absence; her eyes rove over her face, noting every single thing that's changed about her. A scene that's extremely feminine in its perspective and one that's very refreshing as well.

Debutante Aishwarya R Dhanush's directorial debut has been in the news for more than one reason: she's superstar Rajnikanth's daughter, the male lead is her husband National Award winner Dhanush, paired with Shruti Haasan, and then, of course, there's the sensational "Why this Kolaveri di?" which took virtually the whole world by storm.

So, does the film satisfy the sky-high anticipation it's raised? It does, in some respects, and could have done better in others.

The romance track, which unfolds as a series of flashbacks takes you by surprise and leads to many genuinely amusing moments.

Ram (Dhanush) and Janani (Shruti Haasan) first set eyes on each other as twelfth standard students from different schools, and though you've seen the scenario a dozen times in various movies, it still manages to be appealing, full of the spark of young love, the looks, touches and yes, even kisses, adding to the allure.

Ram and Janani move through the first tentative touches of puppy love, and then to something more serious, even as Ram's parents (Prabhu and Banupriya) and Janani's parents try to accommodate this new turn of events. There are Ram's friends as well (Siva Karthikeyan and Sunder Ramu), who play their own part. Janani's young sister, however, is wholeheartedly in support of her sister's love.

Events seem to move towards a logical conclusion -- but then, not everything is as it seems.

Up to this point, it's a great ride. The screenplay moves at a spanking pace; the characters reel you into their story and you're invested enough in their life to desperately want to know what happens next.
The second half does have its suspense-filled moments and gentle twists in the tale, but a good deal of melodrama and too many tears hinder the momentum a little. Some editing of the sentimental whiplash by Kola Bhaskar might have added more depth to the proceedings.

As for the lead pair, much has been written about them, but what works best in the movie is the chemistry between Dhanush and Shruti Haasan, especially in the first half. As school students they put up a very believable act (and their slim builds help), while later, the romance is sweet even if it does get a little too syrupy at times.

Shruthi's accent is still a little too western, considering she's shown as someone who's grown up in Chennai, but acting-wise, both have delivered credible performances. Dhanush, especially, in the climax, walks away with the honours.

Of the rest, the little girl who plays Shruthi's sister is very appealing, while Rohini is mature and dignified, fitting in well.

Sunder Ramu does well, too.

Velraj's cinematography is fresh and unobtrusive, letting you sink into the story, while Anirudh's background score seems to have touches of Braveheart. It's sincere enough and the songs are pleasant, but the background score gets a little too loud at times. And the Kolaveri song, of course, raises the roof.

There are certain moments in 3 that defy logic at times, and sentiment rules the roost, but Aishwarya Dhanush has chosen to present a take on romance that is appealing in its freshness. The lead actors help as well. Her little thriller-twist aside, 3 is a movie that is an ode to romance, above all else.

Review 2

3 takes us deep into the life and love of Ram (Dhanush) & Janani (Shruti Haasan), whom we are introduced to as 12th standard students. A casual help of offering to fix the cycle chain makes Ram fall for Janani. he follows her everywhere and as Physics, chemistry and biology has taught us both of them fall in love. Janani warns Ram before accepting his love that she will leave to the USA since it’s her mother’s dream for their family to settle there. We are then showed the college days where Janani comes and tells Ram they her parents are taking her to USA. She is forced to tell her parents that she loves Ram. Ram & Janani get married and lead a good life. Perfect story, innit??? It does not end there. We are told a totally different story in the events that follow. And what exactly happens forms the climax.

The first half is a joyride. Dhanush & Shruti’s love scenes are cute and realistic. They seem to have hit the right equations in chemistry. Prabhu as Ram’s father is adorable in his father avatar. A perfect dad. But it is Siva Karthikeyan (of Vijay TV fame) steals the show with his witty one liners and well times mocks in the entire first half. The second half tells a different story altogether. The fun disappears, there is almost a dark feel to the film. The climax will leave you with a lump in the throat.

Coming to the performances, Dhanush as usual is on a streak. Film after film, the efficiency if his performances are on the rise. He emotes well, provides the laughs and reaches a great level of intensity in fight scenes. A show stealer. Sruti Haasan provides ample support to Dhanush. Acting is in her genes and she showcases her talent in the first half of the movie. She is merely reduced to a crying machine in the second half where that is what she was asked to do. Sundar who comes as Dhanush’s friend makes you yearn for a friend like him. Apart from them all characters do their roles to perfection.
The music by Anirudh Ravichander is brilliant for someone who is making his debut. His background music is soulful support to the movie. He excels in the background during the fight scene. Brilliant use that! The songs are already a rage and are sure to catch on since the movie is released now. The widely acclaimes Kolaveri Di is decently picturised. Do not expect too much as songs blend along with the film.

The film overall gives a feeling that we were watching 2 different movies at the same time. A tale of two halves. At times it seems dragging post interval. Dhanush’s Characterterisation gives a strong whiff of the recently released Mayakkam Enna. Overall a decent effort from debutante director Aishwaria R. Dhanush. A pat on the back for trying something different. An extra star for the brilliant casting and performances.

Verdict: 3-Bipolar. Watch it for the performances.