Emotions run free in reunion of the heart
TWO Grade 10 learners are lovers who through unavoidable circumstances are separated. A school reunion after 22 years sees the coming together of the Class of ’96.
Ram (Vijay Sethupathi) and Jaanu (Trisha) are the lovers who set the screen ablaze with their power packed roles in the brilliant 96 by cinematographerturned debut-director Prem Kumar.
Sethupathy and Trisha sizzle in the portrayal of their respective characters with finesse. Their emotions and body language on screen is captivating and realistically portrayed.
Adhithya Baaskar, Gouri, and Niyathi Kadambi, who play the childhood versions of Vijay Sethupathi, Trisha, and Devadarshini, do justice to their respective roles.
Special mention should be made of Adhithya, who makes an impressive debut and who looks believable as a shy lover. Gouri is mesmerising as young Jaanu and she emotes with ease.
96.
Kumar must be praised for offering Indian movie fans one of this year’s best feel-good movies. May he long continue being a director of note and join the upper ranks of other talented Kollywood directors who are producing new age Tamil movies for world class cinema.
The opening sequence will have you glued to your seat. 96 is guaranteed to take you on a nostalgic journey back to your school days when you were the typical Ram or Janu.
The mood of the movie will keep you engrossed in its entirety and you will certainly feel a lump in your throat or wipe away a tear.
Govind Vasantha’s songs and background score complements the movie perfectly. The bit songs sans music will certainly have you wanting more.
Shanmuga Sundaram and Mahendiran Jeyaraju’s visuals look colourful and vibrant and this makes the movie a visual feast.
If you want to watch a top notch light and breezy romantic love story with a twist then you must watch 96. Take your family and friends along and celebrate new age Tamil cinema. 96 is showing at Cine Centre Sun Coast in Durban.
Lachimiah is an ex-presenter on Radio Phoenix and two other community radio stations. He is a seasoned MC and motivational speaker and has a deep interest in Kollywood movies and music.