Director I Ahmed's Endrendrum Punnagai starring Jiiva, Trisha, Vinay, Santhanam and Andrea Jeremiah is a beautiful film that deals with friendship, romance and the special bond between a father and his son.
Goutham’s (Jiiva) mother deserts him and his father (Nasser) when he is just a child of ten. Distraught and angry at his wife, an intoxicated Nasser condemns women in general, accusing them of being untrustworthy and selfish.
Goutham, who is deeply affected by his mother’s abandonment, grows up to hate and distrust women.
His childhood buddies Shree (Vinay) and Baby (Santhanam), share his sentiments. They grow up together and end up owning a production house that makes advertising films.
There is loads of fun in the first half as we get to know the three friends, who complement each other perfectly with their different personalities.
There is Goutham, who wants absolutely nothing to do with women. Shree, however, flirts outrageously with women despite being allergic to marriage. Baby is a thorough local, who doesn’t care either way.
Priya (Trisha) enters their life as an advertising coordinator for a company that frequently employs them. She is a true romantic, who fantasises about meeting the man of her dreams, sparks flying and love at first sight.
Sonia (Andrea Jeremiah) is a hot and sexy model working in one of their ads, and has men grovelling at her feet. She is sure that Goutham will eventually succumb to her charms, but he remains totally unmoved.
How Priya changes the prejudiced views of Goutham with her enthusiasm for true love forms the rest of the story.
The film also talks about how childhood insecurities can have a negative impact on life. Nasser is the perfect choice as a loving, patient and understanding father.
Jiiva as a bitter and obstinate young man is quite competent and seems equally comfortable expressing anger, scorn and love.
Trisha looks absolutely gorgeous in simple kurtis and jeans and gives an excellent performance as a middle-class working woman.
Santhanam is in his element and keeps the audience in splits with his witty one-liners.
Andrea, as an egocentric international model and Vinay as a playboy, too, have done their bit.
Good background music by Harris Jayaraj and some spectacular visuals of Switzerland beautifully captured by cinematographer R Madhi make this film even more enjoyable.
There does, however, seem to be too much drinking-- having fun is synonymous with drinking these days --and lots of risqué jokes on marriage and women.
There are no sparks flying and it is definitely not love at first sight for Goutham and Priya, but the end still seems quite obvious.
Despite the very predictable climax, the film is interesting. Perhaps it is the director’s treatment of the screenplay, adding different angles, never lingering on any particular aspect, or perhaps it is the well-chosen characters, who manage to carry it off with their special touch.
Whatever the reason, the film certainly succeeds in entertaining the audience.
Endrendrum Punnagai is worth a watch.
Rediff Rating:
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