Monday Sep 22 2008, Chennai

Raman Thediya Seethai

Directed by - Jagannath

Produced by - Moser Baer and Global One Studios Production

Music by - Vidhyasagar

Casts - Cheran, Pasupathy, Nithin Sathya, Gajala, Vimala Raman, Navya Nair, Karthika etc

Starring - ,

Director Jagan appears to have been so greatly impressed by his mentor Cheran’s ‘Autograph’ that he has chose to tread almost the same path while casting the latter as the hero in his debut directorial venture ‘Raman Thediya Seethai’.Venugopal (Cheran), who sells wedding cards, finds himself rejected by many girls but finally, a girl named Vidya (Ramya Nambeesan) agrees to marry him.Anyhow, for some inexplicable reasons, Vidya elopes on the night of the marriage. A heart-broken Venugopal anyway takes the blame on himself; the girl’s father (Manivannan) gets moved by his plight and sets out on a journey with Venugopal to locate the ‘ideal’ bride for him.Venugopal’s stammering problem comes to the fore whenever he gets emotional.

Cheran has indeed done well in the sequence when he pleads with Manivannan to put an end to all those ‘bride-seeking’ efforts once and for all. The way Venugopal treats with respect all those girls who turn him down is sure to go down well with women.Pasupathy as Nedumaran, the visually challenged radio jockey and Nithin Sathya as Gunasekaran, a petty thief-turned-autorickshaw driver, have weighty roles in the film and complement Cheran’s part admirably. The pep-talk given by Nedumaran to boost Venugopal’s morale and re-instill his lost self-confidence has come out nicely. Nedumaran’s narration to Venugopal about the way he was loved by Thamizh (Gajala) and how he formally sought her hand for the marriage clears Venugopal’s mind.

This sequence has been handled adeptly.Pasupathy’s fight scenes, where he manages to ‘hear’ the sounds before hitting back, have been photographed and choreographed in an effective manner. Pasupathy’s body language and his facial expressions are quite amazing. He proves himself a natural actor once again.Nithin Sathya, who had played a negative role in ‘Satham Podathay’, comes across as a revelation, playing a ‘soft’ lover this time.

The sequence in which he escapes leaving his girl-friend’s jewellery and takes only her ribbons with him impresses much. Similarly, he sets of peals of laughter when he takes part and wins the marathon as if to heed his girlfriend’s words, only to be snubbed by the latter.Among the five heroines, Vimala Raman (of ‘Poi’ fame) and debutant Ramya Nambeesan seem to have been put in mainly to cry and make the viewers cry too.Vimala looks quite dazzling in the only solo song she has managed to get in the film. Gajala, Karthika (of ‘Thoothukudi’ fame) and Navya Nair (looking quite smart in the cop attire) have meaningful roles.

The sequence that shows Cheran coming to the police station to have a glimpse of his ‘wife-to-be’ and the resultant commotion is interesting.Music and cinematography are surely among the film’s strong points.Vidhyasagar’s melodious numbers echo in the ears even after we leave the halls. Cinematographer Yadav’s camerawork, especially in capturing the scenic beauty of Nagercoil and surrounding areas, is laudable.The director’s clever use of humour throughout the film makes it entertaining and interesting for the viewers.

Kola Bhaskar’s editing is crisp.‘Raman Thediya Seethai’, the neat family entertainer with genuine emotions, will most probably hit the bull’s eye at the box office!