Director - Jeeva
Cast - Shaam, Arya, Laila, Asin, Pooja, Murali, K P A C Lalita
For his debut directorial venture '12B', he'd used a double narrative style where he depicted the protagonist in two contrasting situations, one real the other hypothetical, both tracks running parallel. But the film didn't quite reach the masses, so this time
cinematographer-director Jeeva adapts a straight, simple narrative style using just flashcuts to depict the lives and loves of his five protagonists.
It's the nostalgic looking back of five friends Priya, Eman, Pooja, Shyam and Irene (it was titled PEPSI earlier to go with the first letter of their names), as they converge on the marriage of friend Eman, a popular cricketer, when the film opens.
You can even catch a glimpse of cricketer Srikant attending the marriage of Eman to lend authenticity to the proceedings. Jeeva has created a youthful, colourful ambience etching each character with care and sensitivity and a lot of insight, as they go
through the crises in their lives.
The bitter-sweet memories of the five friends as they go back in time and recall their bonding and how each had loved and lost and found their bearings again, their strong
bonding of friendship the constant factor, all make for some engaging viewing.
Shyam, Eman, Priya, Pooja and Irene are collegemates and friends moving around
in a group. While Shyam, the flirtatious one, finds himself drawn to the traditional and orthodox Priya, Pooja, boisterous and tomboyish, makes no bones about
her fondness for Shyam, at times to his irritation.
Eman and Irene are mutually drawn to each other. But as their college days come to an end, the relationships too change, leaving some bitter-sweet memories for the five. They go their different ways and it's years later at Eman's marriage that they all meet.
It's commendable that Jeeva has opted for the more healthy fun and the sensitive part of campus life to focus on. The film does not have any form of vulgarity, double entendre or violence. The interactions among the five has been depicted in a very natural way.
Except for Shaam and Laila, this would have been the debut Tamil film of the other
three, had it hit the theaters on time. But, fortunately, the time gap doesn't reflect on the film in any way. The cast has performed
admirably, fitting perfectly well in their roles.
Shaam plays the protective leader of his group with conviction. Arya as Eman is the rugged macho, an actor to watch out for. As the sensible outspoken Priya, Asin has a
wholesome appeal, while Pooja is credible as Irene. But the surprise packet is Laila who, playing Pooja, is totally uninhibited in her antics, a livewire on screen, stealing the scene many a time.
Jeeva's camera provides some colourful visuals and together with Harris Jairaj's peppy numbers adds to the film's entertainment value. 'Ullam Kelkumae' is an urban Autograph, worth a watch.
Ullam Ketkume
