TV Times

TV Times

‘Kadal Konden’ : An unusual storyline
By Ramesh Kandasamy
Kadhal Konden, which has hit the silver screens, has taken the second spot in Indian film charts. The R. K. Productions film deals with an unusual story line depicting the traumas and frustrations childhood. Significantly, the film’s main star Danush – son of Kasturiraja – has been dubbed Indian Bruce Lee following the film’s success.

“Kadhal Konden” is the story of Vinod (Dhanush), an orphan who grows up in a home for destitute children and gains admission to an engineering college in the city through his intelligence.

He is reluctant to leave, but his Father (Nagesh) at the orphanage insists that he goes out into the world. He is confident that Vinod’s astuteness would take him places. But it is in the city that the bottled up frustration of Vinod’s childhood explodes and makes him an introvert and a crook. The childhood scars have not been caused by a stepmother’s cruelty or an uncaring dad’s callousness.

Thus even the flashback in Selvaraghavan’s storyline is different.
The film that comes with an adults only tag discusses in detail what poverty stricken children are exposed to and the agony they are forced to face in today’s society.

The story, screenplay, dialogue and direction of Selvaraghavan and his objective focus has added the punch to Kadal Konden. Dhanush who is widely considered the unconventional star in the Tamil film world proves his mettle with his acting prowess signalling the beginning of such heroes becoming the future heartthrobs. The lean young boy looking like a self-conscious kid who’s just finished school portrays the turmoil of a young man traumatised early in life.

Despite not being a seasoned campaigner in front of the camera, he has done extremely well to project a gamut of emotions in portraying his character naturally. The first-timer Sonia Agarwal as the film’s heroine has given an equally powerful contribution to the film with her natural acting and showing signs of emerging as a future star who can be depended upon for emotive roles.

Another new face Sudeep, who plays an equally important role has done justice with confidence. As the friend Adhi, he has proved that he has all the ingredients to emrge as a hero in future ventures. Veterans Nagesh and Shrikanth have lived upto expectations and proved their class.

Yuvan Shankar Raja’s ear-soothing melodies have added more muscle to the film which has received a fine technical backing too. The appealing melodies are sure to linger in our memories for quite some time and they certainly deserve applause.

Though some critics had claimed the music bore a strong Ilaiyaraja influence, the songs “Devadhaiyai Kandaen” and “Nenjodu ... “ touch your hearts.
The dance and stunt choreography also deserve some applause as it had added more weight in making the film a complete package in today’s competitive film market. V. T. Avinash’s editing and Arvind Krishna’s camera also deserve special mention.

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