The middling love story between the lead pairs hinders the film's overall impact. The character actors and technical aspects save 'Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam' to an extent.
A poster of the film 'Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam'. (X)
It was only a few months ago that Dhanush’s second directorial project, Raayan, hit the screens, receiving a decent response both critically and commercially. His third venture, Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam (NEEK), unlike the first two outings, headlined youngsters in lead roles.
Its script, apparently written by him a few years ago, was initially supposed to be helmed by Soundarya Rajinikanth. The romantic drama garnered decent hype among movie buffs, thanks to the songs composed by GV Prakash.
Fans have been looking forward to knowing if Dhanush would be playing a role in the film.
The parents of a young man in his early 20s find a suitable girl for him after they realize that their doting son is dejected post a break-up.
The guy, who is yet to get over her ex, decides to attend her wedding in Goa, along with his friend upon the girl’s suggestion.
Little does he know that the grand marriage has something else in store for him. Will he be able to move on and start a new life with the girl his parents chose?
The film’s title— Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam comes along with the tagline “a usual love story” hinting that the movie isn’t going to offer any path-breaking experience in terms of story and making.
On the sets of ‘Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam’. (X)
Staying true to the claim, its story is simple, straightforward and relatable. The protagonist, who aspires to be a chef, is reeling from a break-up and he has two options; to dwell on the past or to lead a new life with the girl his parents chose.
His emotions are justified and the reason for separation from his ex, though outdated, is convincing. The story moves forward without unnecessary complications and is free from distractions. The conflict is neatly presented and most of the actors put up a decent performance.
However, the wafer-thin story doesn’t offer engaging surprises till the end. The plot becomes predictable once the backdrop is shifted to Goa. Some of the shallow proceedings occur with the sole motive of culminating the story with an unusual ending.
The lead pair’s romance doesn’t excite us for most of the time because of which we aren’t quite invested in their emotional journey. The spark that is supposed to happen in crucial scenes goes missing. A tale of friendship between the protagonist and his best friend, too, stands unexplored.
A story of this nature requires a few high points at regular intervals to keep the audience glued, but sadly Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam lacks it.
‘Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam’ is a romantic comedy. (X)
Pavish Narayan and Anikha Surendran, who play lead roles, manage to come up with convincing performances only in parts. Their romance lacks enthusiasm and hence their break-up, too, leaves us unaffected.
Mathew Thomas, as the hero’s sidekick, offers solace, but some of his one-liners do not land as expected. Priya Prakash is aptly cast in a chirpy role despite her character being underwritten.
Ramya Ranganathan makes her presence felt with her expressions while Venkatesh Menon and Rabiya Khatoon are decent.
Siddhartha Shankar looks effective in a small role. The veterans Sarath Kumar, Saranya Ponvannan and Aadukalam Naren play their part comfortably but wish they had more to offer for the story.
Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam is a romantic drama targeted at the Gen Z audience. The film ticks off a few boxes, but it isn’t enough to satiate the viewers who expected a better outing from Dhanush.
The lack of depth in writing and handling emotions is evident throughout the film. GV Prakash’s music does impress in a few portions and Leon Britto’s cinematography provides adequate support to the story.
(Views expressed here are personal, edited by Sumavarsha)
Jan 27, 2026
Jan 17, 2026
Jan 13, 2026
Jan 10, 2026
Jan 09, 2026
