Theera Kaadhal movie review: A far more mature ‘triangular’ love story

Director Rohin Venkatesan’s romantic drama, Theera Kaadhal (Love that never ends), is an extremely interesting romantic drama that primarily revolves around three people.

When looked at in parts, Theera Kadhal might appear to be similar to other triangular love stories. But when looked at in its entirety, it clearly is something that we haven’t witnessed before.

What sets Theera Kaadhal apart from other triangular love stories that have been made so far is Rohin’s treatment of the plot and the neat manner in which he manages to tie all the knots in the end.

Synopsis

Gautham (Jai), who is leading a peaceful life with his wife Vandhana (Sshivada) and his young daughter Aarthi (Vridhi) in Chennai, has to go to Mangaluru for a few days on some official work.

On his way to Mangaluru, he happens to meet his former girlfriend, Aaranya (Aishwarya Rajesh), on the train.

The two recall the good old memories of their time in college together. That revives their desire to meet each other more. Even after the train journey ends, they continue to see each other.

They keep seeing each other till the time they are in Mangaluru. However, their relationship is purely platonic. Both of them act responsibly, as they are fully aware that they are married to two other people.

When it is time for Gautham to return to Chennai, he tells Aaranya that they should stop seeing each other and that even if they come across one another in Chennai, they should pass by as strangers. She agrees.

Gautham returns to his family in Chennai, a much better man. He becomes more caring and starts lending a helping hand to his wife Vandhana with her domestic duties, much to her delight.

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The saga continues

A few days later, Aaranya too returns to her husband (Amzath) in Chennai. However, the moment she returns, a fight breaks out between her and her violent husband. The man, who has a fiery temper, often keeps thrashing her.

She keeps putting up with all the beatings and humiliation, but at one point, she breaks down and decides to walk out of her marriage.

It is at this point that she feels vulnerable and weak and looks for a shoulder to cry on. She instantly remembers Gautham, in whose eyes she saw love in Mangaluru, and decides to call him, breaking their agreement about not seeing each other.

Well-defined characters

Theera Kaadhal works primarily because of the way the story ends, and how the characters have been created and defined.

Probably, for the first time, a film has dared to show that a person, who is a victim in one instance, need not necessarily be a victim in all instances.

A case in point would be Aishwarya Rajesh’s character Aaranya. When you see Aaranya being pummeled by her husband, your heart goes out to her. You find yourself taking her side strongly. But then, a little later, when you see her stalking Gautham and traumatising him emotionally, you find yourself loathing her.

Performances of the leads

It is a difficult character to portray. But Aishwarya Rajesh does an outstanding job of playing Aaranya with all its grey shades to perfection.

Her performance is so strong that she makes you feel sorry for her character at first and then, in no time, makes you hate her.

And just when you think you won’t be able to forgive this character, she makes you take a liking to her again and accept her for what she is.

Equally good is the actor Jai, who plays Gautham. Careful not to hurt either his wife or the girl he once intended to marry, Jai does a fine job of playing a man doing a tightrope walk.

Sshivada, who plays the silent but sharp wife, Vandhana, is spot on with her performance. She does complete justice to the role of a working woman, who juggles both domestic and office work with enviable ease.

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The others

Three other actors, apart from the lead actors, also deliver fine performances in Theera Kadhal. They are Amzath, who plays Aaradhana’s husband, child artiste Vriddhi, who plays Gautham and Vandhana’s cute child, and actor Abdool Lee, who plays Gautham’s friend.

Technical aspects

On the technical front, the dialogues play a significant role in getting you involved with the plot.

The same can be said of the film’s music, which beautifully changes according to the mood being showcased on screen.

Final take

Theera Kadhal is not a masterpiece. But it certainly is a film that is worth watching for the mature and evolved way it narrates a story on relationships.