Thoovanam is a movie which does not have any item number, separate comedy track, fight sequences or punch dialogues. What starts off as yet another love story, surprised me in the second half. Actually I am finding it quite tough to review the movie without revealing the plot. It is not a suspense movie, but the second half and climax is something that I least expected. These are my views.

1. The story line and screenplay. Not to take away any credit from Aaditya or Nethra, but this movie would have worked if there had been any hero or heroine. That shows how much weightage the script has over the movie.
2. Believable. The movie is very believable and realistic. How many people in real life can forego their ego? Is love bigger or ego bigger?
3. Picturisation of songs. Especially ‘Ededho Maatramadi’. And the Thoovanam title track that has been used all through the movie.
4. Casting. Some people had commented earlier about Aditya and is he good enough to be a hero. He suits the role perfectly. Actually he is not a hero. He is the lead character, and we get to know what happens in his life. He is not a CBI officer under the disguise of a road side romeo, nor is he a punch dialogue paramasivam. Girls dont run after him, he doesn’t beat 5 people in mid air. He is just anybody. He has really lived that role. Not to forget about Nethra, who has done a wonderful job. Especially with her eyes ;)
5. Cinematography by Madhu Ambaat :)
6. Subtle things, like change in body language, all through the movie. For instance I was surprised at Aditya’s portrayal of emotions in the second half. Suddenly you realise why is he doing, what he is doing. Once you think back, right from the end of first half you realise that the signs were all there. Nice :) Hats off to the director.
7. Length of the movie. Just right. Less than 2.5 hours
8. Climax.

Some things I felt could have been better

1. I didn’t find Banuchandar’s role interesting
2. A bit slow first half. Maybe that was deliberate, to make the second half more dramatic?
3. Make up. Especially for Aditya. The moustache didn’t suit him and one can easily make out that it was artificial.
4. The title card. It was nice and interesting till Karthik keeps talking. But all of a sudden it switches to the film roll kind of thing. It was bit distracting.
5. Certain places I felt dialogues could have been more powerful.

Having said that, I feel it is a good movie which must be encouraged. We(Atleast I) look forward to movies that surprise the viewer, and does not take them for granted. I really enjoyed watching the movie, and hope directors Haricharan and Newton come up with many more movies like this.

By the way I never knew one can review(with spoilers) the movie by just watching the poster and trailers, like what this guy has done. This movie is being featured in Jaya TV on thursday, and in Madan’s thiraiparvai on Sunday. Check it out.