Silambarasan's Ithu Namma Aalu is a romantic comedy strong on familial ties

Often back stories have more plot points than the film itself. Actor Silambarasan's new release Ithu Namma Aalu is one such example that would perhaps find its redemption in the narrative brilliance of its director Pandiraj of Pasanga fame. Quite delayed in production, Ithu Namma Aalu is positioned as a romantic comedy and marks the coming together of Silambarasan with Nayanthara after their high-profile split. The chips haven't been falling in place for Simbu for quite some time now.
After 2010's Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa and the memorable role of Cable Raja in Vaanam, his films had largely opened to mixed reviews; even Vaalu, his previous release after a three-year hiatus couldn't work wonders at the box office.
So Ithu Namma Aalu does not come with sky-high expectations, with the viewers more eagerly awaiting Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada, which sees him return to the directorial umbrella of Gautham Menon.
Ithu Namma Aalu is however where his home money is. It is produced by his father, with his brother Kuralarasan composing the music. Almost three years into production, the film had its share of controversies with Nayanthara allegedly refusing to shoot a song, the director have a difference of opinion with the actor over a 'koothu' song that he did not want in the film, and Pandiraj and Kuralarasan resorting to a tweet-battle on the merits of the songs.
As for the cast itself, apart from Simbu, the film saw many a heroine being considered and dropped before Nayanthara and Andrea Jeremiah were finalised.
Simbu, who courted trouble with his 'beep song' has, however, redeemed himself with a 'vote song' and some imaginative marketing that has pushed up expectations for the movie. With Pandiraj's standing as a credible writer and director as its selling point, and the curiosity value of Nayanthara and Simbu coming together again, it might not be a surprise if Ithu Namma Aalu becomes a runway winner. The film is now playing at theatres in the UAE.

• South Stars