Ithu Enna Maayam a celebration of youth

The movie, now playing at theatres in the UAE, is best meant for a fun ride this weekend. Do not expect any surprises, though.

Ithu Enna Maayam banks heavily on the credentials of its accomplished director L Vijay. Trying to balance artistic and commercial sensibilities, that he tried valiantly to accomplish in the past, the film could also be described as a bit of a departure from his past films in that it doesn't rely on an elaborate plotline.
Unlike his earlier film Saivam, which won young playback singer Uthara Unnikrishnan the National Award for best singer, the new movie is an unabashed rom-com. There are no social commentaries here nor does it take the historical route which he tried with Madrasapattinam and earned a clutch of awards.
Simply put, Ithu Enna Maayam is tailored for the youth and families, promising nothing but some good fun. At the box office, it had the enviable task of fighting it out with Vijay Sethupathi's Orange Mittai.
Yet, it has held the fort, thanks also to an endearing performance by Vikram Prabhu and Keerthi Suresh. Vikram, the grandson of the acting legend Shivaji Ganeshan and son of Prabhu, says he was impressed with a 15-minute narrative of the film by its director.
He assures that it will be liked by all audiences for its youthful vitality. But even importantly, the role of a struggling theatre actor, who comes up with a winning idea to set elaborate props for helping lovers unite, resonated with the young actor.
Vikram, who went to the US to study engineering, was deeply involved in theatre, so much that he steered his academics into learning acting and direction. He was also part of a three-hour-long play, which he says was a great learning experience.
On his return to Chennai, he worked with Sivaji Productions, the home banner, learning the ropes of the industry. His debut film Kumki was a super-hit that marked the arrival of a talented young actor. Although subsequent films such as Arima Nambi and Sigaram Thodu did not set the box-office on fire, the earnestness and dedication of the young actor was noted by directors.
When it comes to Ithu Enna Maayam, he gets to play a very straight-laced character - that of Arun, a fun-loving guy, who loves theatre, and has his own definition of what is right and wrong. He reaches out to help frustrated boys and girls who simply cannot seem to connect with their romantic counterparts.
What happens when a man approaches him for help to connect with Maya (Keerthi Suresh), who happens to be Arun's college-mate and lost love, forms the rest of the film. Suffice to say that it packs in all the elements that you expect from a breezy entertainer. There are laughs, misunderstanding, youthful pranks, colourful songs and the inevitable tension with the villain, whose intentions are not as simple as they would seem.
Keerthi Suresh, who plays the young heroine, also brings in some exceptional pedigree in acting. She is the daughter of yesteryear heroine Menaka, and has already proved her talent in a handful of movies. While her debut under Priyadarshan with Mohanlal in Geethanjali faltered at the box office, her versatility as an actress and the potential she could bring to meaningful roles was duly noted by critics.
Ithu Enna Maayam, now playing at theatres in the UAE, is best meant for a fun ride this weekend. Do not expect any surprises, though.

• South Stars