Kanam Movie Review: Sharwanand, Amala Akkineni's time-travel film feels like a warm hug on a cold day
Director Shree Karthick's Kanam (Oke Oka Jeevitham in Telugu), starring Sharwanand and Amala Akkineni, is a solid time-travel film from a debutant. The film gets its emotional arcs right, says our review.
In Short
- Sharwanand and Amala Akkineni play lead roles in Kanam.
- Shree Karthick made his debut as a director with Kanam.
- The film hit the theatres on September 9.
Tamil cinema has had very little success with the concept of time travel. Vishnu Vishal's Indru Netru Naalai tried to explain the scientific concept of time travel in a way that even a layperson could understand. Now, director Shree Karthick brings you Kanam, another Tamil film that has time travel at its core.
Aadhi (Sharwanand), Pandi (Ramesh Thilak) and Kathir (Sathish) have been friends since childhood. Pandi is a real-estate broker and through him, the trio meets scientist Paul (Nasser), who invents a time travel machine. Since Aadhi is grieving the loss of his mother (Amala Akkineni) for 20 years, Paul suggests time travel so he can see his mom once again. The decision was a no-brainer for Aadhi. Pandi and Kathir have their reasons as well. Pandi wants his younger self to concentrate on his studies so he could have a better shot at life. As for Kathir, his classmate Savitha had tried to win his love in school, but, Kathir paid no heed. Now, all grown up, Savitha is married to another classmate. Now, Kathir wants to take a chance, to go back in time and woo Savitha.
Director Shree Karthick dedicated Kanam (Oke Oka Jeevitham) to his late mother. And we see why as the film progresses. Aadhi is an aspiring musician but suffers from social anxiety. His mother was his source of support and confidence. But, just when he felt ready to face his fear, he loses his mother in an accident. His anxiety gets worse. Though Aadhi's girlfriend (Ritu Varma) tries to be the comforting factor in his life, it's not the same. The whole dynamic between Aadhi's relationship with his mother and his girlfriend explains how people deal with grief and anxiety disorders.
Kanam is thoughtful in its approach to dealing with one's emotions. There is no unnecessary glorification or dramatic music to elevate a scene. The emotions are as real as they get. And that's where Kanam stands apart. The concept of time travel is not just a visiting card for Kanam. It travels throughout the story and in a compelling manner.
However, there are certain sequences that reek of melodrama. But, these flaws are subverted by the emotional arcs of the lead characters. And the climax about the inevitability of fate is relevant in this day and age.
Sharwanand seemed at ease playing the role of Aadhi and his sequences with his on-screen mother Amala Akkineni are heartwarming. In fact, when he travels back in time to taste his mom's tea and food, it feels like a warm hug on a cold day. Ramesh Thilak and Sathish as Aadhi's friends were perfect for their roles as well. Nasser, as the scientist, is exceptional with his expressions as always. Ritu Varma gets a brief role, but this is a cakewalk for her.
Kanam evokes nostalgia as it takes us back to the 90s. Watch Kanam for its simplicity.
3 out of 5 stars for Kanam (Oke Oka Jeevitham).