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Ullam Ketkume
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'Ullam Ketkume' Campus Love

By P. Sreekumaran
Film critic, ApunKaChoice.Com

Ullam Ketkume is the second directorial venture of ace cinematographer, Jeeva. His first flick, ‘12 B’ failed to impress. The reason could be that the stylistic experimentation he did in his directorial debut went over the heads of the Tamil audience. But Jeeva, who has wielded the camera for 20 films, does not disappoint in his second film.

As if to ensure a hit, Jeeva has chosen a theme popular with youngsters. Ullam Ketkume turns the spotlight on campus love. No wonder, college students are thronging in large numbers to the cinemas showing Ullam Ketkume.

This

one is a visual delight from Jeeva, who has done a few Bollywood films as well, in the company of his mentor Malayalam director Priyadarshan.

The story of Ullam Ketkume is based on Karan Johar's ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’. But of course with certain alterations to suit the Tamil palate! Whatever it be, the end product is a wholesome entertainer. It can certainly be counted as one of the good movies to come out of Kollywood.

Ullam Ketkume is a nostalgic cruise down the memory river for five youngsters who were together in college. The friends are meeting a long time after they went their separate ways since their college days.

The opening scene shows the fivesome meeting at the wedding of tone of the gang of five. Eeman (Arya) is getting married, of course not to his girlfriend in college Irene (Pooja). Eeman has realized his ambition of becoming a popular cricketer. But in real life he fails to wed the girl of his love – Irene. The wedding is attended, among others, by popular former Indian cricketer Srikkanth! A propaganda gimmick Jeeva has employed goes down well with cricket fans of Tamil Nadu.

The five friends catch up on the past in no time. The gang leader Shyam (Shyam) is still a bachelor although he had a huge crush on his college mate Priya (Asin). But their love does not fructify as Priya marries another man, bowing to family pressure. Then there is Pooja (Laila) who is the chirpiest of the lot. Pooja is in love with Shyam. But having realised that Shyam has eyes only for Priya, the girl beats a silent retreat and leaves for US for higher studies.

But years of separation have not cooled her ardour for Shyam, who is still a bachelor. The rest of the story depicts how Pooja succeeds in winning Shyam's heart.

The best thing about Ullam Ketkume is that the film has a youthful exuberance about it. The style is simple, straightforward. No stylisations to mar the treatment. Jeeva himself wields the camera. The result is a mélange of colourful visuals, fabulous frames that heighten the mood and ambience of the film. No wonder, it has appealed to the youngsters as they feel a sense of belonging in the proceedings on the reel.

Actingwise, Laila as Pooja beats others hollow. Shyam comes a close second. But it must be said that Laila almost single-handedly carries the film on her dainty shoulders. Asin's Priya is pretty and adequate, while Arya and Pooja give a good account of themselves as Eeman and Irene, the Christian girl.

Before you conclude, a word about the music. Harris Jeyraj is a promising newcomer in the field of music. He has come up with some tuneful and peppy numbers. Watch out, Jeyraj is the new star in the film music firmament. He has also composed music for Shanker's magnum opus Anniyan. You will hear a lot about this talented music director in the days to come.

All in all, you leave the theatre in a jolly frame of mind, having watched a movie that appeals to the aesthetic as well as the emotional. Well done, Jeeva.

Not to be missed.

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