Kalaba Kaadhalan - Review

By: Sunil Noronha
Friday, March 03, 2006

For those who don't even deserve matrimony, there are many in search for two wives - like a Murugan and his consorts Valli-Deivanai. This is the story of a man who refuses an opportunity for an illicit relationship that knocks at his door.

In a country where chastity is supposed to be the exclusive preserve of women, the director's daring idea in projecting the male with noble notions, deserves praise. Arya is a computer engineer who marries Renuka Menon from Thirunelveli and comes to Chennai. With a beautiful wife and required luxuries, he has a happy life. To pursue her higher studies, Renuka's sister Akshaya comes to their house. She falls in love with her sister's husband!

Arya is aware of this and tries to set Akshaya right. Unknown to innocent Renuka Menon, Akshaya chases Arya and he staunchly turns her down. What happens in Arya's life that has been suddenly assailed by cyclone Akshaya is what the rest of the film is about. Is it love that one has for a sister's husband? Many could oppose the director's views about this. One just has to see a few television serials and maybe one would come to the conclusion that Kalaba Kaadhalan is not wrong.

On one hand, he does not want to betray his wife. On the other, he wants to set his errant sister-in-law on the right path. Tossed between these two emotions, there is real action in Arya's reactions.

Many actresses have boasted that they will do sexy scenes if the story demanded it and Renuka Menon has done it in Kalaba Kaadhalan. It's her first birthday after their wedding. Her husband keeps the gift as suspense and presents her with a swing on the day. As is normal for any couple, Arya and Renuka get all mushy and romantic over each other. Renuka Menon is a treat in that song sequence.

Newcomer Akshaya comes as the thin girl who persistently chases Arya to take her as his wife. She looks good not only on Arya's shoulders but in her acting too. She sets viewers aflame when she pours kerosene on herself and threatens Arya that a woman will do anything to get what she wants. Pavan who is in love with Akshaya and chases her single mindedly also gets the applause whenever he appears on screen.

Playing out the story with three people inside a house speaks for the brilliance of Igor's screenplay. If some double entendres and showing of the heroine in shades of a vamp had been avoided, Kalaba Kaadhalan could have been a smart guy.