After urban-centric films like Lee and the enjoyable Kokki and Laadam, director Prabhu Solomon this time ventures into the rural milieu. Setting his plot in a remote hamlet near Theni, Solomon brings on screen with a fair degree of realism, the touching saga of two star crossed lovers, Suruli and Myna. Solomon’s characters, even the supporting ones, are strongly etched. The performances are well co-ordinated. His debut release Thottuppaar may not have tapped his potential, but here Vidharth as Suruli grasps the intricacies of his character. The actor uses his body language effectively, and breathes life into the character of Suruli.
Suruli, the rustic uncouth’s whole life revolves around Myna, his childhood friend. Her guardian and protector, he puts her desires above his own. He was a school drop out, but he made sure that she continued her schooling. The duo’s love grew deeper as they stepped into adulthood. A cute little scene was where he captures fireflies in a bottle and holds it up as a lantern for her to study in the darkness.
Amala Paul (a.k.a Anakha) who gave such a splendid The exchange of words between the duo and their respective wives, the latter giving them a mouthful for their absence on the festival eve is a delightful scene.
The narration is laced with humour and sentiment. While the first half sustains its momentum, it’s in the second half that the pace slackens a tad, and the director seems to loosen his grip on the narration.
The whole long episode of the bus accident and Suruli’s rescue act is drama overdone. It’s as if the director was biding his time and stretching his narration, before it all spiralled to a desired climax.
When you feel you’ve seen all that is there to rural based themes, there comes a film with a slightly different take, and refreshing in it’s feel. Mynaa is one such commendable effort.