Movie review: Dulquer Salmaan, Nitya Menen spin magic in 'OK Kanmani'

Love is what makes the world go round, an aspect that maverick moviemaker Mani Ratnam beautifully champions through his every canvas. Even when the world around crumbles under civil unrest, as in his 'Dil Se', 'Bombay', and 'Kannathil Muthamitaal', there’s the all-encompassing heart that sets it right.

'OK Kanmani' is a vintage Mani Ratnam romance.

It's simple. It's poetic. It's relevant.

It's where Mani Ratnam refuses to dilute his love story with political conflicts or calamities and focuses entirely on its nurturing and validation.

Shot exquisitely by PC Sreeram and tuned magically by the legendary music maestro AR Rahman, this tale of two hearts unfolds in the bustling city of Mumbai.

Young, ambitious, and insanely passionate, Aditya and Tara discover an intense affection for each other, but refuse to let it altered by tradition.

Their relationship grows unhurriedly over random coffee dates and shopping trips. And, they bond charmingly over Tamil and a city they now call their home.

With just a few days left before they head to different parts of the world to pursue a career of their own, they decide to stay together.

Since their families are far away, they find company in Aditya's aged landlord and his wife, who despite an initial resistance accepts the couple's new theories on togetherness.

Mani Ratnam pitches a relaxed rhythm to their story, and patiently lets them learn and unlearn different aspects of passion.

Dulquer Salmaan lends a delightful charm to Adi. But, unlike the macho guy, who happily ambushes the baddies in the gaming ring, he remains hopelessly calm, and non-offensive off-screen. You cheer him as he reluctantly escorts his aged landlady to a musical concert, and watch him sweetly slip into the back seat of the bus after being reprimanded for sleeping during the recital. Or when, he sheepishly follows his girl on her field trip just because he feels deeply for her.

Mani Ratnam merits his women – both Nitya Menon and Leela Samson – with dignity, freedom, and a mind of their own. While Leela excels in portraying the anguish and chaos of painfully succumbing to a degenerating mind, Nitya powerfully captures a woman undeterred by the grief life has thrown her way.

Veteran Prakash Raj is impeccable as the principled Ganapathy, who sheds his stern persona only to please his ailing wife. You watch him willing to abandon his decisions, just to bring a smile on her face, or fill their home with music.

It would be unfair to bracket it in the same league as Mani Ratnam's earlier classics 'Alaiypayuthey' or 'Mouna Ragam', yet 'OK Kanmani' holds its own, and simplistically emphasizes that all's well when the heart is in the right place.

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