Movie Review: Minmini

 Pari, ( Gaurav Kaalai), popular among his peers is an avid  footballer staying in a boarding school. He gets jealous of a new boy Sabari ( Pravin Kishore) who is a good chess player and artist. Pari keeps playing pranks on him. But soon they develop a slow affection even through the rivalry. 

One  day, in a twist of fate, Pari suddenly dies after saving other classmates including Sabari, when their bus crashes in a freak  accident on the highway.

This has a sombre effect on Sabari who misses his deceased  friend so much,  that he takes on his hobbies  and adopts his way of dressing and his habits.  He loses interest in chess and his goal of being am artist. Instead, like Pari, he starts playing equestrian sports and running. His aim is now like Pari's, thar is to go on a biking trip  to the Himalayas. 

In the meanwhile, a new girl Praveena (Esther Anil) joins the same school. Nobody knows that  she has recieved an organ donation  from Pari's body. She finds herself enjoying running, similar to Pari. She tries to learn more about Pari from his friends.  When she sees Sabari at school, she like him but is intrigued by his activities. She observes  that  Sabari is slowly changing into Pari.

Several years later Sabari is biking in the Himalayas.  Praveena, who has been stalking him on instagram for years, is now on the same route, and slowly picks up a friendship with him as they bike through Himalayan routes. 

Sabari is following the dream of Pari. Praveena is keen for Sabari to find himself again and get out of his depression which he has been harbouring for years after Pari's death.

The two slowly become aquainted with each other, thanks to the trip 

What happens next? Does Sabari find himself? Does Praveena reveal her connect with Pari? 

Minmini, is a slowly simmering feel good film that grows on you. Right from the first frame to the last,  the narration takes you right into the lives of its characters. Director Halitha Shameem has managed to make the viewer actually feel for her characters, and connect with them,  and thereby stay invested in their character arcs.

 The film subject is a far cry from the usual we see on screen, exploring instead, in a more deeper and subtle level, how people change us and how true relationships  can help us heal and grow.

The entire Himalayan journey  showcases not only the lives of the local people there, and the vast vistas of the mountains, which have a calming effect on the viewer, but is also a beautuful journey of self-discovery for Sabari and Praveena. And therefore a highlight of the film.

The over use of English at times,  may make this film seem more for a niche audience, but the overall reach of the film is universal, and makes it a fitting, clean, entertaining  watch for family audiences.

The camerawork by Manoj Paramahamsa is exquisitely aesthetic and a major attraction in the film.  Right from the school campus visuals  to the Himalayan scenery, the visuals are  breathtaking. Kudos to Manoj Paramhamsa for his spectacular frames.

The rivalry and slowly growing  friendship between Pari  and  Sabari   is well brought out as is the depression Sabari goes into. 

The teen actors have done a briliant job. Gaurav Kaalai is impressive while the grown up Pravin Kishore, who plays the adult version, shines with a fine performance as the lonely, conflicted  soul, unable to find himself after the childhood tragedy involving his friend. Esther, as his friend, gives a sweet and realistic portrayal of her character.

The premise of the story about the deep bonds of friendship and the healing power of Nature is beautifully brought out in the latter half,  in the Himalayan trip portion.

With its delicate handling of emotions, the film is a delightful watch.  The way Praveena slowly helps Sabari out of his depression till he finds himself,  is impressively portrayed.

On the flip side, the dialogue delivery of the leads is not clear at times. A few situations seem contrived. At times, the slow pace, may require patience. 

However, things do pick up at the climax. The love story that has been simmering all along comes to the surface amongst some most breathtaking visuals, as does the message that Nature heals, and true friendships can really help in the path of self-discovery.

Rating : 3/5

Cast :

Praveen Kishore as Sabari Karthikeyan
Gaurav Kaalai as Pari Mukhilan
Esther Anil as Praveenah

Crew :

Writer & Director- Halitha Shameem.
Cinematographer- Manoj Paramahamsa ISC
Music Composer- Khatija Rahman
Editor- Raymond Derrick Crasta
Art Director- Tsering Gurmet Kungyam
Production Sound Mixer - Raghav Ramesh
VFX Supervisor- Linkin Livi
Sound Design – Alagiakoothan , Suren.G
Colorist- Nesikaa Rajakimaran
Re – Recording Mixers – S.Sivakumar , Krishnan Subramanian
Line producer - Stanzin Dorjai Gya
PRO – Suresh Chandra & Abdul Nassar
Executive Producer – K.Jeyaseelan
Producers- Manoj Paramahamsa ISC , R. Murali Krishnan