Sathya ( Vidhu) is having an existential crisis at the age of 29. Coming from an agricultural family, he has come to work in the city to better his prospects. But at 29, he discovers that unlike others, he is still unmarried, never had a girlfriend, and is still uncertain about his future and professional prospects.
But things change for the better when 21 year old Viji (Preethi Asrani) joins his office. A tender new relationship blossoms between them, that opens new horizons in Sathya's life.
But just when things are going well, problems crop up between them, when Viji reveals her plans to study for the IAS exams while Sathya is, still aimless in life. How does this impact their lives? Do their differences separate them or strengthen them and unite them eventually?
Rathna Kumar returns with an interesting and alnost off beat romantic tale, giving an insight into modern love and how pressures of life and living can impact futures and affect one's mindspace.
The film not only takes you into city life but in the second half gives a peek into life in the rural landscape, with social prejudices and hierarchies prevailing even in the next gen kids ( Master Mahendran delivers a neat and impactful performance as Santhosh, the rich kid with an axe to grind from childhood with Sathya).
Preethi Asrani as Viji is the picture of innocent and sincere love and delivers a terrific performance, enchanting in the dance and song sequences, with a compelling act in the emotional scenes. The chemistry between her and Vidhu as Sathya, builds up slowly, blooming as friendship, and both actors bring credibility to their roles with their sheer effortless and natural performances. The bring to life Rathna's vision, elevating the film.
Sean Roldan's music and Madhesh Manickam's visuals are strong pillars of support.
The supporting cast is well chosen with both mothers of the leads making a mark.
On the flip side, the film is dialogue heavy and may require patience at times especially in the first half as the plot develops.
There are unexplained sequences and a few scenes which feel contrived in places.
The first half feels slower than the second, where the film picks up pace and gains a momentum. Few romantic portions seem dated with nothing new to offer really.
However, barring a few hiccups, 29 The Movie turns out to be a film that will resonate with many, and give many plenty to think about as they cruise through life's unfulfilled dreams. Rathna Kumar manages to imbue the film with realistic hues, sincere performances, soulful music, impactful dialogues and pensive moments which make it an engaging watch.
Rating : 3.5/5
29 - Movie Cast & Crew list :
Cast details:
1. VIDHU AS SATHYA
2. PREETHI ASRANI AS VIJI
3. AVINASH AS MANI
4. MASTER MAHENDRAN AS SANTHOSH
5. KIRAN AS VASANTH
6.SINDHU SHYAM AS VIJI AMMA
6. PREMKUMAR AS KURUNILA KATHIRAVAN
7. AATHIRA PANDIYALAKSHMI AS PANDIYALAKSHMI
8. AARUMUGAVEL AS HERO FATHER
9. SHEHNAZ FATHIMA AS JAANU
10. SA .SATHISHKUMAR AS HERO FRIEND
11. SHALINI AS AMRUTHA
12. PRIYANKA RAI AS BABY
13. PRADEEP AS SANTHOSH FATHER
14. ANUSRIVELAN AS COLLECTOR
crew details:
1. PRODUCTION HOUSE : STONE BENCH STUDIO & G SQUAD
2. PRODUCED BY - KAARTHIKEYAN.S & LOKESH KANAGARAJ
3. WRITTEN & DIRECTED BY - RATHNA KUMAR
4. DOP - MADHESH MANICKAM
5. EDITOR - R S SATHISH KUMAR
6. ART - SHANMUGARAJ
7. MUSIC - SEAN ROLDAN
8. LYRICS - UMA DEVI , BAKKIYAM SHANKAR, MOHAN RAJA, RATHNA KUMAR, SEAN ROLDAN
9. STUNTS - DON ASHOK
10. CHOREOGRAPHER - LEELAVATHI, SHERIFF M
11. COSTUMER - RAVI DEVARAJ
12. COSTUME DESIGNER - PRAVEEN RAJA
13. SOUND DESIGNS - T UDHAYAKUMAR, KEWYN FREDERICK
14. VFX - HOCUS POCUS
15. DI - G B COLORS
16. MAKEUP - VINOTH
17. CO-DIRECTOR - MADHAN KUMAR
18. CHIEF ASSOCIATE - VIGNESH RAVICHANDRAN
19. PRODUCTION EXECUTIVE - ASHOK NARAYANAN
20. STILLS - HARI SHANKAR
21. PRO - SATHISH S2 MEDIA
22. PUBLICITY DESIGNS - VYAKI
25. CO.PRODUCER - ALANGAR PANDIYAN ,KALYAN SUBRAMANIAN, PRADEEP KUMAR BOOPATHI ,
19. PRODUCTION EXECUTIVE - MADHAN SHANMUGAM , R.RAJKUMAR
TAMILNADU THEATRICAL RELEASE - WHITE CARPET FILMS
