OK Kanmani is double OK!

Some directors leave a lasting impression on the viewers. For me, Mani Ratnam is that man.

I remember watching Nayagan as a kid. When I grew a bit older, it was Bombay that did the trick for me. And then in college, Alaipayuthey was all the rage.

But somewhere along the line, Mani Sir, as he’s fondly known, forgot his primary strength — making movies with heart — and got seduced into sculpting mindless works that were high on glamour, but low on the ‘Mani Factor.’

And then came along O Kadhal Kanmani (OK Kanmani for short). And what a comeback it’s.

MR works pure magic with both the younger and older actors.

The movie is spun around a young couple, Adi (Dulquer Salmaan) and Thara (Nithya Menen), who’re both fiercely independent and free spirited. They’re as uncompromising as they come when it comes to their respective careers.

They meet, find out they share a similar wavelength and move in together. Ganapathy (Prakash Raj) and Bhavani (Leela Samson), an ageing couple, owns the accommodation they’ve rented.

Bhavani, who was once a famous Carnatic musician, suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. The entire film flits back and forth between the two story lines.

Each pair has something to learn from the other, and also to teach. And therein lies the beauty of the flick.

AR Rahman’s music is delightful and the camerawork and editing are also exceptional.

Sure, the movie isn’t perfect and there’re a few scripting flaws. The first half drags a little, but the second ups the tempo.

All major actors are well cast. Nithya Menen tells stories with her expressive, big round eyes.

This is vintage Mani Ratnam fare and it’s a must-watch for fans of the Akira Kurosawa of South India.

VERDICT: Mani Ratnam is back with a soft love story. Watch it, it’s worth every penny you paid. Eight out of 10 stars.