Amma Kanakku movie review: A modest feel-good film worth a watch
Director: Ashwini Iyer Tiwari
Cast: Amala Paul, Revathy, Samudhrakani, Yuvasri
Amma Kanakku, a remake of Bollywood film Nil Battey Sanatta, is a simple film which delivers a message that everyone has the right to dream and the importance of education which can change your life. Ashwini Iyer Tiwari who did the original, wields the megaphone and debuts in Tamil.
'Tenth standard failed' Shanthi Gopal (Amala Paul) is a single mother and a maid in Dr Nandhini’s (Revathy) house and does all kinds of other odd jobs including in a flour mill, fish go-down to educate her reluctant teenaged daughter Abhi (Yuvasri) who is in 10th grade. Shanthi wants Abhi to become a collector, but the latter is happy occupying the last bench and getting bad marks especially in Maths which is a nightmare for her.
With the board exam nearing, Shanthi is desperate to make her daughter understand the seriousness of the situation, in vain. Dr Nandhini steps in and helps Shanthi to deal with the situation by enrolling her in her daughter’s class.
Abhi is embarrassed and expresses her anger by being rude to Shanthi. The mother challenges her daughter and promises to leave the school if Abhi beats her at Maths.
Amala Paul has given a fine feat. Her costumes, de-glam makeup and dialogues penned to go with her lower middle class local dialect (though inconsistent at times) help her hugely to deliver her best. Yuvasri appeals with her natural performance. The other two children are also good. Revathi in an extended cameo proves her versatility once again. Samudhrakani plays a strict school principal and his antics looks a bit artificial.
One wonders as which head master would take the decision of enrolling a lady in her 30 plus age in a government school without seeking the approval of higher-ups. And the sudden decision of Amala meeting the collector is unconvincing. The film gives a documentary feel after a point especially towards the preachy climax.
Ilayaraja’s songs are just functional, but BGM during the emotional scenes warrants mentions. Cinematography by Gavemic U Ary captures the mood of the film well. A modest feel-good film worth a watch!
