Director: Mithran Jawahar
Cast: Walter Philips, Isha Talwar, Nasser, Arjunan
Meendum Oru Kadhal Kadhai is the remake of Malayalam blockbuster Thattathin Marayathu and director Mithran Jawar known for successfully remaking other language films in Tamil is back after a gap. Though comparisons are bound to happen, Mithran has managed to recreate the magic of the original to some extent.
The story of MOKK is set in Kanyakumari, where Vinod (Walter Philips), an easy going college student from a middle class Hindu family who has a fascination for purdah clad girls ((a passing reference at the beginning) ever since he watched Mani Ratnam’s Bombay when he was young. And when he meets Ayesha (Isha Talwar) at a wedding, smitten by her beauty he falls for her hook, line and sinker. Apparently Ayesha belongs to a wealthy Muslim family with her uncle Abdul Khader (Nasser) being a powerful politician. Vinod tries every possible means to impress her and after a point, Ayesha too reciprocates. Will the boy get the conservative Muslim girl forms the rest.
For a newcomer Walter has given a neat performance, thanks to his koothu-p-pattari background. Besides emoting well, he also dances, does humor with ease and manages to create an impact. For Isha, it is just a repetitive act as she has done the lead lady in the original. She looks pretty and impressive. And is the same case with Manoj K Jayan who reprised his own role of a cop who helps Vinod after listening to his romantic story. Arjunan and Vidyulekha try to tickle our funny bones. Nasser and Thalaivasal Vijay have lent their support.
Agree, Mithran Jawahar has made a faithful remake, but he could have added few things to suit the local flavor. GV Prakash songs are just about adequate. Certain situations tend to defy logic, nevertheless the breezy narration combined with extraordinary background score from Shaan Rahman and crystal clear cinematography by Vishnu Sharma, MOKK is a feel good romantic fare is watchable once.
