REVIEW

Ashok Selvan started his career on a promising note and was part of successful movies like Soodhu Kavvum, Thegidi and Pizza II: Villa. But what followed next were back-to-back failures. This forced the young talent to select scripts wisely and in the process, he came across Kootathil Oruthan. Unfortunately, after hitting the floors, the movie was delayed for one or the other reason and after two years, it is finally before the audience. 

Kootathil Oruthan is written and directed by TJ Gnanavel and bankrolled by SR Prabhu. Priya Anand is the female lead in the movie, which has Samuthirakani, Anupama Kumar, Bala Saravanan, Nassar and others in the cast. A big list of stars that include Suriya, Sivakarthikeyan and Vijay Sethupathi has done guest appearances in the Tamil flick. 

The movie has Nivas K Prasanna's music and his Enda Ippadi, Nee Indri and Maatrangal Ondre Dhaan tracks have struck the chord with the audiences. Kootathil Oruthan has PK Varma's cinematography and Leo John Paul's editing. 

STORY

The story of the film revolves around Arvind, an ordinary man lives a simple life and is never noticed by anyone be it at school or home. However, things change for good when he falls in love with Janani, a class topper and the one who excels in both academics and extra-curricular activities. A loner by nature, he is smitten by Janani and in his quest to be closer to her, he even enrolls himself in the same college where she studies. 

But, sadly, Janani is neither able to recall his name nor remember them being classmates in school. And she rejects him when he expresses his love for her. Kootathil Oruthan captures the journey of Arvind, an ordinary middle-bencher, and his travails after being rejected by the love of his life. 

PERFORMANCE

Kootathil Oruthan is easily the best performance of Ashok Selvan, his nerd look and innocent mannerisms are a big advantage to the film. Priya Anand has got a strong role, which is very much similar to her role in the big hit Ethir Neechal and she has done a good job. Samuthirakani once again shines in a pivotal role and Bala Saravanan's timing comic one liners work at times.  In addition to being the story of an average guy and his success, Kootathil Oruthan tries to also be one about his romance. 

This results in the film losing some of its lightness and feel-goodness. And worryingly, it uses the cliché of a lying hero and a heroine who cannot forgive a lie to present us this romance. This results in the film turning into one mostly about Arvind's lies being discovered at any moment. And by the time the film gets back to its original theme, even the average person can be noteworthy, it is too late. 

Technically, Nivas Prasanna has done wonders with his background score in emotional sequences and all the songs are good as well.  Leo John Paul's idea of limiting the run time to 120 minutes is an added advantage and PK Varma's visuals are quite impressive.

PLUS

Star cast 

Screenplay 

Transformation of Ashok

Music 

Cinematography 

MINUS

A little draggy at places 

Verdict : A decent entertainer.!

Stars : 2/5