96 (TAMIL) (2018)

While we are still some weeks away from biting chills of the winter, in '96, debutante director C Prem Kumar and his team present a movie experience that comes closest to a warm blanket of nostalgia that we could snuggle into on a cold winter morning. This is a slice of life of Ram & Janu (Vijay Sethupathi & Trisha) - two school-time sweethearts, separated early in a twist of fate, meeting after two decades in a brief, yet beautiful encounter. 

The movie takes us on a memorable journey along with its leads - Ram & Janu - traversing twin timelines of their school life two decades ago and their present day when they meet through a school reunion. The movie hooks us in early and makes us relive the school days which we may or may not have had, but could definitely relate to - making us willingly surrender to those mushy memories. The narrative seamlessly oscillates between the past and the present day events spanning over a night where we are invisible and non-intrusive guests in the personal space of these two diehard romantics.

Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha share a crackling chemistry and ace their parts with superlative performances. Vijay Sethupathi steps out of his template nonchalance to sink into the role of Ram and underplays brilliantly to bring a rare depth in his brooding silences and tentativeness that feels real. Trisha, who is closing on almost two decades of stardom, brings all that experience to good use here in the role of Janu as she lights up the screen with resplendence in every frame. She owns the role of Janu in a performance that is perhaps her best after Vinnai Thaandi Varuvaayaa, being naturally confident, composed and provides a perfect foil for Ram who transforms into a nervous wreck near her. 

While Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha appear as natural choices for the leads, the casting team deserve kudos for making apt choices for almost every character of the supporting cast. Aadithya Baaskar and Gouri G Kishan as younger versions of Ram and Janu are perfect in their expressions -  as are the casting choices of their childhood friends as well as for crisp cameos by Devadarshini, NKPK Bagavathiperumal, Aadukalam Murugadoss and a surprising choice in a very effective Janakaraj.


Music from Govind Menon (aka Govind Vasantha) adds a richer soothing dimension that permeates the movie like the warmth of a sun on winter day. Every song of the album is an enchanting ear worm and a winner in its own way. The mellifluous melodies are accentuated by thoughtful lyrics (Karthik Netha and Uma Devi) which add a richer texture to the proceedings on screen. The background score makes use of silences and soulful interludes to add nuance to the narrative.

The movie also benefits from the exquisite cinematography by N. Shanmugasundaram who knows the art of composing picture perfect frames like a painting which is pregnant with meaning. Every frame from the very first which introduces Vijay Sethupathi as a traveling photographer to the dull urbanscapes or even indoors like a corridor of nondescript hotel is captured with care as well as clarity of purpose. 

C Prem Kumar making his debut as writer and director, after cranking the camera for some movies like NKPK, Pasanga and Sundarapandian, has made a steady and firm-footed start. His command over his craft is manifest in the way he marshals the multiple resources at his disposal - the leads, supporting cast, music, cinematography, editing - just like a master chef would concoct a delicious offering from the finest of ingredients with due care in preparation as well as presentation, especially with all his heart.


He has a deft touch to his narrative that is at once sensitive, subtle and searing without ever becoming melodramatic. His impeccable eye for detail, gentle waft of humour in good measure especially in tricky situations which is reflected in almost every aspect of the movie beginning with the imagery of the title which is an impressive collage of multiple elements that remind us of the period, to the casting of Janakaraj and many more seemingly minor aspects. Look at the way the portions where the  budding romance of school days are handled with minimal conversation between Ram and Janu. While there may not be many spoken words, the stolen glances and  expectant expressions adorned with the beautiful score and the silences convey volumes. Equally notable are the choice of Ilayaraja's songs with pertinent lyrics which are carefully chosen to suit the occasion besides just conveying Janu's liking for singer S Janaki's songs. He acquits himself as another talent to watch out for after the recent debutante effort from Mari Selvaraj (Pariyerum Perumal). 

Overall, the movie has the feel of a poignant poetry penned in the medium of moving frames rendered on the silver screen - a poem that would linger on in the memory for a long time. 

A MUS(H)T WATCH !!

RATING - 4/5