'Oh my kadavule' Film Review: A beautiful tale of friendship, love and more

OMK is a well-written romantic entertainer that emphasises the fact that life has always been kind to us and its in our hands to set things right. Director of the film, Ashwath Marimuthu, made sure that the message is loud and clear towards the end of the film, without being preachy. He brings in a fantasy element and sets up a perfect stage for engaging screenplay that is fresh and realistic.

In the very first scene, we see a different style of cinema, as the director dives into the story without wasting any time. We meet Anu (Ritika Singh) who tells Arjun (Ashok) that she wishes to marry him. The two have been friends since childhood and have no feelings for each other. However, since Anu’s father wants to see her as a bride, she decides to get married to someone who she knows well. Arjun too understands her perspective and agrees tomarry her.

Everything seems to be fine, until Meera’s (Vani Bhojan) re-entry into Arjun’s life. Meera is Arjun’s school senior and crush, who works as an AD to director Gautham Menon. Arjun’s affection for Meera strains his marriage. In fact, Arjun decides to part ways with Anu in less than a year. That’s when Arjun meets Vijay Sethupathi and Ramesh Thilak, who claim to be God. They give him a ‘golden ticket’ — a second life of sorts to do things differently.

The second half is all about how Arjun corrects his mistakes and rewrites his life story all over again. The soul of Oh My Kadavule is sensible characterisations and unique narration. What sets Ashwath’s film apart from the other romantic entertainers is that the script gives equal importance to the female lead. In fact, both the female characters in the film have strong personalities and aspirations. Unlike other commercial films, they are not merely used as props. Vani Bhojan’s performance as Meera is outstanding and it doesn’t feel like its her first film in Tamil. Vijay Sethupathi’s character is more of an extended cameo and was a treat to watch. He is natural and apt for the role. 

Ritika Singh and Ashok Selvan’s on-screen chemistry works well and makes us to root for both the characters from the very first scene. Leon James background score helps to elevate the emotions in the second half. Overall, Oh My Kadavule is a heartwarming love story and a perfect treat for Valentine’s Day.