Production: Sivakarthikeyan
Cast: Aishwarya Rajesh, Sathyaraj, Sivakarthikeyan
Direction: Arunraja Kamaraj
Cinematography: Dinesh Krishnan
Editing: Ruban
Storyline:
A cricket-loving farmer’s daughter aspires to become a cricketer to make the country proud and also to put a smile on her father’s face.
Review:
The movie talks not only about cricket but also the problem of the farmers in Tamil Nadu. Kousalya (Aishwarya Rajessh), the daughter of Murugesan (Satyaraj), a cricket-loving farmer sees that her dad shed tears after Indian team loses the match. This motivates her to become a cricket as she dreams of making the country proud and put a smile on her face. As she hails from a small village, the problems she has to face is huge, right from the money, gender equality to her mother’s insecurity. There are parallel tracks that merge in the climax of the movie.
Director Arunraja Kamaraj has done commendable work in his first movie. His cast selection works well and the actors, crew delivers as well. This movie entirely belongs to Aishwarya Rajessh. She stands out as the ‘Best player of this movie’.
Satyaraj as Murugesan is once again excellent. Murugesan, as a farmer faces his own troubles as well. Initially, the bank offers loan for him but slowly they start torturing him after drought in the delta region, and poor crop yield makes it difficult for him to repay the loan. Can he overcome the debts? This forms a parallel part of the story.
Sivakarthikeyan as Nelson Dhilipkumar, a former cricketer as the coach of women’s team has delivered a brilliant ‘extended’ cameo. His powerful dialogues deserve applause. He motivates the team after some initial issues and helps Kousalya to gain confidence to give a comeback. The supporting artists Munishkanth, Dharshan and other supporting characters provide impactful performances as well.
The Editor Ruban needs a special mention for the way he beautifully merged the plots. The screenplay is pacey and keeps us curious till the first half before becoming predictable in the second. Dhibu Ninan Thomas as the music director scores really well with the songs. The two motivational tracks, ‘Oonjala Oonjala’ and ‘Savaal’ give the necessary boost to increase the energy of the movie in the second half.
The movie does have its glitches. The second half is not pacey as the first one and do fall into the familiar sports drama template, but never mind, the movie, on the whole, is inspiring and makes you rethink about your passion.
To put it in a simple way, Kanaa is all about raising against all odds and conquering your challenges. Aishwarya Rajessh keeps delivering excellent performances and for sure, Kanaa will be one of many more such performances that will follow.
