134. Oh My Kadavule; movie review

OH MY KADUVALE
Cert 12A
153 mins
BBFC advice: Contains implied strong language

Is the grass always greener on the other side?
Too often we find out that it isn't but can't reverse a decision which we had made believing that it would be.
Usually, it is the big life moments which prompt us to spend too much time mulling over what-ifs.
A rushed marriage is the focus of Ashwath Marimuthu's rom-com Oh My Kaduvale in which the groom (Ashok Selvan) gets to have his time again.
He accepts a proposal from his lifelong friend, Anu (Ritika Singh) so she can escape from having to go through with arranged nuptials.
Unfortunately, they soon find out friendship and love isn't the same thing.
He is offered a way out by two mysterious men (Vijay Sethupathi and Ramesh Thilak) after inviting him to explain his story.
But will he take it and if he does will life pan out the way he hopes?
Of course, there have been many fantasy films in which characters are given the chance to turn back time but Oh My Kaduvale is different because it conjures so many interesting social dilemmas.
For the first half of the movie, Selvan's character, Arjun, seems to be a bit of a jerk, not really knowing what he wants from life.
However, the second half provides Marimuthu's film with the spark which has been such a big hit with audiences.
Indeed, it wasn't until the final 20 minutes or so that I made my mind up that I liked Arjun.
Nevertheless, when it all drops into place, the dull bits are forgotten and a warm feeling is engendered.
I can't say that Oh My Kaduvale made me laugh out loud but it did prompt several smiles and prompted a thought of how lucky I am to have Mrs W - especially at this difficult time.
It is a welcome break from the avalanche of bad news.

Reasons to watch: Sprightly comedy
Reasons to avoid: No belly laughs

Laughs: A couple of chuckles
Jumps: None
Vomit: Retching
Nudity: None
Overall rating: 7/10

Did you know? Even before the release of Oh My Kadavule, the Telugu remake rights of the movie were bagged by PVP Cinema.

The final word. Ashok Selvan: "I have yearned for a second chance many times. I think we all do. But the thing is, it comes with a lot of responsibility because if you fail again, it will hurt more. In a lot of ways, Oh My Kadavule is a second chance for me." New Indian Express

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