Vikraman directs his first film for the AVM banner, and has titled it 'Priyamana Thozhi'. The lead roles are played by Madhavan, Jyotika and Sridevi (Sridevi's second film after 'Kadhal Virus'). It is a film that centres round love and friendship.

Review

He's been using different permutations and combinations centered on love and friendship, all through his films. And now Vikraman seems to have reached a point of saturation and exhaustion. AVM's 'Priyamaana Thozhi' has predictable, cliched situations, stereotyped characters, and lack-lustre treatment. Half-way through the film, you realise which way the script is being steered.

And for lucky mascot S A Rajkumar? No doubt melody is his forte, but then here's a composer who's so in love with his own tunes, that he rehashes them again and again, from film-to film. Not hesitating to weave in an entire bit of an old, popular Hindi film number this time!

It revolves around four central characters. Madhavan plays the unemployed Ashok, whiling away his time, his heart set on playing cricket for the country. And in case we forget about his cricketing aspirations, which is likely, for it's a long yarn the director weaves - there's this shot of our own cricketer Krishnamachari Srikkanth, appearing as himself, showing Ashok how to position his leg, and how to hold his bat. Exits Srikkanth. Madhavan romances well, looks a bit vague otherwise, and puts on this insipid, constipated look most of the second half, the character probably giving him some problem. Understandable!

Vineet is the wealthy, arrogant Michael, Ashok's rival in cricket, and the lover of Ashok's best friend Julie. The whole problem arises from his side. No prizes for guessing what Ashok has to do, if the Michael-Julie marriage must go through. Vineet is the intense one, but sadly has to fit into a predictable role.

Then there are the two women in Ashok's life. His 'Priyamaana Thozhi' from childhood Julie, and his sweetheart-turned-wife Nandini. Fortunately, the trio share a great bonhomie, with no problem on that front. Jyothika looks good in some trendy, suitable dresses. But her enthusiasm in the early scenes, is completely sidelined in the second half as the hero and his 'Thozhi' resolve their problems. Coming out completely unscathed is the cute Sridevi, her soft demeanour and endearing performance, the only saving grace of the film.

The Vikraman - Rajkumar duo had given some engaging, sensitively crafted musical entertainers earlier. There's no reason why they shouldn't brush up their act and bring back the magic of their earlier films.