A nostalgic trip down memory lane

“Youth”

– Review

The story follows Praveen (Ken Karunaas), an earnest and hopelessly romantic 15-year-old navigating the rollercoaster of high school. Praveen’s “mission” is simple yet monumental: to find true love before graduation.

As he moves through various crushes—from the charming Kanagavalli (Anishma Anilkumar) to the spirited Preshika (Meenakshi Dinesh) and Sonal (Priyanshi Yadav)—the film beautifully documents his transformation from a boy chasing a dream to a young man understanding the value of genuine connection and self-growth.

In a stunning directorial debut, Ken Karunaas proves he has a pulse on the audience’s heartstrings. He avoids the typical “hero-centric” tropes, opting instead for a grounded, “roots-to-wings” storytelling style.

The first half is a non-stop riot of classroom antics and witty banter that feels incredibly authentic.

In the second half, Ken shows remarkable maturity, transitioning into a poignant drama that celebrates family bonds and the bittersweet nature of moving on.

His direction is confident, breezy, and filled with a warmth that makes the audience feel like they are part of Praveen’s inner circle.

Delivering a powerhouse lead performance, Ken is an absolute delight. He is effortless in the comedy scenes and surprisingly moving in the emotional stretches. His natural screen presence proves he is a versatile talent to watch.

The veteran duo of Suraj Venjaramoodu and Devadarshini are the film’s emotional anchors. Their chemistry as Praveen’s parents brings a layer of realistic warmth and provides some of the movie’s most touching moments.

Anishma Anilkumar shines with her graceful screen presence, while the actors playing Praveen’s “gang”—including Abison Thevarasa—bring a hilarious and high-energy camaraderie that is the lifeblood of the school sequences.

G. V. Prakash Kumar is in top form here, delivering a soundtrack that is both trendy and soulful. The background score perfectly mirrors the “fluttering heart” of a teenager, making every emotional beat land with precision.

Cinematographer Viki captures the vibrant, sun-soaked colors of youth. The camera work is dynamic and intimate, making the small-town setting feel like a beautiful, nostalgic dreamscape.

Editing by Nash ensures a brisk and engaging flow throughout the 142-minute runtime. The transitions between the high-octane comedy and the tender emotional scenes are seamless.

Rating: 3.8/5

By Naveen