Charming, grounded debate on hopeless romance

‘Aaromale’

– Review

The film centers on Ajith (Kishen Das), a young man who is, by his own admission, a hopeless romantic. 

Ajith has grown up internalizing the grand cinematic declarations and sweeping gestures of iconic Tamil romantic films, believing that ‘movie magic’ is the only true way to fall in love. 

His journey takes him to a matrimony agency, where his idealistic views collide head-on with that of Anjali (Shivathmika Rajashekar).

Anjali sees the kind of love immortalized on screen as a fictional delusion, preferring practical, no-nonsense relationships. 

As Ajith attempts to mediate other people’s love lives at the agency, his own journey forces him and Anjali to confront whether love requires cinematic drama, or just simple, honest compromise. 

The story expertly navigates the confusion of modern dating, proving relatable across different age groups. Silambarasan TR’s delightful voiceover adds a layer of nostalgic commentary, cleverly setting the stage by referencing his own iconic romantic roles.

Sarang Thiagu, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Kishen Das, shows immense promise in his directorial execution. While the film bears the clear influence of classic romantic masters like Gautham Menon and Mani Ratnam in its youthful urban setting, Thiagu skillfully uses this framework only to dismantle it. 

The pacing is mostly breezy, maintaining a light tone even when addressing complex emotional issues. Thiagu deserves credit for his collaborative approach.

Kishen Das delivers a nuanced performance as Ajith. He successfully avoids repeating the mannerisms from his previous successful roles, providing Ajith with a distinct, endearing innocence and vulnerability. He makes Ajith’s stubborn belief in grand romance believable, and his comedic timing with his co-star is spot on.

Shivathmika Rajashekar is outstanding as Anjali. Her performance as the strict, serious, and practical woman provides the necessary friction for the plot. She manages to convey Anjali’s underlying emotional logic even when the character appears “mean” or rigid, allowing the audience to understand her perspective. Her screen presence is mature and commanding.

In the supporting cast, Harshath Khan shines as Sachin, Ajith’s friend and comic foil. His effortless banter and hilarious reactions ensure the comedy lands consistently. VTV Ganesh as Narasimhan, the middle-aged mentor figure, is highly enjoyable. He moves beyond his usual caricature roles, bringing a subtle, understated wisdom to his attempt to regain love, giving the film its multi-generational appeal.

Siddhu Kumar’s music is a major asset. The songs, particularly the chart-topping ‘Eppadi Vandhayo,’ are visually appealing and perfectly slotted into the narrative.

Gautham Rajendran’s camera work is vibrant, giving the film a glossy, contemporary look. The visuals capture the energy of city life and the intimate moments of the lead pair beautifully. Rest of the technical aspects of the movie are adequate as well. 

Rating: 3.5/5 

By Naveen

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