Movie Review: Love Failure (Telugu) or Kaadhalil Sodappuvadhu Eppadi (Tamil)

Once in a while such movies are made…. A must watch…

My family recently watched the Telugu version of the movie starring Siddarth and Amala Paul. It was a brand new experience, with the director showing his mastery by deftly blending in Documentary style, first person narration and flashback all rolled in seamlessly. Yes, it is predictable but at the same time keeps you on the edge of the seat as well.

Can love succeed only if the couples are Made for Each other? This is the question the director Balaji has answered (penning the story/screenplay as well). The movie remains true to the spirit of the short film the director had made as an amateur (on youtube as well). The movie is believable because each and every one of the characters is believable and the audience will feel them as one amongst them. The college students look real like any other college students and not the unrealistic portrayal you seen in run of the mill movies. Even the parents, are real with the right deference between a husband and wife called out. How differences in this deference, lead to failure of a relationship or its success is beautifully portrayed by the Director.

Siddarth, through whose eyes this move is narrated, has acted superbly. I was surprised by the acting talent of Amala Paul, whose sensual side was all too evident in Vettai, Bejawada etc. She just looks any other kid you will see in a college and such a natural assimilation is there in every character. How affection develops between them and because of how you care about some individual and want to lean on them -- how you can mistake the circumstances and situations are all well captured.

The director beautifully captures how the mind of a boy and a girl in a relationship work and how these fundamental differences in thought & approach lead to misunderstandings and even failure in a relationship. All portrayed with maturity, apt humor and intelligent filming. The reconciliation that happens between amala paul’s parents who are in the brink of divorce is exceptionally captured.

A total family entertainer, that educates you but not preachy and tugs at your heart. Hats off to the team, that delivered this. Especially to Siddarth for having the courage to produce this as well. Please encourage such efforts by seeing the movie in theaters.

Instead of Made for Each other, try (re)Making yourself for the other is the message… Amen to that.