With a title like Coffee with Kaadhal and a lively soundtrack by Yuvanshankar Raja, there were expectations of a light-hearted romantic comedy with at least some of the brand of humour that one associates with Sundar C but the film disappoints on all levels. There is neither romance nor much comedy in this rom-com and the script has some of the cheesiest lines this side of the last three decades. Billed as an adult comedy, Coffee with Kaadhal is a patronizing attempt to present a modern love story to a modern audience.
Jiiva, Jai and Shrikanth play three brothers – Saravanan, Kathir and Ravi respectively. They have a sister, Varshini – played by TV personality Divyadharshini – better known as DD. Their parents are portrayed by Prathab Pothan and Aruna Balraj. Saravanan is still smarting from a bad break up with Neetu – played by Aishwarya Dutta while Ravi has lost all interest in his wife. Kathir’s best friend is Abhi – played by Amritha Aiyer. Varshini’s husband is more at work than with his wife.
It sounds like these ingredients could make an intriguing film, but the plot development occurs with no regard to logic or realism. With the exceptions of three characters – Saravanan, Varshini and their father – none of the others are convincing, endearing or even mildly interesting. The result is a film where a lot happens but it all feels like nothing.
With an impressive cast and an incident-packed narrative, Coffee with Kaadhal could easily have been an absorbing tale but poor writing and a casual approach to direction has destroyed any potential.
Prathab Pothan in his final screen role has delivered the film’s most memorable performance filled with class, swag and finesse. Jiiva’s portrayal of Saravanan does, to a large degree, indicate the complexities of modern relationships but Jiiva’s monumental effort has been negated by the weak script and shoddy screenplay. Divyadarshini is quite a revelation and shows a natural on-screen realism. Yogi Babu in four roles is unable to impress with any of them while Redin Kingsley without Nelson looks decidedly out of place.
Malvika Sharma, Amritha Aiyyer, Raiza Wilson and Aishwarya Dutta all have the glazed look of models in search of an elusive runway, showing no effort to emote. Arya in his brief guest role brings some much needed spark into the film but a spark is unable to dispel the yawning darkness of an unimaginative screenplay and a cliché-ridden script.
The film’s lighting and camera angles have the same feel of a low-budget TV serial while editor Fenny Oliver simply goes through the motions.
Yuvanshankar Raja has a beautiful and varied soundtrack but is not as impressive as the background score.
Despite the best intentions in creating a feel-good family entertainer, one gets the impression that Sundar C’s need to do something different was so strong that he has forgotten that a good film needs soul. That essential element is sadly missing in Coffeee with Kaadhal.
Coffee with Kaadhal scores 6 points out of 10.