Former TV actor Kavin found fame with his third lead role in the 2023 film Dada. He plays the lead role in the second film of writer-director Elan, the director of Pyar Prema Kaadhal. The supporting cast includes Lal, Geetha Kailasam, Lollu Sabha Maaran, Kaadhal Sukumar and a special guest appearance by director, Vettrimaran.
Kalaiyarasan – played by Kavin – has nurtured an ambition to become an actor since childhood. Encouraged by his father – played by Lal, Kavin’s singlemindedness on becoming an actor sees him firmly close other doors to opportunities and relationships. This attitude threatens to destroy Kalai from within. How he deals with his self-created demon forms the rest of the story.
Elan had a good story to tell, but a running time of 137 minutes and a painfully slow pace has diluted the impact of the story. What makes the film worthwhile is the outstanding acting performance from Kavin which must rank as one of the best performances by a lead actor in a very long time. The range of emotions and the depth and credibility of his performance equal even the performances of seasoned actors.
Malayalee actor Lal unveils a bigger insight into his acting prowess with an endearing and memorable performance as Kalai’s father. I was unimpressed by the performances of the two lead actresses, Adithi Pohankar and Preety Mukhudan, both of whom fail to grow into their respective characters.
Elan’s script is overwritten and this reduces the effect of the scenes of conflict. Cinematographer Ezhil Arasu K has a breathtaking visual ensemble with some truly artistic shots.
It is a very disappointing performance from music composer Yuvanshankar Raja whose awkward renditions of the film’s numerous short songs are unable to provide positive support to the narrative. Yuvan’s background score is equally disappointing.
Despite the intensity of Kavin’s acting performance with good support from Lal, Star simply does not go much beyond the normal tale of a young man chasing an impossible dream. The script and screenplay negates anything positive from the others.
Star scores 5 points out of 10.