Kanaa Movie Review

December 21, 2018

2 minutes read

Review Overview

Performances

Story & Narration

Technical Aspects & Music

Nicely packaged sports drama!

Arunraja Kamaraj works out a fine drama that could well go on to become a memorable film as it is packaged for our audiences in the right way. Overall, Arunraja Kamaraj gives rise to a new mould by using the sport to get across an important message to the society.

Cast: Aishwarya Rajesh, Sathyaraj, Darshan, Ilavarasu, Munish Kanth, Sivakarthikeyan (cameo) and others

Cinematography: Dinesh Krishnan B

Music: Dhibu Ninan Thomas

Editing: Anthony L Ruben

Art Director: Lalgudi N Ilaiyaraja

Written & Directed by: Arunraja Kamaraj

Produced by: Sivakarthikeyan Pictures

Release Date: 21-12-2018

Run Time: 02:25:00

Tamil cinema has always received sports dramas in good fashion, as long as they are well-made and pack in a good amount of memorable moments. Until now, all the films which have come forward with a sports backdrop mainly talk about the politics in the sport, the story of the underdog rising against all odds and also the familial side. In his debut outing Kanaa, Arunraja Kamaraj gives rise to a new mould by using the sport to get across an important message to the society.

With cricket and farming being two of the most-discussed topics in modern India, the director binds both of them together to form a story that is quite engaging on the whole. The writing might be convenient, but what makes the film click is the well-conceived cricket portions which come with the terrific cinematography of Dinesh Krishnan and the lovable music of Dhibu Thomas. As Kousalya Murugesan (Aishwarya Rajesh) finds her way up from the roots, the presence of the frequent scenes on the cricket grounds hold the film together. The first half concentrates on the domestic and societal pressure of a woman cricketer, and then flips to the world cricket stage in the second half, with the blazing intro of the producer Sivakarthikeyan in his extended cameo as a coach.

Aishwarya Rajesh’s efforts to slot herself into the role have come out shining, as the actress makes a believable changeover into the character of the woman cricketer. Her ability to score convincingly in both the emotionally charged scenes and the cricket scenes is a huge plus, and it is tough to pick an actress who could have done it better. Sathyaraj is superb as always, carrying the role of the troubled father who is toiled by mishaps but still stays strong to support his daughter. Together, Aishwarya and Sathyaraj pull off scenes worth investing your emotions on. Sivakarthikeyan, who enters the film only in the second half, is an addition of positive value. The attention does sway more to his character after his entry, with the man holding it decently by mouthing strong dialogues.

Much of the film’s worth has come in because of three names in Dinesh Krishnan, Antony Ruben and Dhibu Thomas. Their sublime work with the camera, cuts and music respectively aids the narrative big time and makes it a technically strong piece of work.

Kanaa might not give you the high of a Chak De India or a Dangal, but is definitely a neat film that carries a crowd-pleasing sense. Arunraja Kamaraj works out a fine drama that could well go on to become a memorable film as it is packaged for our audiences in the right way.