Yellow Movie Review
A tender film with modest results
Performances
Story & Narration
Technical Aspects & Music
Yellow is a gentle, introspective journey of self-discovery that centers on Aathirai (Poornima Ravi), a young woman in a stifling routine. Employed at a bank, she carries the weight of family responsibility as her father (Delhi Ganesh) recovers from a stroke. Her demanding job and the pressure to scale academic and career heights put her relationship with her boyfriend Santhosh (Sai Prasanna) under strain. As she navigates these burdens, she decides to take an impromptu trip to Kerala: a move inspired by her father and haunted by memories of her childhood.
In the opening act, Yellow establishes Aathirai’s trapped existence with clarity and empathy. Her life is a carefully constructed routine, and the only breath of fresh air is the possibility of moving forward. The emotional turmoil in her relationship and her sense of duty to her ailing father are deftly showcased. When she reaches Kerala, spurred on by her friend Jenny (Namita Krishnamurthy) the journey transforms into a voyage of healing. The film introduces a colorful ensemble of characters: Kalyani (Leela Samson), an older widow who lives with quiet regrets; a whimsical hostel warden; and Sai (Vaibhav Murugesan), a free-spirited traveler who once bought a bike from her bank and now wanders to soothe his own inner conflicts. These relationships begin to chip away at her isolation, and the promise of rediscovery gently unfolds.
After the interval, the pace stabilizes into a more contemplative but emotionally resonant rhythm. Flashbacks about Aathirai’s childhood: particularly her connection to someone known as “Chota” bring an added layer of emotional depth. Sai becomes more than a carefree wanderer; he provides a grounded companionship that helps her confront her past and present in equal measure. The second half leans into tender moments and thoughtful conversations rather than dramatic plot twists, presenting a travelogue-like narrative that feels lived-in. The film culminates in a bittersweet but graceful resolution, drawing together disparate threads of memory, regret, and hope.
The cinematography embraces warm tones and intimate framing, perfectly complementing the film’s mellow mood. Music is used sparingly but effectively, enhancing key emotional moments without overwhelming them. The editing, however, could have been sharper; a tighter cut would have strengthened the narrative flow.
Yellow is a gentle, modestly engaging drama that thrives on sincere performances and a heartfelt core. Though its slow pacing and predictable turns prevent it from being fully immersive, the film still offers a quietly reassuring experience for viewers who appreciate character-centric storytelling.