Aandavan Kattalai’ entertains with a simple story  

By Mythily Ramachandran

Tamil director Manikandan is back with another entertainer that while tickling viewers also send home a few points on the existing system in society. 

Manikandan had explored the effects of globalization on two little slum boys, in his debut film, ‘Kaakka Muttai.’ Now he takes on a story that reveals the hurdles in procuring a London visa or for that matter even a simple Indian passport.  

Gandhi, (Vijay Sethupathi)  debt-ridden, leaves his home near Madurai and arrives in Chennai to get a London visa so that he can bring home the proverbial pot of gold. His friend Pandi (Yogi Babu) accompanies him with the same London dreams.

When a travel agent suggests that a married status on their passport application form will increase their chances of getting a visa, Gandhi, much against his wishes, mentions a name of a fictitious wife, Karmegha Kuzhali. However, during the visa interview, a simple honest answer leads to the rejection of Gandhi’s visa, while Pandi’s London visa comes through.

Gandhi finds work in Chennai in a theater company and when his employer, (Nasser)  decides to take him to London for a show, his married status comes in the way. And, to undo one lie, Gandhi is caught in a mesh with lawyers who have no qualms of distorting facts further.

The screenplay written by Arul Chezhiyan, Manikandan and Anucharan dwells on Gandhi’s travails, told in an engaging and humorous manner.
The comedy is not in the face forcing you to laugh. Humour is drawn from the daily humdrum of life, be it at the travel agent’s office; or in the exchange between Karmegha Kuzhil and her mom; or the family court where couples seek a divorce.
I particularly enjoyed the scenes with Gandhi's two lawyers. Actors George and Nandhini were wonderful.

‘Aandavan Kattalai’ is not only about the protagonist’s journey- the supporting characters leave an indelible impression.
Nesan, the Sri Lankan refugee living incognito in Chennai, who comes up with solutions to solve Gandhi’s predicament, reminds you of that friend who gets you into trouble without intending to. Aravindan plays this role with conviction. Yogi Babu keeps the laughs coming. Rithika Singh after impressing us with ‘Iruddhi Suttru’ emphasizes again that her debut performance was not just a flash in the pan. Sethupathi carries his Gandhi effortlessly and is a treat to watch. Give Nasser any role and the veteran does justice to it.

Without shouting hoarse over a social message, Manikandan stresses the importance of avoiding middle- men, like agents and touts and instead follow the direct procedure for procuring a document.

Go for ‘Aandavan Kattalai’ and take your family too. It’s a clean and fun film.  And, believe it or not, there was not a single duet or song, though composer K’s background score sometimes came in the way of some dialogues.