‘60 Vayadhu Maaniram’ story tugs at the heart strings

By Mythily Ramachandran

Director Radhamohan’s remake of Kannada film, ‘Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu,’ is a poignant tale about Alzheimer’s patients told through an entertaining story.

Prakash Raj plays Govindarajan- a retired Mathematics Professor suffering from Alzheimer’s, who goes missing from the nursing home he is staying. His son, Shiva (Vikram Prabhu), a soft-ware professional goes in search of his father. Does he find him? 

Without being preachy, the narrative looks into the lives of Alzheimer patients. A grim reality is presented through different patients’ condition  at the nursing centre. Govindarajan’s early symptoms show when he forgets to pay the auto-driver, who is kept waiting outside for quite some time. But when he is unable to recall the word ‘watch’ and points to his wrist instead, Shiva consults a doctor with his father.

Pointing fingers at the hurried pace of life today that makes us irritable and leaves us with no time for family, Radhamohan takes Shiva on a quest for his father. Along this journey Shiva also discovers himself. 

There is a sub-plot over a murder running parallel to the main story. Samuthrakani is a gangster entrusted with this killing, but something goes wrong en-route and he is forced to hide.

Radhamohan’s trademark humour will keep you chuckling. The situational comedy is hilarious. While being sensitive to Govindarajan’s condition, his naïve and innocent intrusions in the scenes entertain.

Love blossoms between Shiva and Dr. Archana (Indhuja) who accompanies him in his search for his father- more of a mature relationship and without the usual song duets.

The actors are brilliant. Prakash Raj steals the show with his Govindrajan-childlike and loving. Vikram Prabhu’s performance is mature and subtle and Indhuja matches pace with him. Samuthrakani the versatile actor is at his best. Elango Kumaravel’s comic timings are wonderful.

’60 Vayadhu Maaniram’ is a family entertainer that conveys a message-What happens when our loved ones lose their bearings!