Review: Ainthu Ainthu Ainthu is a breezy entertainer

S Saraswathi says Ainthu Ainthu Ainthu is a romantic thriller that has all the necessary twists and turns which will definitely entertain the audience.

The makers of Bharat starrer Ainthu Ainthu Ainthu seemed to have decided to cash in on the unexpected delay in the release of Ilayathalapathy Vijay’s Thalaivaa.  Bharat’s film was originally slated to be released on the August 15 but has been released ahead of schedule on the 10th. 

Written and directed by Sasi of Poo fame, this romantic thriller has been in the making for almost two years now.  The film stars Bharat in the lead role along with a supporting cast of Mirthika, Erica Fernandes, Sudesh Berry and Santhanam.

A dangerous looking Aravind (Bharat) with a patchwork of scars crisscrossing his face staring blankly at a television screen showing a pretty Liyana (Mirthika) chasing a bunch of balloons on the beach is the opening scene of Ainthu Ainthu Ainthu. Heavy rains and lightening create the atmosphere while Aravind, who is getting increasingly agitated, gazes alternately at the screen and a photograph of himself and Liyana.

We are now introduced to his brother Gopal (Santhanam), who forces him to take his medication to help him sleep.

We later learn that a few months ago, Aravind had met with a terrible accident that left him physically and emotionally scarred.  He is currently being treated for some psychotic disorder.  Aravind claims that during the accident, his girlfriend was with him and she died in his arms.

The strange thing is that such a girl does not seem to exist at all.  No one has seen or even heard of her; she does not appear in the student list in her college or even the census reports. She is not mentioned in the newspaper reports of the accident either and some strangers are occupying her home.

The psychiatrist is of the opinion that Liyana is a figment of Aravind’s

imagination and exists only in his mind. Unable to convince even Gopal of her existence, Aravind tries to get on with his life by going back to work. Here he meets Manjari (Erica Fernandes), a colleague, who sympathises with him and also tries to help find some clue to Liyana’s identity.

Despite all evidence against Liyana’s existence, memories of her and their love continue to haunt Aravind. Fortunately for him, a chance meeting with Liyana’s aunt sets the ball rolling.

Things begin to unravel and suddenly there is action and violence with plenty of twists and turns that are not always logical. We also have a love-struck villain, Sudesh Berry, who has a romantic flashback set in the villages of colourful Gujarat.

Music by Simon in Ainthu Ainthu Ainthu is not very impressive; the songs seem to have been inserted at suitable intervals without any regard to the narrative.  The highly publicised hip hop song Elavu, sung by Simon himself, has some reflective lyrics about the last rites performed after death. 

Bharat has the right look and is quite consistent in his performance as a confused, vulnerable yet violent and angry character. The clean-shaven good-looking lover boy image contrasts greatly with the long-haired scarred one, and Bharat has managed to do justice to both. Also, in a fight in the climax, Bharat displays in full splendour the much-talked-about six-pack body with massive arms and shoulders.

All the other characters have also played their parts well enough.  However, there is a bit too much sweetness and naiveté in Mirthika’s character that is hard to digest.  Santhanam, surprisingly, has little to do in the film.

And though we see glimpses of other films in Sasi’s Ainthu Ainthu Ainthu and the plot is not deeply engrossing, the film certainly has enough suspense and is filled with plenty of unexpected twists and turns that manage to keep the audience entertained.  

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