The third in Mani Ratnam's love-weds-terrorism scripts, Kannathil Muthamittal (translated to 'A peck on the cheek') is the story of Amudha, who on her ninth birthday learns from her parents Thiruchelvan and Indra (Madhavan and Simran), that she is an adopted child. The attempt to find out more about her real parents brings Amudha all the way to war-ravaged Sri Lanka, where she finds out the truth behind her parentage.

The film is completely watchable just for child star Keerthana, who plays Amudha -- she went on to win a National Award for her believable acting as the confused and hurt child. Add to it the performances of Nandita Das, Simran, Madhavan and Prakash Raj, gorgeously picturised songs (and the most goosepimply song you will ever hear about the futility of war, sung by MS Viswanathan), and you have the complete package.