Mani Ratnam has a very keen eye for visuals. And we have seen this through all his films. From the gritty Nayagan and Thalapathy, to the energetic Aayitha Ezhuthu and Iruvar, the cinematography has been top notch, with creative uniqueness in the way each shot is composed and staged. One could say that Visually, Kaatru Veilyidai is Mani Ratnam at his absolute best. The Production design and costumes are brilliant and fit the era perfectly, especially the Kargil War portions, or think of the "Kelaayo" tango, each set is designed with painstaking detail to give us beautiful imagery. Some of the Shots are pure visual poetry. Example, when the camera zooms into a car covered in snow, and the windwipers play across the windscreen to separately reveal VC and Leela.Its pure visual storytelling. There are many more moments like this in the film where mani ratnam's genius and Ravi Varma's skill shine through.
However, a technically satisfying film doesn't neccesarily mean it is emotionally satisfying. Kaatru Veliyidai tells the tale of an abusive relationship between Indian Air Force pilot VC and a doctor Leela. The contrast is instantaneous. One kills for a living. One saves lives for a living. And the visual symbolism accentuates this throught the film. Karthi as VC is totally believable and fantastic. At times he is the Uber cool, masculine jock, and at times he flips and becomes monstrous. Leela is the total opposite. A full on romantic, Leela is more of a delicate flower hiding a strong core, and yet is constantly trampled upon by the insensitive and unempathetic VC. All this is convincing, and the scenes that depict VC's emotional abuse are both subtle yet intense.
However, where the film fails is Kathi's transformation from an ar
However, a technically satisfying film doesn't neccesarily mean it is emotionally satisfying. Kaatru Veliyidai tells the tale of an abusive relationship between Indian Air Force pilot VC and a doctor Leela. The contrast is instantaneous. One kills for a living. One saves lives for a living. And the visual symbolism accentuates this throught the film. Karthi as VC is totally believable and fantastic. At times he is the Uber cool, masculine jock, and at times he flips and becomes monstrous. Leela is the total opposite. A full on romantic, Leela is more of a delicate flower hiding a strong core, and yet is constantly trampled upon by the insensitive and unempathetic VC. All this is convincing, and the scenes that depict VC's emotional abuse are both subtle yet intense.
However, where the film fails is Kathi's transformation from an ar