After appearing in critically-acclaimed films like "Raanjhanaa" and "Mariyaan", Dhanush is back with his third film this year - "Naiyaandi" - a comedy entertainer set around Kumbakonam.
Dhanus appears as Chinna Vandu, the youngest of three brothers (the other two played by Sriman and Sathyan) and a lamp-making shop owner. Chinna Vandu falls in love with Vana Roja (Nazriya), a BDS student, who comes to stay with her grandmother during the village carnival. Initially Vana Roja rejects him, but later reciprocates his love.
Due to circumstances, the lovers elope from their place and get married. When they return back home, they don't reveal about their wedding. Chinna Vandu employs Vana Roja in his shop, but his unmarried brothers fall for her and plan to wed her.
The rest of the story is about how Chinna Vandu handles his family members, particularly his brothers, and a goon who sets his eyes on Vana Roja.
Directed by Sargunam, "Naiyaandi" has Soori, Pyramid Natarajan, Singam Puli, Sriman, Sathyan and Imman Annachi and Vamsi Krishna in supporting roles. The film is slightly based on Malayalam comedy "Meleparambil Aanveedu (1993)", starring Jayaram and Shobana.
Here is the review roundup of "Naiyaandi"
According to Sify, "Sargunam's Naiyaandi is a slapstick family entertainer. No awkward moments that'll make you regret taking your family along. However, if you are expecting this Dhanush starrer to be a smart, rib-tickling comedy, you may be disappointed."
"'Naiyaandi' is not astounding but it is not a damp squib like most draft comedies we've had in recent times. It will be breath of fresh air for families seeking some laid back entertainment and slapstick comedy this weekend."
According to Behindwoods Review Board, "Though Naiyaandi brims with good technical values and a solid star cast, the novelty factor in the movie is minimal. When names such as Dhanush and Sargunam are associated with a movie, expectations are naturally high but Naiyaandi's brand of family entertainment is one that has been seen plenty of times."
According to Indiaglitz, "Director Sargunam too appears to have fallen for the commercial dose of film making, a calculated risk no doubt but proves a bit costly as it doesn't seem to have given the punch. The story tries hard to ride on the screenplay and that takes the movie for a drag in the first half with mediocre jokes and romance."
Verdict: Slapstick comedy entertainer that manages to evoke a few laughs.
