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96 movie review

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96 movie review

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96 movie review

96 Movie Review

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Our overall critic’s rating is not an average of the sub scores below.

96 - Official Teaser

96 - Official Teaser

96 | Song (Lyrical) - Kaathalae Kaathalae

96 | Song (Lyrical) - Kaathalae Kaathalae

96 - Official Trailer

96 - Official Trailer

96 | Song - Iravingu Theevai

96 | Song - Iravingu Theevai

96 | Song - The life Of Ram

96 | Song - The life Of Ram

96 movie review

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96 movie review

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96 movie review

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96 movie review

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96 movie review

mailsaiprasad 439 days ago

Heart touching ♥️

Mohamed Jenshema 568 days ago

SWEET MEMORIES EVERGREEN

Sandip Kakad 686 days ago

this film is real masterpiece, the love of Ram and janu

this film is real masterpiece,

Jayesh 2 1298 days ago

I guess bollywood should learn something from this movie and even the bollywood critics...

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'96' movie review: A beautiful idea, an efficient film

Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha Krishnan in 96 (Photo | YouTube)

Director: Prem Kumar

Cast: Vijay Sethupathi, Trisha

Rating: 3.5/5

96 works beautifully in theory… in the head. Long-lost lovers fitting together again — like two pieces in a jigsaw puzzle — just for an evening, after more than a decade, is a dreamy idea. He’s Ram ( Vijay Sethupathi ), and she’s, no surprises, his Janaki ( Trisha ). He’s become a photographer, and sought refuge in the very thing that’s shown to be responsible for his separation from her: Nature… Fate, destiny, call it what you will. There’s an opening card before the film begins, a word of gratitude to nature from the director. Every once in a while, there’s a nature shot to remind you of the force that seemingly governs us all, of the paths we are unwittingly guided into taking. There’s a shot of a couple of parrots on a tree. There’s one of a butterfly landing on a flower. There’s the insinuation of this incomprehensible force; the sort that brings in Ram’s students to a café at midnight. It could be an annoying coincidence; it could be another of life’s inexplicable turns. You pick.

96 movie review

He’s also a photographer because, as he says, “It’s the only way to freeze time.” It’s a facet he’s irresistibly attracted to, for it defines him in a way. He’s stuck to his past, a beautiful time in 1996 when he was in school. A time that fate cruelly snatched from him, but no, he wouldn’t move on, and lose that battle with time. He’s clung, savouring those times in his head — and in that box of memories he has stored at home. What if the central figure from his past — Janu (Trisha) — suddenly stood in front of him? What if he spent an entire evening with her, an evening of conversations?

READ | My career has come full circle: Trisha Krishnan

Its our version of Before Sunset in a sense. The man’s married there; the woman’s married here. The key difference — and it can really throw you off, like it did me — is that unlike in Linklater’s film, the couple here hit off almost immediately. It’s like mere hours have passed since they last met, not years. I had a hard time buying that these two, who change must have conspired to transform, resume almost with the same fervour. Sure, people, in a sense, return to their former selves when they meet those from their past, but surely, some layers would first have to be peeled. The other issue here, is how young Ram and Janu are when they first fall in love. In the present, they are well and truly into adulthood, and it’s convenient writing that they resume as they left.

But make no mistake, 96 is a fascinating film, a fascinating idea. It’s a film that asks all sorts of questions about the nature of love and marriage. What’s, say, infidelity? Is it spending a night at your soulmate’s house without the knowledge of your husband? Is it dreading the arrival of dawn (“Vidiyalum irulaai varudhe”)? Or is it being forced into a lifetime with a man, while you are in love with somebody else? When does a woman cross boundaries? Is it when she places her palm on a man’s chest? Is it when she smells his shirt in deep, soulful longing? And what are these boundaries anyway? This bittersweet film is an ode to the complexity of human relationships, specifically of love.

It’s of love, sure, but it’s also of nostalgia. There’s nostalgia of the variety shown in films like Autograph and Thulluvadho Ilamai, when a grown man walks the corridors of his school, savouring the smells and the sights. If only he could return to those days, just to experience those events one more time. Change, however, is indefatigable. That’s why the film starts with a line from the beautiful Anthathi: Maatrangale Vinaa, Maatrangale Vidai. Ram interacts with his watchman, feels the ghosts of his past. And when his memories take him prisoner, director Prem Kumar takes you into the past with him. The teenagers in the flashback — especially the girl who plays little Janu — are terrific. They are so good that I suspect I cared about them more than I did about the adults they become.

The nostalgia isn’t just in Ram’s return to his school. It’s in summoning his classmates for a reunion; it’s in creating a WhatsApp group to know them all again. That entire WhatsApp conversation is tastefully done, with the messages turning into voices for the screen. The nostalgia’s also there in all the renditions of Ilaiyaraaja songs. Janaki isn’t named only so she can fall in love with Ram; she’s named after the eponymous playback singer, and has inherited a haunting voice to boot. There’s no moving on from it for someone like Ram, not while you’re surrounded by televisions. Songs like Aasai Adhigam Vechu and Thendral Vandhu Theendum Bodhu get acapella renditions that hold the quiet theatre in a trance. There’s a wonderful hook here concerning the song, Yamunai Aatrile, that comes full circle into the characters’ adulthood. Vijay Sethupathi sells the scene beautifully. There’s a power cut at night. He could just savour the voice, but he knows he can’t. He needs the visual. He stumbles, runs, makes a mess of his room, and runs back with a light that leaves Janu’s face aglow. He needs that snapshot for the memory box in his head.

It’s tempting to think of 96 as a musical, given the magnificence of the songs and the piano-dominated score. The order of songs in the playlist is the order in which they are used in this film. The Nasser monologue at the end of Anthathi, in a sense, is the story. I couldn’t shake off the notion though that the film’s events struggled to match up to the evocativeness of the score. It’s likely because 96 keeps succumbing to some evident writing temptations. It’s enough to see Ram flinch when Janu gets dangerously close to him, without having to show in a later scene pay exaggerated respect to her thaali. It’s enough to see Janu and Ram be in each other’s presence for the first time in more than a decade, withou her having to touch his chest. These touches felt forced, and in a story about the delicious complexity of reality, they ended up keeping me at arm’s length from these characters.

Frankly, I don’t think I bought Trisha’s Janu too much. Vijay Sethupathi manages to bring texture to a person like Ram, who’s rather easily understood. Janu’s more complex. She’s married with a child, and yet stuck to an unfinished relationship. Yet, you never get these layers from the performance. Their respective monologues over the events at Janu’s wedding sum up the difference. She gets the lengthier dialogue, but leaves you feeling fairly underwhelmed. He gets lesser lines, but sells it with depth. The sort of aloofness that belonged to a Jessie (Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya) seems misplaced in Janu, who’s in want of more humanising.

I needed to sense more conflict. And isn’t that what differentiates adults from idealistic teenagers anyway? A sense of doubt, a sense of confusion, a sense of reluctance to peel off the layers. What’s Janu thinking as she’s stopped from saying words she can never forget? What’s she thinking as she teases Ram about his sex life? I wanted to see some sign of the adults they have become — specifically Janu.

Vijay Sethupathi plays his character with a beautiful reluctance to cross boundaries. For every step he takes forward, he takes an instinctive step backward. He drops Janu at the hotel, and refuses her invitation to go on a drive. He can’t accept it, and yet, can’t leave that hotel. He needs closure. “Enga unna vitteno, angeye dhaan irukken.” He may as well have used the same line as his Facebook relationship status. There’s a saloon metaphor somewhere, as Janu unveils the Ram she knew from the changes he’s undergone during their separation. But really, she needn’t have. Ram’s very much the same. It’s she who needed to be cajoled to return to her older self, on account of the irrevocable changes in her life. 96 is a story, an idea, I loved a bit too much, not to care about these missteps. It needed to be a bit more bitingly real.

And yet, 96, no doubt, works. It works better in the head, but that’s the effect of the film too. In thinking about the last scene, the one with the memory box, I got reminded of a Rumi poem: “Out there, beyond all concepts of right and wrong, is a field; I will meet you there…” A sense of what could be, what could have been. It’s true of the characters… and the film.

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96 movie review

96 Movie Review: Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha shine in poignant love story

Director c prem kumar's 96 starring vijay sethupathi and trisha is a tribute to unconditional love. with brilliant performance backed by a strong script, 96 is a winner, says our review..

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96 Movie Review: Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha shine in poignant love story

Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha-starrer 96 will be facing a stiff competition at the box office from Vijay Deverakonda's NOTA and Vishnu Vishal and Amala Paul-starrer Ratsasan. These three films look promising , but 96 has the highest possibility of emerging as the winner.

Prem Kumar's 96 is a story full of love, literally and metaphorically. The film, right from the word go, takes us to K Ramachandran aka Ram's life, who is a renowned travel photographer. We travel with Ram to the places he visits. He comes back to his hometown Tanjore and pays a visit to his school, setting him off on a path down memory lane.

He calls his friend Murali (Bagavathi Perumal), who adds him to a dormant WhatsApp group. The '96 batchmates plan a reunion in Chennai. It is where high school sweethearts Ram and Janu aka Janaki Devi meet each other after a gap of 22 years.

Ram and Janu go through a flood of emotions when they meet after a hiatus and so do we. Director Prem Kumar's story is elegant and simple, and he does not give in to cinematic cliches. He takes the film forward at a leisurely pace and pays utmost attention to minute details.

We get Ram and Janu's adorable teenage romance intercut with sequences from the reunion. Ram and Janu's young days take us back to their schooldays. From the schoolbags to the two plaits, everything screams 90s and makes us reminisce our schooldays.

Adithya Bhaskar and Gouri Kishan play the young Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha respectively. Adithya's character Ram is a timid boy and his heart skips a beat whenever he sees Janu (Gouri). Both Adithya and Gouri have delivered nuanced performances despite being newcomers. In fact, 96 makes us feel like we are right there with them, in school.

There is nothing at fault with the performances of Vijay Sethupathi, Trisha, Adithya and Gouri Kishan. Ram and Janu do not speak much, but they are obsessed with each other. They exchange loving glances and look after each other with all their heart.

Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha give their career-best performances and they convey their emotions with their eyes.

96 is an ode to the unconditional love shared by two beautiful souls. It may seem impossible to expect a love story like Ram and Janu's today. But, for some reason, their characterisations make you root for them. Seeing Ram and Janu, you wish with all your heart for them to lead a life together.

Ram and Janu have a night to spend to discover why they didn't end up with each other. The second half is full of heart-warming conversations between the two and one can't help but feel for both of them.

They are two mature people expressing their love for each other. In a particular scene, Ram and Janu have a deep conversation. They know that their relationship has limitations and that they cannot take it anywhere.

Yet, Ram and Janu muster up the courage to find out why and where they failed in stitching together a relationship. That particular scene shows the various emotions that Ram and Janu go through, telling viewers the importance of letting go of what you really love.

Though the runtime of 96 is lengthy, there are plenty of sequences that will move you. Throughout the film, you can't help but smile at these beautifully etched scenes.

The soul of 96 in Govind Menon's soothing music. Kadhale Kadhale was an instant favourite and its placement in the film is just magical to watch.

Bagavathi Perumal, Aadukalam Murugadoss, Janagaraj, Devadarshini and her daughter have given their best. 96 is a poignant romantic tale of Ram and Janu which will make you nostalgic.

Director C Prem Kumar's 96 starring Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha is a tribute to unconditional love. With brilliant performance backed by a strong script, 96 is a winner, says our review.

4/5 stars for 96.

ALSO SEE | Why Trisha and Vijay Sethupathi film 96 is already a blockbuster

ALSO WATCH | Trisha Krishnan gets trolled on twitter by Jallikattu supporters

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96 movie review

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96 taps into nostalgia to leave us with a high that only happy associations with our past can evoke.

96 movie review

96 Movie Review

  • Times of India

In-depth Analysis

Our overall critic’s rating is not an average of the sub scores below.

96 - Official Teaser

96 - Official Teaser

96 | Song (Lyrical) - Kaathalae Kaathalae

96 | Song (Lyrical) - Kaathalae Kaathalae

96 - Official Trailer

96 - Official Trailer

96 | Song - Iravingu Theevai

96 | Song - Iravingu Theevai

96 | Song - The life Of Ram

96 | Song - The life Of Ram

96 movie review

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96 movie review

Govind Vasantha

96 movie review

Karthik Netha

96 movie review

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96 movie review

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96 movie review

mailsaiprasad 439 days ago

Heart touching ♥️

Mohamed Jenshema 568 days ago

SWEET MEMORIES EVERGREEN

Sandip Kakad 686 days ago

this film is real masterpiece, the love of Ram and janu

this film is real masterpiece,

Jayesh 2 1298 days ago

I guess bollywood should learn something from this movie and even the bollywood critics...

96 movie review

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96 movie review

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96 movie review

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96 movie review

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96 movie review

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  • This film marks the first collaboration of uncle-nephew duo Anil Kapoor and Arjun Kapoor. Arjun is the son of Anil’s brother Boney Kapoor. Share
  • This film marks the first collaboration of uncle-nephew duo Anil Kapoor and Arjun Kapoor. Arjun is the son of Anil’s brother Boney Kapoor.
  • This is the second time Arjun Kapoor is playing a double role, the first being Aurangzeb (2013).
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96 movie review

96 movie review: Vijay Sethupathi, Trisha's winning romance is devoid of melodrama, clichés

96 is a refreshingly fresh romantic trip down the memory lane with outstanding performances by its charming lead pair – Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha. With the film, Prem Kumar, a cameraman turned director, offers stunning visuals and soothing music. By the end of this mature love story, you will fall in love with it. Advertisement The film packs on nostalgia as it is about high school sweethearts, Ram ( Vijay Sethupathi ) and Janu ( Trisha ) who are meeting up after 22 years, at a ‘96 batch reunion.

96 movie review: Vijay Sethupathi, Trisha's winning romance is devoid of melodrama, clichés

96  is a refreshingly fresh romantic trip down the memory lane with outstanding performances by its charming lead pair – Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha. With the film, Prem Kumar, a cameraman turned director, offers stunning visuals and soothing music. By the end of this mature love story, you will fall in love with it.

The film packs on nostalgia as it is about high school sweethearts, Ram ( Vijay Sethupathi ) and Janu ( Trisha ) who are meeting up after 22 years, at a ‘96 batch reunion. The rekindling of the old sparks sets the tone for a very simple yet straightforward story told with a lot of passion and some beautifully crafted scenes. Ilayaraja’s hit music from the 1980s and 90s, which has been used at multiple points in the film, does its job of enhancing the narration.

Ram (Vijay Sethupathi) is a noted travel photographer who also teaches the skill to a few students. By nature, he is a bit aloof and shy. During a trip to his hometown Thanjavur, some old memories come rushing back to him as he visits his school. Urged by the school watchman (played by veteran comedian Janakraj in a cameo), he calls up his school best friend (Bhagavathi Perumal), who adds him to their class’ WhatsApp group. His classmates are delighted to see the elusive Ram join their group and soon, they start planning a big reunion in Chennai, where most of them now reside.

The first half whips up nostalgic memories of the lead pair’s school days. We are told that Ram was just an average student, madly in love with his classmate and singer Janaki, aka Janu. With that, their teenage romance unfolds on screen, convincingly captured by the director via two fantastic young actors Adithya Bhaskar (son of character actor MS Bhaskar) and Gouri Kishan. The nineties’ small-town school milieu and the public’s craze for Ilayaraja’s music has been explored well.

The second half marks Sethupathi and Trisha’s reunion as Ram and Janu (now married and settled in Singapore) meet after 22 years. The former lovers go through a flood of emotions after they meet, making you root for them. The second half is interesting and conversational but what grabs you is the smart writing - reasons are given as to why they never got in touch with each other after a sudden separation despite being madly in love with each other, which keep you from wandering off. The backstory is told in an understated yet touching manner without any melodramatic clichés. In a way, 96 is also a study of two contrasting characters where the heroine is definitely stronger and more assertive than the male.

There are also certain scenes in the film which stand out. The school scenes are beautifully picturised and a scene in the second half where Janu asks Ram whether he is still a virgin, is a hoot. The heartwarming conversations between the lead pair and the winning climax which reinforces what one already knows: letting go of what you really love, has been translated to the screen effectively by Kumar. The colour tonality, locations of Chennai and overall composition of the frames enhance the narrative along with Govind Menon’s music.

The film has a lingering touch and feel of Cheran’s Autograph (2004) and Thangar Bachchan’s Azhagi (2002). The only drawback of the film is its length — 157 minutes — which is too long for a walk down the memory lane. It is a casting coup of sorts where Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha play matured lovers, and that has worked to the advantage of the film along with the actors who play their younger selves. The supporting cast of Devadarshini, Bhagavathi Perumal , Aadukalam Murgadoss who appear as friends are perfect in their roles. On the whole, if you like romance, 96 is pure magic.

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96 movie review

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'96 Reviews

96 movie review

The film will take you on a nostalgic trip to your school days and old flames.

Full Review | Jan 16, 2024

Set to Govind Vasantha's amazing music and score, it's a simple nostalgia that resists becoming melodrama.

96 movie review

96 is a wonderful, sensitive and honest love film that takes us, just like Ramachandran, back in time and makes us reminisce without ever being too corny or soppy.

Full Review | Original Score: 8/10 | Apr 25, 2022

96 movie review

The writing is terrific as is the acting of Trisha Krishnan and Vijay Sethupathi.

Full Review | May 18, 2020

96 movie review

Vijay Sethupathi sails through the film effortlessly in his role and Trisha also aces her performance as a married woman who can't stop indulging in emotional infidelity.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Dec 11, 2018

96 movie review

Kumar's 96 is a classic love story that will be fondly remembered.

Full Review | Oct 11, 2018

96 movie review

Janaki is Trisha's most rounded character since Jessie in Vinnai Thaandi Varuvaaya. Her innate coolness and reserve serve Janaki beautifully.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Oct 5, 2018

On the whole, if you like romance, 96 is pure magic.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5 | Oct 5, 2018

Understated performances complement Prem Kumar's storytelling lyricism, and create magic.

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96 movie review: Vijay Sethupathi shines, Trisha's best-ever act in must-watch story

96 movie review

Director : Prem Kumar

Cast : Vijay Sethupathi, Trisha, Adhithya Bhaskar, Gauri Kishan, Devadarshini

With 96, Prem Kumar, the cinematographer-turned-debut filmmaker has not made a film, but woven pure and impeccable poetry on celluloid. 96 is a matured love story and, in a way, a difficult plot to handle — one that is akin to walking a tight rope: just a little bit of misdirection will make it banal. But a self-assured Prem builds it in a realistic way that it works absolutely perfect.

Ramachandran (Vijay Sethupathi) is a travel photographer who loves to tour and capture passionate moments on his camera. A chance visit to his hometown Tanjore rekindles his fond memories. He recalls his childhood days — the hospital where he was born, the first big shopping centre in the town and finally stops at the school where he studied in 1996, where he met the love of his life Janaki Devi aka Jhanu (Gauri Kishan) while in 10 th grade. While Ram (Adithya Bhaskar) is an introvert, Jhanu is quite fearless and likes him too. Circumstances drift them apart.

Cut to present, Ram wants to have a reunion of class ’96. There he meets Subha (Devadarshini), Murali (Bhagavathi Perumal), Satish (Aadukalam Murugadoss) and then arrives Jhanu (Trisha), now married and settled in Singapore. Both Ram and Jhanu are flustered and excited by how they get to meet once again after a gap of 22 years. In each other's eyes there is delight and shock. The rest is all about how they live the present moment, given that Jhanu has a flight to catch early next morning with intercuts of the past narrated in a heartening and captivating manner.

The lead pair of Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha has achieved a remarkable feat by penetrating the lives of their characters. You can feel the chemistry, the sparks flying, but no overtures, only simple and pure love. The duo emotes as they talk while on a walk, and their sincere outpourings begin to make you wonder as to why can't they just be in unison!

A natural performer that he is, VSP shines every bit in the film. Don’t miss his embarrassing yet proud feeling when Trisha asks him, ‘Are you still a virgin? Has no girl told you that she has fallen for you? Nee Aambala Naattu Kattada.’

You can easily call it Trisha’s best-ever performance till date. With her nuanced expressions combined with class and elegance, Trisha looks like a dream and acts like one.

The two youngsters, Adhitya, as younger Vijay Sethupathi, and Gauri, as younger Trisha, are aptly cast and they have performed exceptionally well. Every other character including Bhagavathy Perumal, Devadarshini and Murugadoss, who play classmates, Janagaraj and Kavithalaya Krishnan, in cameos, have given a laudable account. Though one feels the movie drags a bit in the second half, you need that kind of space for a script like this. The closing shots, where the duo parts ways, leave you in tears; still the director has ended the film on an optimistic note.

Govind Vasantha’s enthralling music and the emotionally-charged songs, combined with its visual splendour, hugely elevate the proceedings, especially the ‘Kadhale Kadhale’ song. And the director has beautifully utilised Ilayaraja’s evergreen songs in nostalgic moments and the soulful number ‘Yamunai Aattrile’ in a fitting situation. Shanmugasundaram and Mahendran’s alluring frames warrant mention. Prem’s honest attempt of portraying the true essence of love without taking any cinematic liberties makes 96 the kind of genre-defining film that creates a benchmark for many years to come. A must-watch movie!

Anupama Subramanian

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96 MOVIE REVIEW CLICK TO RATE THE MOVIE

Govind Vasantha's songs and background score is the life of the film and it feeds the right emotions. 96 is a musically rich film and kudos to Govind putting out a soulful score. Shanmuga Sundaram and Mahendiran Jeyaraju's visuals look colorful, capturing the beauty of nature apart from the beauty of the leads. In a fast moving world like this, we tend to miss the scenic beauty that is around us in our day to day life, and 96 will be a reality check to that. Govindaraj's editing looks mature and neat with no external hindrances. To put it in simple words, 96 is a breezy and heartwarming romantic tale that Tamil cinema audience shouldn't miss. The entire team of 96 have come together to throw some positivity to the audience. [Reviewed after a special preview show on Monday, October 1st. Movie releases on Thursday, October 4th.]

96 VIDEO REVIEW

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96 NEWS STORIES

Vijay Sethupathi's 96 to be remade - Official details here!

Vijay Sethupathi's 96 to be remade - Official details here!

I am scared now - Vijay Sethupathi

"I am scared now" - Vijay Sethupathi

Vijay Sethupathi's official statement on the income tax controversy!

Vijay Sethupathi's official statement on the income tax controversy!

Kaathalae Kaathalae Unplugged With Chinmayi | 96 | Trisha, Samantha

Kaathalae Kaathalae Unplugged With Chinmayi | 96 | Trisha, Samantha

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96 movie review

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I recall watching the teaser trailer and getting an eerie feeling about the movie. The haunting background music with the words “ Kaathale Kaathale”  with Trisha’s expressions in her yellow churidar and Vijay’s coyness drew me in wanting to know more.

Watching the movie, it did not disappoint.  It’s a story about two high school students Jannu (Trisha) and Ram (Vijay), and how they fall in love for each other in 10th standard and then meet again at a reunion after 22 years. Their story and how they never end up together is delicately crafted and told. Trisha’s eyes beautifully do all the acting meanwhile Vijay shines with his boyish looks and shyness. In addition, the younger versions of themselves in a time period where no smartphones exist do a wonderful job of setting the tone for the movie. Beautifully composed music is interspersed throughout the movie with each song having depth and meaning. The final scene in the airport leaves you with tears rolling as the scene unfolds.

trisha

Everyone has a story to tell and movies tend to tell these stories which we relate, compare, find hope and inspiration to understand our own journey and battles. Love takes many forms and dimensions, whether physical, emotional or spiritual. The movie 96 focuses on the emotional element of this love in a raw form depicting it through Jannu and Ram’s lives. We as an audience, are left with a genuine and endearing experience of this love.

vijay

One important scene in the movie after the reunion is when Ram asks Jannu if she is happy with her life, and she responds that she is at peace (Nimathi in Tamil). This was a very important response. We often get asked this question "are you happy in your marriage/life” and answering in any response other than "yes" seems deficient. Life has its many ups and downs, and it’s impossible to be happy continuously. We all have moments of happiness with doses of sadness and sometimes regret where we took certain actions or where we didn’t. Working towards a life of well-being (peace) is better than a model of continuous happiness. What peace looks like to you may differ to others, but it’s important to know what it means to yourself and work towards always improving that. The characters in  96 depict all these range of emotions but also circles back to the meaning that ultimately living a good life, a life at peace is a good life to live.

A criticism I often hear is that Ram is not happy with his life because he remains single and doesn’t move on. On the contrary, I found he made a decision to cherish the love he had in his life and doesn’t have regrets with his decision to not get married. He focused on his career in photography in which he excelled at and maintains to be at peace (shown in the opening song: Life of Ram). 96 shows us that not all love stories need to have a fairytale ending and maybe the love itself is the fairytale. 

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96 Movie Review: Vijay Sethupathi And Trisha's Poignant Take On First Love And Loss Is The Kind To Moist Your Eyes And Heart

Vijay sethupathi and trisha's romance drama 96 explores these classroom walls, the desperation to want to see the 'one and only' and circumstantial loss that was justified..

96 Movie Review: Vijay Sethupathi And Trisha's Poignant Take On First Love And Loss Is The Kind To Moist Your Eyes And Heart

We all remember that one boy or girl from our class who literally touched all the crevices of our heart only to go different ways after completing school. We all also remember the feeling of loss of first love when there was no way for us to reconnect with that first love that was born behind the four walls of a classroom and died on the desk of the classroom with nothing but a doodle with our names. Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha's romance drama 96 explores these classroom walls, the desperation to want to see the 'one and only' and circumstantial loss that was justified.

The film kicks off with Vijay Sethupathi aka K Ramachandran taking over the entire screen with his salt and pepper beard and long hair set in a sleek look. He carries his camera and takes off on a journey of finding beauty in the world. He is a travel photographer by profession and he sure is a good one. During one of his quests, his car takes him to Thanjavur, the place where he grew and where his love for Trisha aka Janu (Janaki Devi) actualised.  Entering his school takes him through a journey of nostalgia within his mind that results in him asking his friends for a reunion. Well, the rest is him, spending the last few hours with his first love, until he bids her adieu.

Vijay Sethupathi's transformation from a daredevil photographer to a puny mouse after seeing his first love walk the lawn where the reunion takes place is class apart! He turns into the same 15-year-old boy who fell in love with Janu (lovingly called by everyone). Their behaviour as 15-year-olds upon seeing each other after 22 years worries their friends. "We did the right thing, right?" they wonder. "Nothing wrong would happen tonight, right?" Their concerns grow. However, despite that, the duo continue to unravel answers over what went wrong, what could've gone right, the what if's and but's constantly take over their mind.  96 Trailer: Trisha – Vijay Sethupathi’s Chemistry and Govind Vasantha’s Music Composition Makes This Romantic Tale Heartwarming – Watch Video

Speaking of their school time together, we are taken back to the year '94, when they first fell in love and the last time they were ever together. The constant shift in the frame from '94 to present day to '97 to present day invokes Virginia Wolfe's, Mrs Dalloway . The book entails Mrs Dalloway's present life while her heart lives in the past, in the arms of the one love that got away. The flashbacks in the film teamed with the impeccable music offer poignance to every frame and scene. They touch upon each and every subject about each other while they spend the last few hours together.

"Are you still here?" "Are you still around?" asks Janu on the phone call to K Ramachandran after he drops her at her hotel. He says, "I'm right where you left me," this scene literally gives the chills. The symbolism is a testament to how K Ramachandran hasn't really moved on and has held a room for his first love to be his last. The music further elevates the experience of each and every scene. Govind Vasantha lives the moment on the screen by adding his compositions that don't fail leave an impression on the audience.

- Vijay Sethupathi's impeccable screen presence!

- Trisha's ability to match up with her co-star's mindblowing performance.

- The use of symbolism to emphasise each and every frame.

- Melodies of the past films churned out beautifully by composer Govind Vasantha.

- Director Prem Kumar's idealistic vision

- Engaging cinematography curated by Shanmuga Sundaram.

- Strong and entertaining supporting cast that includes Devadarshini and Bagavathi Perumal

- Lacks pace.

- Unwanted highlighting of scenes that don't yield significance.

- Parts and spaces during a scene that is hollow and empty.

Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha's emotive standalone moments bring so much brilliance on the screen that it definitely deserves to be applauded by an audience. The cast chosen to play every character including the younger versions of Janaki and K Ramachandran is phenomenal. The music really gets to you as the scenes leave a mark of excellence. The movie is curated for romantics who believe in soulmates. Yes, the movie should definitely be on your 'watch list' this weekend!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 05, 2018 08:39 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com ).

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96 movie review

S5 Ep4024: "Women of Song" w/ Fiona Frenche 3-25-24; Airs Mondays at 4pm on 96.7 FM RadioStPete.com

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  • March 28, 2024 (United Kingdom)
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  1. 96 movie stills: Vijay Sethupathi, Trisha Krishnan's film set for grand

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  2. 96 Movie Review: An Exquisite Story of The Beautifully Heart-Breaking

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  3. 96 (2018) Tamil Romantic Movie

    96 movie review

  4. 96 movie review: Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha shine in exquisite love

    96 movie review

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  6. 96 Movie Review: Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha star in a soul-stirring

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COMMENTS

  1. 96 Movie Review {3.5/5}: 96 taps into nostalgia to leave us with a high

    96 Movie Review: There is a lot to fall in love with 96, a wistful romantic film about a past romance, like Autograph and Premam. But what sets Prem Kumar's film apart from the others is that it ...

  2. 96 Movie Review

    96 Movie Review. C. Prem Kumar's film, starring Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha, is a refreshingly unsentimental post-breakup love story, elevated by superb performances ... It makes sense that Ram (Vijay Sethupathi), the protagonist of C. Prem Kumar's 96 (as in 1996, the year Ram's class graduated from high school), is a travel photographer. The ...

  3. '96' movie review: A beautiful idea, an efficient film

    Director: Prem Kumar. Cast: Vijay Sethupathi, Trisha. Rating: 3.5/5. 96 works beautifully in theory… in the head. Long-lost lovers fitting together again — like two pieces in a jigsaw puzzle ...

  4. '96

    Audience Reviews for '96. There are no featured audience reviews for '96 at this time. See All Audience Reviews Movie & TV guides View All. Play Daily Tomato Movie Trivia . Awards Tour ...

  5. 96 Movie Review: Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha shine in poignant love story

    96 is a poignant romantic tale of Ram and Janu which will make you nostalgic. Director C Prem Kumar's 96 starring Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha is a tribute to unconditional love. With brilliant performance backed by a strong script, 96 is a winner, says our review. 4/5 stars for 96.

  6. 96 Movie Review {3.5/5}: 96 taps into nostalgia to leave us with a high

    96 Movie Review: There is a lot to fall in love with 96, a wistful romantic film about a past romance, like Autograph and Premam. But what sets Prem Kumar's film apart from the others is that it gives equal importance to the romance of its female lead. It does begin as the story of its male lead, Ram (Vijay Sethupathi), a travel photographer.

  7. 96 (2018)

    Permalink. 10/10. A beautiful ride through memory lane. senthilkg 5 October 2018. 96 is a elegant movie that is delicately crafted to bring out powerful emotions in you. Many moments scripted in the movie are minutes that are common to most 90's kids. These moments are heavy and heart breaking but also revitaliing.

  8. 96 movie review: Vijay Sethupathi, Trisha's winning romance is devoid

    96 is a refreshingly fresh romantic trip down the memory lane with outstanding performances by its charming lead pair - Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha. With the film, Prem Kumar, a cameraman turned director, offers stunning visuals and soothing music. By the end of this mature love story, you will fall in love with it. Advertisement The film packs on nostalgia as it is about high school ...

  9. '96

    96 is a wonderful, sensitive and honest love film that takes us, just like Ramachandran, back in time and makes us reminisce without ever being too corny or soppy. Full Review | Original Score: 8/ ...

  10. 96 movie review: Vijay Sethupathi shines, Trisha's best-ever act in

    With 96, Prem Kumar, the cinematographer-turned-debut filmmaker has not made a film, but woven pure and impeccable poetry on celluloid. ... 96 movie review: Vijay Sethupathi shines, Trisha's best ...

  11. 96 movie review: Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha shine in exquisite love

    96 movie review: Vijay Sethupathi's Ram is an embodiment of romantic pain. 96 movie cast: Vijay Sethupathi, Trisha 96 movie director: C Prem Kumar 96 movie rating: 3 stars. The numerical title of debutant director C. Prem Kumar's romantic drama refers to the year 1996. That year a batch of class 10 students passed out from a private school ...

  12. '96' review: This Vijay Sethupathi-Trisha film is beautiful, heartbreaking

    The premise of the film is deceptively simple - two high school sweethearts from the batch of 1996 meet at a reunion, 22 years after they part. Fifteen minutes into the film 96, 37-year-old K ...

  13. 96 (2018)

    96: Directed by C. Prem Kumar. With Vijay Sethupathi, Adithya Bhaskar, Trisha Krishnan, Gouri Kishan. Two high school sweethearts meet at a reunion after 22 years and reminisce about their past.

  14. '96' review: on nostalgic love

    '96' review: Embark on this nostalgic trip with lilting music The film will take you on a nostalgic trip to your school days and old flames October 04, 2018 06:17 pm | Updated October 05, 2018 ...

  15. 96 (aka) Ninty Six review

    96 (aka) Ninty Six review. 96 (aka) ninty six is a Tamil movie. Trisha, Vijay Sethupathi are part of the cast of 96 (aka) ninty six. The movie is directed by C Prem Kumar. Music is by Govind Menon.

  16. '96 (film)

    Box office. ₹50 crore [3] '96 is a 2018 Indian Tamil -language romantic drama film [4] written and directed by C. Prem Kumar in his directorial debut. Produced by S. Nanthagopal of Madras Enterprises, the film was distributed by Lalit Kumar under his banner Seven Screen Studio. Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha Krishnan are in the prominent roles ...

  17. 96 Film Review: Epic Love Stories Don't Need A Fairytale Ending

    The movie 96 focuses on the emotional element of this love in a raw form depicting it through Jannu and Ram's lives. We as an audience, are left with a genuine and endearing experience of this love. One important scene in the movie after the reunion is when Ram asks Jannu if she is happy with her life, and she responds that she is at peace ...

  18. '96' movie review: All about love and memories

    Film: '96 Director: C Prem Kumar Cast: Trisha, Vijay Sethupathi Rating: 4/5 Just as the popular Kathale song from the movie predicts, '96 is all about love.

  19. 96 Movie Review: Vijay Sethupathi And Trisha's Poignant Take ...

    Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha's romance drama 96 explores these classroom walls, the desperation to want to see the 'one and only' and circumstantial loss that was justified. 🎥 96 Movie Review: Vijay Sethupathi And Trisha's Poignant Take On First Love And Loss Is The Kind To Moist Your Eyes And Heart.

  20. 96 (2018)

    Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thejimmycage Subscribe: http://bit.ly/JimmyCage-Subscribe Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheJimmyCage Instagram: https://...

  21. 96 Movie Review

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  22. 96

    Here is our review of 96!#Tamil #TamilMovieReview #96THANKS SO MUCH TO OUR EXTRA JUICY PATREON SUPPORTERS HANOZ NAVDAR & SASI KUMARBe a patron for us and sup...

  23. "Tampa Bay Podcast Archive" S5 Ep4024: "Women of Song" w/ Fiona ...

    IMDb is the world's most popular and authoritative source for movie, TV and celebrity content. Find ratings and reviews for the newest movie and TV shows. Get personalized recommendations, and learn where to watch across hundreds of streaming providers.

  24. 96 Movie Explained In Hindi

    96 Movie Explained In Hindi. 96 Full Movie Details & Discussion In Hindi. 96 Movie Review By Deeksha Sharma In Hindi. In this Video I will be sharing my thou...