Parthiban Kanavu, which has a lot of characteristics that have been missing in Tamil movies recently, comes as a breath of fresh air to Tamil cinema. Though simple and unassuming, it is an elegant, decent film that offers a complete package with a strong story with unexpected surprises, meaningful script, nice performances, superb soundtrack and funny comedy.

Parthiban(Srikanth) never lasts more than two months in any job since he becomes restless with its monotonous nature. His latest position is as a marketing executive for a big company. Its love at first sight when he sees a girl(Sneha) on the road and a very pleasant surprise when she turns out to be the same girl his parents have fixed up for him. He becomes determined to learn everything about her before the wedding and surprise her but it is Parthiban who gets the bigger surprise after the marriage.

For almost the entire first half, the movie proceeds along familiar lines. There is the usual group song(though the director deserves credit for the way he has inserted it into the movie), the stern father complaining about his son, the group of friends whiling away time and love at first sight for the hero. These are characters and situations we have seen several times before but the director manages to keep things on an entertaining level. With Srikanth falling for Sneha being quite routine and no real romance, Vivek takes most of the credit for this. His lies to his friends and the actual situation at home lead to some very funny sequences. But Srikanth's attitude about his job, romance, etc. ensure that we get to identify with him quite well.

The turn the story takes at this point is quite unexpected and takes it in a new, unfamiliar direction. Characters behave in a rational and practical manner and Srikanth's conflict and his reactions are entirely believable. When he says "my problem is that everyone around me is good", we realise he is right on the mark. All characters in the movie are decent and good but not overly so. Whether it is Manivannan revealing his past or Sneha patiently bearing Srikanth's irritation without understanding the reason behind it, all characters manage to touch us. But there is no dearth of suspense because of the lack of a bad guy and there are several moments when we wonder how the movie will end. And the end when it comes, is just perfect.

The strong script aids immeasurably in the good characterization of all roles in the movie. Most conversations are natural and practical and actually make sense (the interviewer's response to Srikanth's reasoning behind his short stint at jobs is a case in point). Characters too behave naturally and not in some silly fashion just because the screenplay demands it. Another noticeable fact is that things arent stretched needlessly. For instance, the scene where Vivek inadvertently spills the beans is brilliantly picturised and its impact is increased since it hits us before we expect it to happen.

Srikanth gets the chance to play a slightly more mature character and carries it off well. But its Sneha who's the star of the show. She has to exhibit two different personalities and does so with aplomb. And she does it all while giving off the impression of underplaying it. Her natural reactions when meeting someone surprising in the hallway are wonderful. Vivek is at his funniest, when he is at the receiving end of blows from Devadarshini. She provides perfect foil, her seriousness giving him ample chance to play off of. All others perform their roles with understanding.

Those behind the screen have also delivered their best. Leading the pack is Vidyasagar with easily the best and most eclectic soundtrack in recent times. Aalanguyil... is wonderfully melodious and sung beautifully. Picturised in a manner reminding one of the famous Kamal-Sridevi duet Chippiyirukkudhu Muthumirukkudhu... from Varumayin Niram Sivappu, it is filled with meaningful lyrics as Sneha describes everyday items that Srikanth prompts her for. Bak bak bak... invokes the moods of old time periods perfectly with both its tune and its picturisation while Kanaa Kandenadi... is another melodious, soothing number. Theeraadha Dhum... and Vaadi Machiniye... are regular, commercial tunes but catchy nevertheless.