Candid Review | Modern Love Chennai: A captivating anthology of love and relationships

Amid the rise of streaming services and the challenges brought about by the pandemic-induced lockdown, Tamil cinema witnessed a surge in anthology films. While some successfully struck a chord with audiences, many fell short of expectations. This genre proved to be a litmus test for even the brightest minds in Tamil cinema, exposing their struggle and apparent uncertainty in tackling theme-heavy, genre-specific short films. However, Modern Love: Chennai rises above the rest. 

An anthology film is a powerful format that demands a deep understanding and mastery from filmmakers to truly harness its potential. It goes beyond merely stringing together a collection of stories. To create a compelling, artistic, and memorable anthology, filmmakers must recognise that each story possesses its own distinct pattern, shape, and colour, akin to individual mosaics. These pieces must be carefully arranged and placed in the proper order to reveal the grander picture.

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While every story within an anthology may appear distinct from the one preceding or following it, when one zooms out and contemplates, a realisation emerges— the interconnectedness of these tales. Perhaps, they even depict the same individuals experiencing similar emotions in varied lives within diverse social and cultural contexts.

Take, for example, the lives of the heroines in Lalagunda Bommaigal and Kaadhal Enbadhu Kannula Heart Irukkura Emoji, namely Shobha and Mallika (played by Sri Gouri Priya and Ritu Varma respectively), share striking similarities when it comes to matters of the heart. Both women possess a deep yearning for love, yet their journeys are fraught with heartbreak and disappointment.

In their pursuit of true love, Shobha and Mallika encounter numerous setbacks and shattered expectations. Each time they believe they have discovered their soulmate, fate intervenes, leaving them with broken hearts. However, rather than succumbing to despair, Bomma and Mallika exhibit resilience and refuse to give up on their quest for love.

And Paravai Kootil Vaazhum Maangal delves into the complex dynamics of relationships and explores the concept of finding love in unexpected places. At the heart of the story is a poignant love triangle that challenges societal norms and tests the emotional maturity of its characters. The protagonist, a married man with two children, finds himself captivated by a woman he encounters during his daily commute. Caught between the love he lost at home and the newfound connection he feels on the metro train, he is faced with a difficult choice. Breaking up a seemingly perfect family would be a cruel and selfish act, yet his own happiness hangs in the balance.

The film takes a deep dive into the emotional journey of the characters as they navigate the biting realities of life. It explores how emotionally mature adults grapple with the complexities of their desires and make choices that prioritise their own well-being without succumbing to guilt or regret. The leading ladies, portrayed by Ramya Nambeeshan and Vijayalakshmi Ahathian, negotiate a new set of terms that pave the way for a harmonious and fulfilling future.

But, not everyone can take heartbreaks as gracefully as those three. In Ninaivo Oru Paravai, Sam (Wamiqa Gabbi) suffers a mental breakdown when her boyfriend K dumps her. Sam finds herself trapped in the confines of her own mind, struggling to find solace and meaning in the wake of heartbreak. However, just when Sam begins to find stability and acceptance in her new reality, life throws her a curveball. Fate presents her with an unexpected opportunity to reconcile with the love she still holds dear. This twist of fate presents Sam with a profound dilemma – should she risk reopening old wounds in pursuit of a second chance at love? Unlike the hero in Paravai Kootil Vaazhum Maangal, Sam finds the love exactly where she lost it. 

In the realm of anthologies in Tamil cinema, Modern Love: Chennai stands out as a true gem, weaving together a collection of captivating stories that come together harmoniously to create a truly pleasant and immersive viewing experience. The credit for this remarkable achievement rests firmly in the hands of filmmaker Thiagarajan Kumararaja, whose oversight has shaped this anthology into a masterpiece.