Mayakkam Enna (2011) User Reviews

A typical Selvaragavan Movie

[vijayr2002 · 8/10 · 25 November 2011]

This movie is all about passion and love. Karthik Subramanium (Dhanush) is an aspiring photographer who wants to make it big in wildlife photography. He wants to join the famous photographer Madhan Krishnasamy (Ravi Prasad) who he thinks is his idol. Dhanush has a group of friends with whom he hangs out with. Sundar (Sundar) plays a vital role in this film as a friend of Karthik. Sundar introduces Yaamini (Richa Gangopadhyay) to his friends as his girlfriend. Yaamini later falls in love with Karthik. What happens to their love and friendship should be watched in theatre. This movie is not above the story, it's all about the way it has been told and the performance of the actors.

I don't want to provide any spoiler in this review. This is a typical Selvaragavan movie that shows the deep emotions of the characters. Love and passion has been portrayed very well in this movie. The best part of the movie is the dialogues. Each and every dialogue receives amazing response from the audience. The humour has been maintained through out the 1st half.

Ramji's cinematography stands out, i believe this is the best movie that shows his full capabilities. G.V. Prakash did well, the audio was already a hit. BGM doesn't have any soul. What Yuvan gave for 7/G Rainbow Colony is missing. Voda Voda and Naan sonadhu mazhai vandhucha has been shot well. While the expectation for Kadhal en Kadhal was really high, i was disappointed with the video. The casting made this movie look much better. Richa, Dhanush and Sundar have lived their characters. The dubbing for Richa which was given by Deepa Venkat gave life to Yaamini's character. Dhanush can express anything, he is the perfect director's actor.The portrayal of intense feelings of Love, Passion, Friendship, Alcoholism makes this movie stand out from the crowd.

Don't miss this movie. Please watch it in theatre. Youngsters are going to love this movie. The screenplay is crafted so well by Selvaragavan. Hats off to the Team! They have given their best.

Follow your heart and believe

[jeethjohnp · 8/10 · 24 November 2011]

Follow your Heart. I got to know about the tagline after watching the movie. When you have the director doing what the tagline refers to then there is nothing that can go wrong! The story revolves around Karthik (Dhanush) whose passion is photography. He is blatant, weird, and jobless. He has a group of friends. In comes Yamini (Richa) who is dating one of his friends. Things get complicated when she connects with Karthik. Their tumultuous journey forms the rest of the movie. The movie moves at its own pace. It touches on many basic aspects of life in a subtle manner. Dhanush has done an exceptional job. Richa outshines Dhanush by miles. She is a revelation. The only thing that was a downer was the BGM which was so out of place in many of the sequences. Selvaraghavan never makes an attempt to connect with the audience. He has made a movie which will please him at the end of the day. And those are the products which will have the best quality. This movie is not a crowd-pleaser. Watch it alone or when the cinemas are empty. Else you will have a lot of boos and whistles distracting you.

I can say proudly that there is a tamil version of Lynch or Kubrik now. Just follow your heart and believe.

Soul-searching Journey in Silver Screen

[akhil6004 · 8/10 · 27 November 2011]

Mayakkam Enna is adept portrayal of an individual who follows is heart. Maverick film director Selvaraghavan once again does what he is best known for (playing with human emotions). Dhanush (Karthick Subramaniam) plays the complex role (photographer with shades of psycho)to a T. Richa Gangopadhyay (Yamini)as one of the friend's girlfriend and later as Dhanush's wife is a great revelation and commendable. Sunder Ramu (Sundar) as Dhanush's close friend and Richa's boyfriend does a neat job. The entire team of the friend's gang in the movie did a good job and looks realistic. At first, the voice (Deepa Venkat) of Richa's looks flat, but later the confidence of the character is strongly felt and looks distinct. Both the lead actor had emoted well throughout the movie with subtlety, which is worth mentioning. The real 'genius' (Karthick's name in the movie) is GV Prakash (Composer). The re-recording of the movie riveting and top-notch (hope the combo of GV and Selva continue for long time). The photography by Ramji is superb. The editing by Kola Baskar can be made sharper if the song sequence can be deleted (tribal song). The second half looks quite slow-paced, but the director has managed to convey the message through emotion (expression). Overall, the movie is an short episode in the life of an commoner who follows his instincts and guts but not preachy. Once again, kudos to Selva for doing a sincere and heartfelt movie.

Mayakkam Enna - Amazing !!!!!!

[kimian · 10/10 · 26 November 2011]

Depicting the multi-layers of human relationships and its ramifications comes very naturally to Selvaraghavan and when he has a National Award Winner for histrionics as brother to translate his vision onto the big canvas, what more can one ask for? The combo has proved themselves in the past and reiterates the theory in Mayakkam Enna too.

Mayakkam Enna is about a man who rediscovers himself in the journey of life and the crucial role of a woman in it. The premise remains Selva's comfort zone and the director has played it with aplomb.

Dhanush's biggest advantage is, the moment he appears on screen, you immediately invest your emotions with him and start caring for him (character) unmindful of its color. And in Selva's films, it definitely goes a few notches high. Richa Gangopadhyay- Is she a débutante? Hard to believe! She is the perfect foil for Dhanush.

It is not an exaggerated statement to say that G V Prakash's RR is exceedingly brilliant bringing out the finer feelings so beautifully and Selva has utilized GV's music alone to convey his thoughts instead of dialogues in many sequences. After Ilayaraja's RR, it is GV's RR that is going to be well spoken for a long time. And of course, Oda Oda and Adida Avlai are situational and hence enjoyable.

To sum it all, Mayakkam Enna is emotionally rich and is an inebriating experience by itself.Just Amazing Film making,it connects to you Emotionally and also takes you to a whole new level !!!!

A must watch film for media students: Dnt miss this film

[raghul-lc88 · 8/10 · 25 November 2011]

Review:

The movie is about protagonist Karthik (Dhanush) who is a passionate photographer, he struggles a lot and faces many problems to achieve his goal. He even risks his life to death cos of a betrayal. The Female lead Yamini (richa) character portrayed well. The other cast also did well. This movie is sure going to take dhanush to next level (as superstar said).

Technical:

Cinematography is outstanding, each and every frame. Thanks to Raami's for a mesmerizing visuals. GV Music is another great plus to the movie. "Kaathal en kaathal" n "voda voda" song is superb. At last Selvaraghavan achieved his goal. The movie sure worth your bucks…. Appreciate the efforts and talents.Guess this review will be useful for u...

Follow Your Heart

[cbethalai · 10/10 · 27 November 2011]

Richa Gangopadhay is she a débutante? Unbelievable Emotive reactions are masterpiece

Dhanush Performance was amazing it shows that he must not act films like papilla , vinegar.

The movie can be scored much more in back ground music, Even GV has done a great work, still this subject has a great value for BGM. If music composed by U1 the movie would taken a little bit high

Cinematography by Ramji its just amazing, It Gives soul to the Screen.

Selva had given a great Movie, he penned a wonderful story Hats off to him.

Must what film

[gokulkrishna14 · 10/10 · 27 November 2011]

Mayakkam Enna as got a rating of 8.5/10 in IMDb till date... This movie was quite romantic as off it was shown in trailer but core story of this movie reveals the power of a women behind every single men out their... This movie doesn't contain any masala like normal commercial films of Tamil film industry, buy as some humor behind the life of each characters of this movie.

Mayakkam Enna shows the influence of friends and lovable wife for an normal human to achieve what we are desired to do so...

To summarize this movie: Director Selvaragavan has always given us quality movies, in basis of story and acting, all parts of the industry, in that cost this movie will stand like a star for the Hero, Heroin and for the Director.

it's a real Mayakkam Enna for us...

[apjprakash · 7/10 · 25 November 2011]

thanks to 1. Selvaraghavan 2.G.V. Prakash 3. Dhanush 4. T. Ramji 5. Kola Bhaskar 6.Richa Gangopadhyay .. Depicting the multi-layers of human relationships and its ramifications comes very naturally to Selvaraghavan and when he has a National Award Winner for histrionics as brother to translate his vision onto the big canvas, what more can one ask for? The combo has proved themselves in the past and reiterates the theory in Mayakkam Enna too.

Mayakkam Enna is about a man who rediscovers himself in the journey of life and the crucial role of a woman in it. The premise remains Selva's comfort zone and the director has played it with aplomb.

Firstly Selvaraghavan should be lauded for taking on a fairly bold subject and not bowing down to any commercial element in the form of inane comedy or such unnecessary detour. It needs immense courage and conviction and hats off Selva! And to weave a story about normal people and to tunnel into the innermost recesses of a tortured soul is a child's play for him and he has reveled in it.

Dhanush's biggest advantage is, the moment he appears on screen, you immediately invest your emotions with him and start caring for him (character) unmindful of its color. And in Selva's films, it definitely goes a few notches high. The scene where he expresses his anger, irritation and edginess to his friend on being rejected by the ace photographer is just one small sample of this malleable actor's prowess and Mayakkam Enna is sated with such performances.

Richa Gangopadhyay- Is she a debutante? Hard to believe! She is the perfect foil for Dhanush. Mayakkam Enna's finest moments belong to the scene where Richa reveals her impotent anger at Dhanush on losing her baby. There is not a single dialogue in this powerful scene and you only have Richa's emotive actions and GV's music. It's surely a masterpiece that would make your eyes go moist.

It is not an exaggerated statement to say that G V Prakash's RR is exceedingly brilliant bringing out the finer feelings so beautifully and Selva has utilized GV's music alone to convey his thoughts instead of dialogues in many sequences. After Ilayaraja's RR, it is GV's RR that is going to be well spoken for a long time. And of course, Oda Oda and Adida Avlai are situational and hence enjoyable.

Selva's narration is also aided well by the lyrically inclined work of lensman Ramji and the frames are a poem by themselves. When the protagonist is a wildlife photographer, there is always an additional advantage and Ramji delivers the best. Kola Bhaskar's editing enhances the brilliance of the film.

Richa's character in the first half is likely to be misunderstood as someone very frivolous but the second half has made her highly respectful and strong and her characterization is sure to find patrons in women audience.

On the downside, Mayakkam Enna is very languorously narrated with a lazy rhythm which may not go well with the mainstream audience. The characters of an attention seeking or a weak hero and a strong heroine may be viewed as Selvaraghavan's clichés.

To sum it all, Mayakkam Enna is emotionally rich and is an inebriating experience by itself.

Mayakkam Enna - Heartful of Sensational

[neverforget2005 · 10/10 · 27 November 2011]

Mayakkam enna.. is one of the great movie of dhanush.

It's show time for dhanush to show some real acting, He continuously shows a very good talent. Some people may think it's nothing, but it's a great movie ever. First half expresses one side of love and the second half is full of sensational. They express their emotions very clearly, more than words. Another side G.V.Prakash rocks in music and as well as background music. It's another plus for the movie. A must watch movie for everyone who needs some tears in eyes and some pain in heart. Mayakkam enna - an overall sensational movie, touching the heart.. and heals every heart with some tears.

A painful life of photographer..

[ramanniyan2008 · 7/10 · 25 November 2011]

A much awaited movie of the year directed by Selvaragavan(who given super hit movie like KadhalKondean,7G,Pudupettai,Ayirathiloruvan)cast Dhanush(a national award winner)and Richa in the lead roles comes out an excellent painful emotional story of a man who wants to become a wildlife photographer..

Ineresting plot in the first half is missing in the second half of the movie.. Selva's screenplay is too slow comparing to his previous film. If he given a strong second half then this movie should become a masterpiece of his career.

Dhanush given a solid performance and film by film he is showing his abilities of acting at one level above from all others of his generation actors.. especially his body language and expressions are very excellent.

Richa a debut film in Tamil have scope for acting and delivered neatly..

Cinematography by Ramjii gives flavors and mind-blowing visuals to the film. His camera-work is amazing and pull one step ahead of an usual Tamil cinemas.

Music score by G.V.Prakashkumar supports very energetic to the film to reach youngsters.The songs are already in chart-busters say Voda-Voda,Kadhal-en-Kadhal,Pirai-Tedum.

overall a worth watching movie.First half is much better than second half.

plus-Dhanush performance,Ramjji cinematography,G.V.Prakash music score,dialogs of Selva.

minus-very slow screenplay specially second half.

A story about a photographer his love and his dream to become a wildlife photographer

[gee_crazyvicky · 9/10 · 27 November 2011]

Mayakkam Yenna - A typical Selvaraghavan movie showing a mixed emotion of love,hard work,friendship,affection,pain n frustration of a wannabe photographer(Karthik)s life which made the movie so real and unique.Though Selvas elements wasn't completely filled,Dhanush as (Karthik) makes us wonder of his award winning performance.Richa as(Yamini) performed fair and the story revolves around a photographers life and the obstacles he faces in life.Dialogues n cinematography plays excellence !! Gv.Prakash's music and BG awesome.Vooda Vooda best song n the theme music keeps ringing in our minds.First half was too good but if the 2nd half was better with a crisp ending this movie would have been a masterpiece..A very nice message to the youngsters and a disturbing movie for sure.A worth watch movie... PS:-Follow your hearts !! Hatss off SELVA .

The Beautiful Mind...!!!

[sribornagain-394-460163 · 7/10 · 17 June 2012]

"Mayakkam Enna" is really a good movie but when you consider the standards Selvaragavan has set in his previous movies it is way below par. That is the bane if you are a very talented creator & when you carry that huge baggage on your back.

First half is lackadaisical with nothing much happening . The misogynist in Selva shows in most of the first half . The casual banter between Dhanush & Richa do add some spice to the very ordinary first half. Selvaragavan's touch is there in couple of instances like "Vennilave vennilave " song in the background when Dhanush & Richa start developing feelings towards one another & "Mustafa mustafa" song playing when the trio embark on a tour to the jungle. But these sparks are few & far in between .

Just when one is exasperated by the tiring first half , the second half starts of promisingly & once the mishap happens it is all vintage Selvaragavan all through. The manner in which he has depicted a person with addiction problem , the socioeconomic consequences of it & the manner in which support of the significant others are vital in an addict tiding over his problems are portrayed excellently.

Movie starts of in an autobiographical mode but after a few reels changes over to narrative style. Minor glitches like these are there here & there which is very rare in Selvaragavan's movies. Also many shots , background music & profiles of hero and heroine in many instances might remind one of "7G Rainbow Colony".

"Mayakkam Enna" will be the first instance in which instead of saying "a film by Selvaragavan" one can say "a film by Ramji ". Man he has just high jacked the movie with his extraordinary cinematography. Considering the movie is about the travails & triumphs of a photographer Ramji might have had an extra license to explore and showcase his skills which he has in abundance. Considering most of the movie is in dark yet the emotions of the actors are portrayed so very well on screen , credits should go to Ramji for effectively presenting the same.

Next is Dhanush as the protagonist Karthik Saminathan , a rookie photographer with dream to become a wild life photographer , he is excellent. His acting is top class in many scenes. The interval block , the confrontation scene with the senior photographer after he plagiarizes his photograph , climax speech & most of the second half are few of the many example of the manner in which Dhanush , the actor has matured.

Richa Gangopadhyay as the supportive wife Yamini ala Jennifer Connelly of "The Beautiful Mind" is excellent. First half doesn't give enough scope for her to perform but in the second half she has ruled the roost with her competing equally with Dhanush in many scenes. Her expressions in the climax will move even those with a strong heart.

Special mention about Sunder & Ravi Prakash , both have performed exceedingly well.

G.V.Prakashkumar's songs are already huge hits . "Kadhal en kadhal " , "Oda oda oda" , "Naan sonnadhum malai " are all delightful numbers . His background score reminds one of Yuvan Shankar Raja at many places especially that of "7 G Rainbow Colony ".

When one enters theater to watch Selvaragavan's movie one does so with lots of expectations. May be that expectation might lead to this movie's undoing as "Mayakkam enna" is nowhere near to any of his previous ones. Though Selvaragavan manages to salvage some pride in the second half seeing the movie as a whole one might not get satisfied with it , especially if you are a die-hard fan of the man. But when one consider the below average fare that we getting treated to in the last couple of years , "Mayakkam Enna " is way above all those ones.

One can't help but wonder the movie might have been loosely inspired by "The Beautiful Mind" , especially second half which has striking resemblance to that movie.

On the whole , "Mayakkam Enna " , go for it for excellent acting by Dhanush & Richa , flashes of Selvaragavan's brilliance and to savor outstanding cinematography of Ramji.

Bottomline : The Beautiful Mind...!!!

Absolutely awful

[Just-a-reviewer · 2/10 · 2 January 2012]

Saw the ratings here and took a chance with the movie. Have to say it was awful. The lead lady (Richa?) couldn't act if her life depended on it - wearing a constant frown on one's face isn't acting. Dhanush does the usual thing - playing a naive character at times, acting drunk at times or trying to look contrite for the rest of the time.

Had no idea where the story was heading after 10 mins into the movie and that feeling only got worse as the movie progressed. In the end I was desperately waiting for it to end, wondering why I wasted 2+ hrs of my life on this. So the hero is a loser who only knows how to whine and cry while depending on everyone else to survive. Are we supposed to feel sorry for him? The first half is filled with painful scenes where the director tries to imply that there is some chemistry between the lead characters - where they spar only to fall in love. I really couldn't find any motivation for either of the characters to fall in love with each other, unless of course, they were masochists. The second half is supposed to stoke our sympathy - with scenes showing the sacrifices made by the wife (whose motivation is again as questionable as s suicide bomber) and the husband plunging to depths (see so often in other movies) with his alcoholism.

And then all of a sudden he's successful? How did one photo of an elephant make an offer from Discovery possible?? It was so contrived that I could only shake my head in disbelief...and embarrassment at what the director was trying to do...which was wrap up the sordid affair quickly because either he had run out of time or budget or in all likelihood...both.

Haven't seen any other movies from this director and I would certainly think twice if I come across another movie from directed by him. Stay away at all costs!

Mayakkam Enna - Extreme Dizziness (Hangover)

[shafi_awesome · 8/10 · 29 November 2011]

This is a Typical Selvaragavan Movie which Touch and Says "There is a Women Behind Every Successful Man" You must have heard of this but See it Magically for the First Time ! Selva and Dhanush Combo Once again Fluenting ! A Very much influencing and Different Love Story which is Worth a Watch Twice ! GV and Cinematographer Ramji were Auspicious ! Richa (Actress) Deserves a Huge Applause for Handling the Movie with Dhanush Herself ! She has Been Awesome in Acting and Her Expressions are at a Sky Level .. Overall She deserves 2 stars out of 8 I have given and 3 for Dhanush and 3 for Selva ! Mayakkam Enna is Extreme Dizziness and Never Leaves the hangover Till You watch it a Second Time ! P.S Watch Out for All the Songs .. They Kick-Ass !

The beginning of a New era of Tamil cinema !

[jtsh-pl · 9/10 · 1 December 2011]

Selvaraghavan has created magic once again ! ; First Aayirathil Oruvan and now Mayakkam Enna ! Selvaraghavn deserves a huge applause ! The direction and screenplay are just awesome ! he is definitely the next generation Tamil director ! Performances by Dhanush and Richa are mind-blowing !Richa doesn't look like débutante at all ! The first half was a bit slow, but the second half was just amazing and classy! The songs are really refreshing especially Voda Voda and Kaadhal en Kaadhal, Pirai Thedum was really Melodious and Background Score by G.V.Prakash was very good- G.V.P has definitely a very bright future ahead The movie is completely different from other Tamil movies ! A new genre has to be created for the movie to fit in , It doesn't have useless and crappy masala stuffs which can be seen in most of Tamil movies like that of Vijay ! These kinds of Movies should be encouraged from now on. Great Job and hats-off to Selva and Dhanush !

Watch this before you follow your passion

[tomkariath-0 · 8/10 · 20 September 2020]

Mayakkamm Enna is an almost honest account of the strife and tribulations that one can expect when following one's passion.

The movie sends across a lot of messages centered around the core theme of passion. The hard work, dedication, persistence and determination needed to find grounding in a passion oriented career is shown without being a burden or lecture to the viewer. At least the protagonist, Karthik had pure unrelenting emotional support from his friends, sister and wife at each juncture of his life. This may not be true in everyone's life. He had the validation of literaly being called and accepted as a "genius", despite him not finding a ground in professional photography.

The movie shows the dedication and determination in pursuing his mentor, and at the same time eking out a living by doing whatever he could do with his skills. One interesting aspect to note here is the Karthik never strays from his craft for financial well-being, Every minor job he does is related to photography, which would only hone his skills for his future. Even though it is not as practical, sends home the message that his success didn't come just because of talent, but also from his practice.

This movie is not only intended for people who is following the passion but also the people around them. Even though professionally Karthik is struggling, going through a series of ups and downs, he almost always has the support of those around him. I am sure that whatever success he is shown to get would have been even more unrealistic if it was not for the support system lead by his friend Sundar and later Yamini.

The movie, though a great one, still needs a polish. Certain characters and instances seemed jarringly wrong. The main ones that stood out were the ideal cool dad and weirdly Dhanush's sister, who in the second act undergoes an unjustified character transition into a hateful, jealous character. Not sure if its emotionally connected to Yamini's history with Sundar, but this is never explored. Personally I felt as if sister's arc could have been more cleaner and instead add a little more spice to Padmini's character which was rather bland.

I had a gripe with the ending too when Karthik wins the ICP Infinity award. But even more convenient was the presence of Mahesh. The photo shown to be nominated was the one which he has acquired from Karthik. Despite the movie making it clear that at least an year had passed after that incident (Yamini gets pregnant twice), I seemed odd that this photo was nominated. And since they were going with this story telling device, I personally feel that it would have been a better ending if Mahesh won with the stolen photo and Dhanush being a bigger man congratulating him. This would have brought the depression arc to a full circle with the idea of acceptance. The audience along with Karthik and his close ones would know that he was the winner nevertheless.

I really liked the subtle message of dating culture that Selvaraghavan nudged into the plot

One of the most underrated movies of all time

[techydevil · 9/10 · 16 April 2015]

I loved this movie when I first saw it. Most of my friends didn't like it. Recently, after around 4 years after this film got released a friend quoted that it was a very bad movie. I watched it again and I am writing this review. Dhanush has maintained his charm through out the movie, I've not liked him in many of his roles. I love his roles in Selvaraghavan movies though, including the blockbuster Pudhupettai (2006). The movie perfectly describes how people are struggling to come up in a field, let alone photography. Selvaraghavan as always, has done his job perfectly. The reactions, the acting, and literally everything syncs up perfectly. I don't mind watching this movie a 1000 times. I love it!

Marginally better than Selva's previous - Aayarathil Oruvan

[durgadada001 · 6/10 · 15 December 2011]

Its a Dhanush-Selvaraghavan combo...in the past they have produced some interesting stuff..and they are back again with another "woman behind a man's success" theme....

In Kadhal Kondein, 7G Rainbow Colony and Aaduvari Maatalakku Ardhaale Veru Le (2007 Telugu movie remade in Tamil as Yaaradi Nee Mohini) Selvaraghanvan showed us how a woman can change the lives of ordinary men who have hidden talents and are bogged down by personal issues. All 3 movies were very refreshing and the first two even had a realistic although tragic ending.

Here, a depressed but brilliant photographer's life falls into the hands of a pretty understanding woman who cares for him and wants him to succeed and puts up with all his mood-swings and debilitating habits. She sacrifices many of her aspirations and wants the marriage to work out.

Although a repetitive theme from the director it does carry some intense acting and dialogue. Much of the first half is stupid and suggestive (typical Selvaraghavan style)...but the latter half shows us what the director is capable of. Richa Gangopadhyay deserves special mention for holding her thing together alongside the ever-improving Dhanush. Aayarathil Oruvan was a great concept/storyline that was made in a ridiculous way and lacked complete development. But Mayakkam Enna is the same old story with some minor differences in flow here and there. The former was a disaster and the latter seems to have drawn some appreciation.

Apart from certain scenes, there is nothing awesome about the film. Its watchable, nothing special. We all know that Selvaraghavan can make better movies...he is got the talent, but right now his choice and execution are under question.

Mayakkam Enna inspires....

[mathiss-arumugam · 9/10 · 25 December 2011]

Mayakkam Enna, Selvaraghavan's 6th tamil movie and 3rd with his brother Dhanush. It was one of the most expected movies of the year, thanks to the chart busters from GV Prakash and the reunion of the most skillful brothers of Tamil film industry. After a commendable Pudhupettai one has to say that the brothers are back with a bang. The movie is about a youngster struggling to achieve his dream.

Selvaraghavan has kept faith in the Tamil audience that they would support a real life movie rather than the larger than life ones. He has once again proved himself by taking Tamil cinema to a greater level. His narrative style has brought in more effect in bringing an impact on the audience. A strong story line and a excellent screenplay of Selva has helped the movie's cause.

Dhanush might have knocked over yet another national award winning performance, he steals away the show along with a commendable performance from the debutant Richa. Sundar Ramu has also delivered a good performance in spite of being his first movie.

GV Prakash's music speaks for itself that all songs being chartbusters. Another person who has to be definitely credited for this movie was Ramji for his mind blowing cinematography.

The basic requirement of a movie is to entertain, a few provide a strong message and entertain the audience. Only a handful of movies manage to inspire the audience along with several messages. Mayakkam enna falls under such a unique category. The movie has created a real impact on good cinema lovers and has inspired several hearts chasing their dreams. Mayakkam enna leaves you wanting for more. Follow your heart.

A life journey of a photographer

[jaiharan0206 · 9/10 · 21 December 2011]

Well first of all, I must confess that Selvaraghavan is unarguably my favorite director so whatever film he directs, I will like it. But still, there has to be something in a movie to make you like it and this film made me to like it AGAIN!!

So where to begin? A struggling photographer, Karthik (Dhanush) who is also a bit of a loner meets Yamini (Richa) who's been introduced as "girlfriend" of Sunder, who is Karthik's best friend. First, they don't like each other but then as they get to know each other, Yamini starts to like Karthik. But he doesn't want to betray his best friend and then things happen and they suddenly get married. In between this, he tries to become an assistant to his model icon, who is the "best" in India. So he goes to forest to take pictures of birds as a project. But the "icon" still rejects his photos and then we get to know that he used Karthik's photo to his advantage and also one of his photos has been selected as the best picture of wildlife. These are the basic things happening in first half.

In the second half, Karthik becomes a lunatic 'cos his "icon" gets all the fame which he should be having. Also, he turns into some delusional minded man who not only punishes his wife occasionally, he drinks a lot, doesn't behave properly with his friends, you name it. Although, other people, even his own friends start to hate him, his wife is confident about him that he's is a Genius (which is his nickname by the way). But somewhere in between, when he pushes Yamini down, she loses her non-born child which Karthik doesn't know about. From then on, she punishes him by not talking to him although she helps him to get back to his own self. She sends some of his photos to some local books and magazines, then somehow it ends up with some big hands where they see that this photographer has great talent. So things happen and when the movie reaches its climax, that's the best part. His photo has been selected as the best international photo of the year with his "icon" as just a nomination. He thanks his friends for all their help and then finally he says that he is standing in this position only 'cos of his wife. So all the claps and awards, he dedicates 'em to his wife. Finally, he calls her again and again and then the much awaited voice, he wanted to hear says "hello".

An exquisite direction accompanied by some fantastic acting and music makes this a must-see film. I don't know why but in most of the movies nowadays, they always go with the name 'Karthik'. STRANGE!!

A good movie with a not so interesting ending!

[dietsoft · 5/10 · 3 December 2011]

The first half of the movie was brilliant and I really loved it. But somehow the movie lost its stream in the 2nd half. There wasn't much energy in the second half of the movie and director fails to really keep the scene in which he wins an award realistic....All of a sudden he wins an award..Hope the entire half dealt with it rather than just 15mins..

And the movie lacked a theme. I don't really know what the director is claiming to convey by this movie..He just says everything is normal be it drinking and be it smoking. It has been justified too much!

Thumbs up to Cinematography!! It was just a brilliant work with camera..

Not for everyone..!!

[kamalbeeee · 8/10 · 5 March 2021]

A toung guy try to get recognization for his photography skills meanwhile he was cheatwd by his mentor and he became mentally ill...and his wife always support him to get from mental illness.. Very slow pace movie but it rocks.. Must watch movie.....

Its not just a film its much more

[bharathivkavin · 10/10 · 11 September 2021]

Best suggested for the ones who is passionate on something. Selvaraghavan aka genius shows different dimensions of passion for love and photography. How it evolves and how it ends is the briliance.

Mayakkam Enna - Weaves magic

[askarme-950-928124 · 9/10 · 31 December 2011]

At a time when there is a mad rush for commercial capers in Tamil, there are few filmmakers who make movies according to their vision and never compromise and let their identity slip. Selvaraghavan belongs to this elite class.

A filmmaker with great conviction, he has proved in the past that his films are mirror to the happenings in the society and especially interpersonal relationships between individuals.

Selvaraghavan joins hands with his sibling Dhanush for the fourth time and expectations obviously soar high for the fact that all their earlier outings were unique and different from each other.

The inevitable question that pops in our mind is whether 'Mayakkam Enna' lives up to all hype. Yes indeed is the reply, at least to most parts. The film is more about romance, the aspirations of youngsters and et al.

After a fantasy fare in 'Aayirathil Oruvan', Selvaraghavan is back with a movie that speaks loud on emotions. The film chronicles the life of a freelance photographer Karthik, played by Dhanush. The career ambitions and his romance make up the film.

Karthik (Dhanush) is a lensman for whom life lies in his camera. His ambition has no bounds. He wants to excel in his chosen profession and dreams of becoming a wildlife photographer.

A secluded individual (the routine for all lead stars in Selvaraghavan's films), Karthik's only company is Sundar (Sundar) and co. Sundar introduces him to Yamini (Richa Gangopadhyaya), his girl friend.

As it happens, the two with contrasting characters end up quarrelling all time. Sparks fly high only to settle down and romance suddenly blossoms between the two. What happens next is narrated in Selvaraghavan's style.

Three cheers to Dhanush. The actor justifies why he won the National Award. His performance is key to the story. He excels in every frame and with right emotions and expressions, he is right there stamping his authority in the story.

Richa Gangopadhyay is apt choice for the character. She is soft, strong and sweet as Yamini. She doesn't have a blink-and-a-miss role, rather has a meaty role to do. In many a scene, her eyes speak more than anything (Watch out for the emotional encounter between Richa and Dhanush after her miscarriage). No debutante actress in the recent times has left a mark like Richa in 'Mayakkam Enna'.

Sundar, the young lad promises aplenty and is sure to go places. The rest of the cast too ably support Selvaraghavan.

If Selva's dialogues are razor-sharp and go down well with youngsters (so do his lyrics), it' Ramji's cinematography and GV Prakash's musical score that add strength to the script. The lens captures the emotions in fresh hues while Prakash's background score adds pep to the proceedings.

After Ilayaraja, it seems to be Prakash who gives utmost importance to re-recording. Even his silence speaks a lot. The background score of this young talent ably supports Selvaraghavan and Dhanush to convey things on screen in a more efficient and effective way. The interval scene, where myriad emotions between the lead pair are shown at a single stretch, is a fine example to what Prakash has in store.

There are some clichés and minor flaws as the story proceeds to second half. But the fact is 'Mayakkam Enna' does mesmerize you and you will definitely consider watching this film more than once...

WONDERS OF PAIN

[shrivalsan · 8/10 · 18 June 2020]

Whenever you see the phrase "WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY SELVARAGHAVAN", you expect something more than the usual. The most beautiful thing in his films is that he shows all the protoganists with some flaws, just like everyone in this world the heroes of his movies also have some flaws. Even in Mayakkam Enna, Karthik(Mr.Dhanush) has flaws. But he is hundred percent dedicated and flawless when he does his work. Inspite of everything he is always treated like a garbage which has no use. That pain is something which teaches him what is life. Even after that he doesn't learn quickly and easily all by himself just like other heroes in other movies, he needs a very strong person like Yamini(Mrs.Richa) to be a backbone and make sure that he has the power to stand again after falling million times. This movie is all about the pain which one undergoes to get a recognition. I am glad that this movie also got the recognition. Humongous credit goes to the five pillars Dhanush, Richa,Sunder, G.V.Prakash(Music director), Ramji(cinematographer) for making this building(Mayakkam Enna) strong which is built by Mr.Selvaraghavan. My rating is 7.6/10