100 Days of Love

100 Days of Love is a 2015 Indian Malayalam-language romantic comedy film directed and written by debutant Jenuse Mohamed. This film stars the heartthrob Dulquer Salmaan, the vivacious Nithya Menen and Sekhar Menon in pivotal roles. The storyline entails a delightful tale of love, laughter, and self-discovery set in the garden city of Bangalore and the metropolitan city of Kolkata.

Dulquer Salmaan plays Balan K. Nair, a cheerful, free-spirit, and a feature writer for a popular magazine in Bangalore. Nithya Menen, on the other hand, dons the character of Sheela, a charming woman and a digital painter. At the heart of it, the movie revolves around Balan's quest to find love, ignited when he has a chance meeting with Sheela. From this point forward, the rollercoaster of emotions, comedy, and romance kick-starts, making the movie a delightful watch for the audience.

The film commences with Balan returning to his hometown Bangalore after quitting his job as a feature writer in Pune. At the same time, Sheela also moves to Bangalore due to her father's transfer. They cross paths in a taxi, with Balan immediately smitten by Sheela's intoxicating persona. Mistaken identities give way to an amusing encounter that sets the film's breezy tone.

With Sheela's captivating beauty etched in Balan's mind, he's well on his way to embark on a magical journey. This subtle yet riveting narrative moves forward, showcasing Balan's relentless pursuit to find the woman who took his heart in one swift moment. His intriguing journey becomes the backbone of the story, with the subsequent plot consisting of humor-filled incidents, moments of revelation, and events that cover both the ups and downs of life.

Throughout this journey, the film explores many contemporary issues, including the uncertainties of life, the importance of self-discovery and, of course, the enigmatic dynamics of romantic relationships. At its core, the film celebrates the unique journey of love painted on the sprawling canvas of modern life. It retains a certain freshness and delivers an uncomplicated yet profound exploration of love that is both light-hearted and engaging in equal measure.

Boasting an infectious charm, Dulquer Salmaan effortlessly essays the role of Balan, winning over the audience with his charismatic and exuberant performance. Nithya Menen, on the other hand, is equally compelling in her delivery, adding layers to her character with ease and providing an energetic foil to Dulquer's Balan. Their crackling chemistry forms the lifeblood of the film, ensuring an engaging narrative that leaves the viewers grinning and cheering for the couple.

Sekhar Menon provides ample support, brilliantly essaying the role of the supportive friend, adding an extra punch to the narrative. His comic timing perfectly complements the light-hearted run of the movie.

"100 Days of Love" skillfully intertwines the charm of old-school love with the intricacies and realism of contemporary relationships. Just as Balan's journey is about self-discovery, the film, too, is a progression of the viewers understanding the heroes, the enigmas, and the consequences of life and love.

On the technical front, the movie excels with stunning cinematography and compelling music. The film is visually pleasing, capturing the essence of both Bangalore and Kolkata beautifully. The background score complements the mood of the scenes, making the movie an audible treat as well.

The director, Jenuse Mohamed, weaves the story with intricate and nuanced elements of romance and comedy. He skilfully maintains a balance, keeping the storyline engaging throughout the duration of the film, letting the story unfold naturally, seamlessly transitioning from humor to love then to introspective moments.

In conclusion, "100 Days of Love" is a charming romantic comedy that explores the intricacies of love and self-discovery in a fresh, relatable, and genuinely heartwarming fashion. Rich with engaging performances, compelling chemistry, and a delightful yet profound narrative, it offers a cinematic treat for the audience. The movie, in all its simplicity and charm, reminds us to celebrate life, love, and the many small moments that make our existence worthwhile.