3

3 is a beguiling Indian Tamil-language romantic psychological thriller film that made its theatrical release in 2012. The film is directed by Aishwarya R. Dhanush, marking her directorial debut. A compelling narrative that transcends the traditional rom-com genre, the film brings together the talents of Dhanush, Shruti Haasan, and Prabhu, who deliver riveting performances that stay with you long after the credits roll.

From its opening scenes to its resonating climax, 3 unfolds its dramatic storyline in an intricate tapestry of three different phases of life, hence the title 3. The plot primarily revolves around the lives of Ram (Dhanush), a curious and joyous schoolboy, and Janani (Shruti Haasan), a docile and family-oriented girl. Their common everyday lives take a charismatic turn when an innocent friendship blossoms into love in their adolescent years.

Raised in middle-class families, both embody the quintessential youth representations of their times. Ram is potrayed as the adventurous, outgoing boy, while Janani is the calm, responsible girl, and their contrasting personalities ultimately carve the zestful essence of the film's first half. The screenplay is realistic and relatable, encapsulating the minute details of teen romance and the emotional chaos that emerges with it.

As the story proceeds, we get a glimpse of their mature years where they tie the knot after facing numerous familial hurdles, diving into the ocean of marriage and responsibility. While they revel in their marital bliss, the unforeseen trials and tribulations in their path lead to unexpected consequences, unhinging the lives of the happily ever after couple. It is this part of their lives that the story uncovers the labyrinthian metamorphosis of their relationship.

The film takes its time to build their characters, using moments of joy, sorrow, thrill, despair, and hope, lending some depth to the narrative. The balance between their innocent love story and the ensuing dark twist forms the crux of the movie, keeping the viewers perennially engaged.

Dhanush, known for his realistic portrayals, breathes life into Ram's character. His incredible performance, which transitions seamlessly from an energetic young boy to a loving husband, and then to a troubled individual, is commendable. On the other hand, Shruti Haasan, as Janani, is the moral compass of the film. Her portrayal of a caring and innocent wife dealing with the turbulences of their lives is heartfelt and connectable.

The film also features an ensemble supporting cast, including Sivakarthikeyan, Sunder Ramu, and Prabhu, who further enhance the narrative with their enthralling performances. Prabhu, in particular, stands out for his distinguished portrayal of Ram's caring father. The chemistry between the lead pair, tenderly depicted, enhances the innate beauty of their poignant tale.

Standing as a pillar throughout the film is the chartbuster music by Anirudh Ravichander, making his impactful debut in the music industry. The soundtrack of the film, especially the song "Why This Kolaveri Di", garnered massive international recognition, adding to the film's overall appeal. While the film's gripping storyline and performances invite appraisal, its impressive cinematography, melancholic background score, and polished editing provide a seamless cinematic experience.

To conclude, 3 stands as a unique cinematic epitome for showcasing the journey from love to despair and the associated mental health issues, a subject rarely touched upon in the Indian film industry. Every scene and every dialogue in the film speaks volumes about human emotions, relationships, and their complexities. Despite being a provocative film, it is a sensitively crafted story that focuses on the love between two individuals and the consequences of their choices.

3 is a film that takes you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and closes with a climax that leaves you pondering, making it a must-watch for those who savour depth and sentiment in their cinematic experiences. Through her unique storytelling approach, Aishwarya R. Dhanush proves that the thematic elements of love and despair can be interwoven into a captivating narrative, breaking the stereotypical portrayal of such subjects in Indian cinema. The film’s nuanced depiction of life’s different phases, their complexities, and the essence of love and mental health make it a soul-stirring spectacle.)