Ishtam

Ishtam is a 2012 Indian Tamil romantic comedy film directed by Prem Nizar, marking his directorial debut in the Tamil film industry. The film features Vimal and Nisha Agarwal in the lead roles, while Santhanam has a pivotal supporting role. This vibrant, light-hearted romantic comedy stands out for its charming narrative, realistic romance, and delicate treatment of young adults' emotions intertwined with familial values.

The film unveils the story of an ambitious and independent boy named Saravanan, depicted by noted actor Vimal. Saravanan is a successful young man, leading a comfortable life and enjoying upward mobility in the corporate world. He displays an immense commitment towards his profession and thrives in his career. He seems to live life to the fullest, attending parties and living a flamboyant bachelor lifestyle. However, beneath the joyous exterior lies a heart yearning for love, nurturing the aspiration to tie the knot in an arranged marriage. This aspect of his character surprisingly breaks away from the typical protagonist's mould we've seen in romantic films, making Saravanan more relatable to the audience by depicting a grounded young man who respectfully cherishes traditional values, while harmoniously balancing his modern lifestyle.

Conversely, Sandhya, vibrantly played by Nisha Agarwal, is a modern and broad-minded girl, living independently who cherishes the thought of a love-marriage based on deeply nurtured emotions. Even though she adheres to modern philosophies, Sandhya remains respectful of her familial values, blending respect and love for her family with her strong will. The movie portrays her struggles, joys, and dilemmas in a realistic manner that resonates with young adults.

Santhanam, renowned for his unique comedic timing, entertains the audience while leaving a mark with his charming performance in a critical supportive role, providing ample comic relief throughout the narrative. The movie impeccably balances out the moments of comedy to keep the audience engaged and entertained.

As the story unfolds, Ishtam highlights the differences between arranged marriages and love affairs, exploring their respective pros and cons in a compelling manner. The intriguing plot throws Saravanan and Sandhya into circumstances that swirl around evolving family values, leaving them to navigate their feelings for each other amidst these cultural differences. The storyline, filled with well-crafted plot twists, notably refrains from enforcing stereotypes and provides the viewers with a thought-provoking insight into the conventional and contemporary ethos of Indian society.

The director, Prem Nizar, emerges successful in articulating the core theme, intricately weaving romance, comedy, and realistic character portrayals. The film’s screenplay is complemented by Thaman's enchanting music and Vijay Ulaganath's beautiful cinematography, which give a delightful visual appeal to the movie. Each scene is aesthetically shot, capturing the essence of the plot while maintaining a smooth narrative flow. Thaman's soundtrack uplifts the film, with the songs adding just the right touch of melody, enhancing the ambience for the viewers.

The primary characters, Saravanan and Sandhya, beautifully portrayed by Vimal and Nisha Agarwal respectively, are relatable, enabling easy connection with the audience, especially the young demographic. Their skillful performances bring the struggles, happiness, and dilemmas of their characters to life on the screen.

On the whole, Ishtam is a heartwarming film on relationships and evolving love through the prospect of matrimony in modern times, where values are changing at a blistering pace. The combination of impressive performances, captivating music, and a well-written narrative result in an engaging, entertaining, and enjoyable cinema experience. Ishtam stands out as a break-away from the traditional pattern of romantic narratives due to its unique take on relationships and marriage. An intriguing watch for anyone who enjoys a light-hearted, romantic comedy-drama that subtly takes on pertinent cultural issues.