96 Movie Review: Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha star in a soul-stirring film about love

A few minutes into director Prem Kumar‘s ‘ film 96, we see a nervous Ram, who is waiting to meet his long-lost love, Janaki. When they do meet it’s accommodated by palpitation, anxiousness and a lot of memories not just for the duo, for you, the viewer as well. This is where you realize that you are set to witness an explosive, slice of life that promises to help you travel with the characters. The word explosive may be too heavy to use for a love story, but it’s a term that defines the burst of emotions brought out by Ram (Vijay Sethupathi) and Janaki (Trisha). It’s simple yet sweet film, which has its heart in the right place – even if it means questioning the moral stance of the characters.

’96, tells the tale of an estranged couple Ram and Janaki, who fall in love during their teenage years but are separated due to a situation. The two unite at a reunion party, hosted by the ’96 batch. The rest of the story speaks about their forgotten love, and the relationship they share during their brief meet.

This may seem like an ordinary love story on paper, but in the film, the story brings out wonderful nuances, layering every scene with emotions without seeking to establish the typical commercial elements one sees in films. For instance, there isn’t a love failure song; there aren’t women-bashing lines.

The film sticks true to its theme of portraying love. As everyone’s idea of love is unique and subjective, this film too says a different tale. But you know what it’s got perfectly right about love? That space and communication are essential factors of a relationship. I like the part where they wanted to stay updated on each other’s lives but never interfered. In one of the meditative scenes, Ram asks Janaki if she is really happy in life. She pauses a bit and says that she is at peace with life, and that’s the best way to put her feelings across. It’s a beautifully constructed vision of the director that makes you think about the definition of being happy.

This is a film that needs to be felt. It’s conveyed without much fuss. There isn’t much conflict involved, but it’s important to know that the film moves through the experiences of Ram and Janaki. The slow pace seems like a deliberate effect to establish the fact that Janaki wants to fill the void in her life, while Ram doesn’t bring out a sense of dilemma.

The film starts off thanking music director Ilaiyaraaja. Half-way through the film, you realize that his songs form a crucial element in the story. The scenes are further uplifted by Govind Vasantha’s terrific score, which works like a charm. With Chinmayi’s voice powering Trisha’s character, Janaki, through songs and dubbing, she is easily one of the driving points in the film. Her voice flows gently yet in a striking way that mutes every other sound, there is in the scene. She is the perfect choice for moving the director’s vision forward. Trisha as Janaki delivers a subtle performance. She has a bit of a glowing earnestness in her admiration for Ram, and that’s reflected in her beautiful eyes. Vijay Sethupathi shines as Ram. He brings a likable individuality out of his character. Nothing loud, or overly dramatic. He yearns to meet her, and her thought lingers over him throughout his life. The film also brings out superb comedy by Bagavathi Perumal and Devadarshini, which lights up the mood. However, what makes the film what it is, is the wonderful performances of the young actors who played Ram and Janaki during their teenage years. They bring a certain innocence to the film, and it’s so brilliantly staged that you feel for these youngsters. You wait until they appear in the following scenes.

Trisha’s character is also unique. She is married yet yearns to be with Ram. She has no qualms about endorsing that she is married, yet she displays a level of affection for him. It would raise moral judgment against her character, but it’s purely debatable.

Watch ‘96, to relive your memories, or if you don’t have any – simply watch Janaki and Ram take you on their simple journey. It might change the way you look at the concept of love.