User Reviews

Here we go, discussing about another stereotypical love movie from Gautham Menon. NDEPV does have all the controversies that generally comes along with most of Gautham's flicks (too much English, too slow etc).

The film begins with an enchanting song, that got me completely glued to the movie, especially for the fact that it was shot at SSN college. This song was shot in the hostel, entrance, auditorium and various Department buildings, I felt as if I was in my college.

Varun (Jiva) meets Nithya (Samantha)in his class, who apparently is her primary school, secondary school and secondary school crush. For some reason, they lose contact and Varun impresses her by singing an Ilayaraja classic on the stage. They fall in love and everything seems to be OK. One day, Varun 's parents are humiliated by the girl's parents whom his brother liked. This incident creates a spark in Varun 's mind n he decides to get serious with studies.

Again, Nithya could not understand why things r changing and argues with Varun . Poor Nithya does not know his family situation n the relationship eventually breaks up. The first half ends here and everything is fine up until now. The second half is all about how Varun comes back to win Nithya back again and what happens to their love..

The second half entirely rests on the shoulders of the great Maestro Ilayaraja. His music literally speaks to us and actually the lyrics tell you exactly what is going on in the film. You can sit blind folded and still understand the movie by just listening to the music and songs. Raja Raja Dhaan.... What is creating many detractors for the movie, is the fact that the climax was too dragging and could have been more crispier.. Agreeable, but still, it does not happen that way in real life. Watchable, at least for the Maestro... 7/10 it is...

Neethane En Ponvasantham (NEP) (2012) Review:

Eventually the movie is in the reception of mixed reviews and with zero expectations I watched the movie and ended up in giving this review of mine.

The usual Gautam Vasudev Menon's style romantic movie with his usual ingredients like coffee shop love, Engineering college student love, artificial Mom and Dad with semi English -Tamil accent, lovers blaming each other for their failure relationship . Evidently this story is not so new it is the usual patch up – breakup lover's tale (strictly don't expect any twists more than this). Jiva and Samantha play the lead roles in the movie as Varun and Nithya. Where though Samantha's acting is not so matured but her blush is cute. Jiva tries to imitate the usual Gautam's lover boy series (Surya- VaranamAyiram, Simbhu-VTV, Madahvan-Minnale). Santhanam tries to create comedy crackers but eventually that was not so helpful to glue yourself to the seats. Music by Illaiyaraja makes up for the length of the movie and the album as on a whole didn't meet the hype and buzz created during the release when we compare it to Gautam's previous albums from VTV, Varanam Ayiram, Minalae (all of them are really cherish able all time music).The cinematography was too random in the movie and so many times the focus on the characters was not so clear (example the crucial apartment open top talk scene). These things make the movie a strict one time watch. Some say that this is characters relate type movie (where you could relate it to your life) and a strict romantic movie for lovers and newly married people. But trust me enter at your own risk. Bottom line: If VTV was the main love brand movie. Then Minnalae and Varanam Ayiram was a prequel and NEP is a sequel.

-Reviewed by SivakumarBalachandran (bsiva84@gmail.com)

Neethane Enn Pon Vasantham (U) TAMIL ----------my Rating : 3/5 stars WATCHABLE

It is a fresh classic love story in Tamil after Vinnathandi vaaruvaaya......

VERY GOOD:- *Comedy : Santhanam comes in few bits...he will rock u..... *Direction : was good always used to give us a classy flick but he got some trouble in the climax.... *Editing : was good.... *Message Content to boys : Career is First .. rest all comes behind... *Performance and Casting : was excellent ..samantha was bubbly and cute to see on the big screen....

AVERAGE:- *Music : ilayaraja is average not appreciable ...my favorite is "Vaanam Mella".... *Background Score : was OK according to the script.... *Cinematography : debutantes i think so... *Story : was fine but it is usual script we didn't find anything new...

VERY BAD:- *Screenplay : very draggy both first and second half ..... *Romance : with more breakups.....

FINAL VERDICT:- It is a classy movie ....i recommend u all for one time watch if u have more patience more time and sit back and relax with ur free mind... Go for it....

Neethaane En Ponvasantham is a romantic film in which Jeeva plays the role of Ragu, who is an engineering student while Samantha plays a psychology student named Nithya . Jeeva, Samantha.

This was one among the most awaited movie of the season for the following reasons. The return of Gautham Vasudev Menon to rise above the success of his previous outing ' Vinnai Thaandi Varuvaaya', Buzz created by the soothing rhythms of Ilayaraaja and the on screen chemistry of Jiiva & Samantha in teasers. So were the expectations satisfied? Let's see it at the end.

The whole movie had a feel of a mash up between a sitcom and a musical which was very new to the audience. The never changing attitude of the pair (literally) plays the villain in this romantic story. In fact we shouldn't blame the director for this because within 15 minutes of the movie, there is a dialogue by Samantha (Nithya) which goes like the core character of a person is fixed by the time he/she celebrates second birthday. So by that logic, the protagonists never change their attitude or their way of approach in mending their lost love. Though logical, it was excruciating for us to sit through the climax and watch them brood over their failed connect in the same manner again and again.

Santhanam plays a mellowed down, friend of protagonist role and he largely succeeds by his timing and body language. In fact he pushes the movie through scenes which would have been dampener without him.

The classic dilemma of a boy from middle class is well brought out by Jiiva (Varun) and it could have been portrayed much better, for his character is not well written as Samantha's. The Director does go overboard with evoking nostalgia factor, and it makes us wonder if we are watching a Murali or Mohan movie of early 90s in select scenes. Though the songs were wonderful to hear, the placement of the songs in the second half tested our patience and it played spoilsport in understanding the intensity of the feel that was supposed to be created between the protagonists.

On the whole, NEP fares a bit low when compared to its nemesis VTV because of its shoddy character development and asynchronous writing. Climax aids its descent in audience satisfaction graph to a new low making them squirm in their seats. Instead of making the audience feel passionately about Varun and Nithya to reunite, the shoddy climax makes the audience go ballistic, for them to unite so that the movie would end.

Hence the conclusion is, though the expectations were all satisfied in various degrees; still the overall feel among moviegoers is bit damp for they were felt letdown by the director for his haphazard climax Yet the best part is the arrival of Samantha as an able actress to play a pivotal role in a movie and she deserves due appreciation for it.

NEP : Still qualifies to be an Ideal Date movie, but take care to guard her ears from the verbal abuses in theatre, towards the end of the movie.

Appreciations to Gautam.

This movie is indeed someone's love story.

Credits to Gautam who has nicely crafted & portrayed this film.It is excellent piece of narration which can be felt by few who had similar story in their life.

Background score & music adds much value to a script and none other than Ilayaraja can give this feeling. Thanks to Gautam who realized this well and bring contemporary musical retreat to Isaignani fans.

Samantha deserved this film and this has definitely revealed her talent.It would be one of her best movies and its obvious she would get more opportunities in upcoming flicks.

Jiva though this film not suit him (poignant character) he has done his assignment pretty well. Santhanam good for his renowned timing jokes who contributed well for this film.

Finally ,thanks Gautam ..for the 1st time ever in my life,u made me to scribble this review :)

Only the People who knows the Depth of Love and Pain in it and the who misses someone badly,A "GIRL" who loves his "GUY" Truly/badly will love this wonderful Movie "Neethaane En Ponvasantham",yes this movie is only for the True Lovers and not for all..and its a Girl's Love Story!:)

And the one who said its a Bad/Mokka movie is the one who dose'not know what is "Love" or else the "ART of Filmmaking" or the usual Masala movie lovers.This film beautifully showcases the Egoistic nature in the couples,how the fights are happening between the couples in 'Reality'..And,those who said the songs are misplaced,or too many songs in the films,Come'on its a different or NEW way of "Storytelling"..Gautham conveyed what he wants to tell to the audience through SONGS,he incorporated the songs through the Screenplay(Matured people ll understand,i guess)..Oh God! the Acting of SAMANTHA was chance less..after watching this film i have became your fan officially :P,basically i was not impressed by your beauty at all,and now to be agreed that you are beautiful and u are an wonderful actor too!:) Jiva too acted well,his romance and egoistic behavior acting was totally good..but i was very impressed with Sam's acting much than Jiva's acting!..Gautham well used Maestro Ilayaraja sir by the beautiful songs,generally every director wants the situation BGM from him,but GVM used him differently by songs and pictured on the screen well..I particularly liked the breakup scene b4 the Post interval and it was Great..:) :)..

But technically the film is not up to the GVM film standards..Cinematography was above average,few angles were good but some of the top angles didn't suite according to the situation..and slight scenes were not executed properly and also Editing was Horrible,these were the flaws in the technical dept!

Note to mas-ala movie lovers : "If you don't like artistic,realistic,slow paced movies..don't say its Bad/Mokka movie,Just because it did not ENTERTAIN u dose'not means the film is BAD,and u guys are unlucky to watch these kinda movies and u guys don't deserve to tell these kinda movies(3,anbeshivam,Maniratnam sir movies movies,etc) the word MOKKA".

Note to GVM : Thank u very much sir for delivering a warm hearted soulful movie! and am proud to say that "Am" your FAN!! :) :) because even though u gained much popularity or more fans after VTV,u dint make this film as COMMERCIAL one just to maintain your fan-level,u proved this is your way of filmmaking and will not allow any commercial add-ons in your movie!!..In that am proud to be your FAN sir!!...

Note to Lovers : If u love someone badly/truly don't make them hurt or Don't break-up at any point or situation,Love actually makes u immature and u need to overcome that immaturity and need to understand the problem and try to make the solution for it..When it comes love,Time and Education will not permit and it will resist u and so u guys need to handle the situation well,so that need to be Matured first!! and final thing don't make YOUR GIRL CRY,she will not bare that pain (My opinion after watching this movie)....and also Before accepting the love the BOY will be mad in love with her and after the girl accepts the "Love"..She will love more than the boy!...#True Story

So,on the whole...Film is Superb! and my rating : 10/10 (as an audience)and 8/10 (crucially/technically)

One of the finest movies of GVM & Samantha Ruth Prabhu . Acting was perfect. Background also okay. Hero Could be changed as in school days hero looks like aged , which should not be. However these movies deserve to get good rating for nice picturisation.

Biggest yawn i have seen.

We went because, Jiva is liked at home by all of us. Don't know what he was thinking,when he accepted to do this movie.

This movie was VTV rehashed. They even are so original that they replay some of the scenes from VTV - what !! Crazy. Don't know what got into the director's head. Clichéd. Santhanam provided the relief. And so we spent time waiting for his next scene.

It is also Gautam's ode to Illayaraja. I know now, why i got turned off - the music of Illayaraja is so old. And why the hell does he insists on singing. Does he really think he has the voice of a cuckoo.

Gautam has clearly run out ideas. Dad. Engineering. Girl/boy playing hard to get (all the time !!!). Music being the bond. Old songs. OK we get it you like old songs. But f#@k make a movie we can watch - not because you have an obsession.

Good luck to people who have booked tickets.

Neethaane En Ponvasantham: Wow!!!! Another wonderful movie from Gautham Vasudev Menon.... Once again a sensible love story and A feel good movie... Sure many people wont like this movie(like VTV).... But while seeing this film, oru sema feel... chance-less....

santhanam comedy is superb and very very very funny...

jeeva n samantha acting is awesome.. the chemistry between them wrkd well..Maestro rocks in BGM...

The movie is really a slow-pace movie, only few people will like this film like VTV. The main thing is, the people who likes this film knws "what is in-depth love"... If u liked VTV, don't miss this one....

NEE THANE EN PONVASANTHAM

GENRE: ROMANCE, DRAMA

RATING: 4/5

Nee thane en ponvasantham---Gautham has created a rattling-fresh magical film. Its unique style of film-making and gleaming music have added to the class of the film. The level of maturity involved in the making is explicitly incredible and precisely the two key qualities that tends to define the film are subtlety and sensibility. In a nut-shell, it's a slice-of-life in an off-beat screenplay.

Firstly, the superlative casting has to be eulogized for its elegant and sensible assortment. Jiiva and Samantha look like they were tailor-made for the roles they were portrayed in. Jiiva's dignified execution and Samantha's intense work elevated the narration. The terrace sequence just before the interval is brilliant in terms of photography and performance. The shot transitions are indeed of a higher level. Samantha's restlessness during the parley is pure reality and she managed to deliver it with utmost clarity. The supporting cast is also a bunch of felicitous choices. Though their sequences were limited, Santhanam and Vidhyulekha strived to emanate the best.

Ilayaraja has proved it once and for all that he is still capable of tuning the audience to his euphonious tracks. The climax arrangement and the propensity that is created in the last 25 minutes is massively supported by sattru munbu song and the bgm, making it distinctly world-class. The breakage and assembly of songs pertaining to the situations is way profound and kudos to the director. When the maestro's music and Gautham's prominent visuals synchronizes, it does wonders. Not forgetting the dominant contribution, Na.Muthukumar made the songs gripping and feasible to connect with the gallery.

Though being a quality experiment, the long shots and excessive reality may hinder the repeat audience for it made the screenplay real passive and stagnant. As per the present scenario, one of the main countenance of films is to entertain which is not satisfied by NEP. We can see the solace amongst the audience when Santhanam appears and their hankering for his presence. It's no surprise even for the director to see cynical reactions from B and C class audience as it was not intended for them. There is no point in contravening the critiques.

NEE THANE EN PONVASANTHAM

#Unseen urban classic with an off-beat narration.

#Guaranteed gratification for moviegoers.

#Applause for the director for his exquisite boldness to film a script in a raw and artistic manner without spicing it up with any commercial facets and bearings to satisfy the marketing demands or its strategies.

Seriously the biggest Dud of 2012 in cinema.

Utter rehash of Vaaranam Aayiram and VTV.

Jiva's acting skills are average while Samantha's expressions and over- acting are unbearable to the core!

Santhanam is the only relief in the film.

1st half is Torturous while 2nd half is only songs.

BGM does not match the situation in many places.

The Movie doesn't make any impact at all.

Just because VTV was successful doesn't mean you can take the same approach every time.

Definitely Biggest Flop of this Year!

Actually to start with I am a big fan of the director's work right from minnale,Kaakha Kaakha,Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu,Vaaranum Aayirum, VTV and now this movie has topped the list.

After listening to all the mixed reviews from friends and internet, I initially was puzzled (Before seeing the movie).So to check it out myself, I booked the tickets for the movie and went to the movie with my friend. For your information " I have watched Varanum Aayirum, Kaakha Kaakha, Vettaiyaadu Velaiyaadu and VTV the First day of the movie release. For all the above movies I had liked the way the directors narration and his choice of music. So, before I reached for the theater I had listened to all the songs of the movie and they had stroked a chord in me. And all that I had in my mind was, its GVM's movie and after a long time Isaignani has composed music for it which makes it even more special and was more than enough for me to head to the theater.

While the movie started I clearly has no idea of what it was going to be and I serious was before the screen without any kind of eyes shining expectation. As the movie started I really started enjoying the movie and its unique way of narration with the songs. The one thing that went echoing on my mind was "How could people not enjoy the movie??, its unique narration and one of its kind..!!" Both Samantha and Jeeva have played as Nithya and Varun have done their best might. Especially, Samantha was just mind-blowing with her expressions and acting. She has lived as nithya vasudevan and totally took the screen presence over jeeva in many places. Santhanams timing comedy has made the movie even more enjoyable.

The best part of the movies is its BGM's and Songs which actually has driven the movie like the director (GVM) says in many interviews. The director has treated the story genuinely without any little consideration of commercialization to make it a box office hit like other directors do expect bala, maniratham and vetri maaran. Actually we people should have to accept the fact that he has tried out something really different and unique he stands out of the crowd. Salute to the brave attempt.

I hear people say " Its a slow paced film, Yes it's a romance-drama movie and it is entitles to its own pace do you expect it to have all the crap features that these mas ala movies incorporate these day that you have used to watching all these years or what??. One a full moon day, if you are traveling down a riverside in boat with your lady love the only possible way that you enjoy the ride is to ride slowly spending some quality time with her, not through flying in a helicopter understand difference. Its quite obvious that most of GVM's love movies are slow paced, you have chose to watch it knowing them all. If you're ignorant am sorry for you. Plus, it's the way its meant to be.

I just loved the second half and its narration, I hear people saying " There is always songs that is coming repeatedly and in-between scenes" Yes, people that is the best and beautiful part and which I loved and enjoyed the most out of it. The placement of the songs in the second half is an outstanding piece of work by GVM and Antony, hats off for both of them.

In the climax, when all the conversation ends and they both kiss the BGM of The Isaignani comes in.. Man, I was speechless and Out of the world, he has lived up to the standards. A Royal Salute to The Maestro, We love you as always..

Above all the feeling that I had after watching the movie made me overwhelmed with a everlasting feeling of love and a self pleasing state of delightfulness. For which I watched the movie for 6 times in theater.

At the nutshell, from the bottom of my heart I loved the movie and strictly for those to know the meaning of in-depth love and its pain.

P.S Thank you GVM sir for such a great movie, always a fan for your works. This is my very first review about a flick. Excuse me if you happen to find any flaws.

The Best Romance movie of the Year 2012. From my point of view. Rating : 5/5

A very bad movie.. It is a compilation on all horrible scenes from all movies of this genre.. The film fails in all aspects.. Characterization, script, screenplay, music, camera, dialogues, acting what not..

This is the first time even synonymy's comedy does not make an impact.. We all have seen movies based on off and on relationships but this one sucks to the core.. We know there are characters like the hero, but the way it is shown on screen is unacceptable..

The music is a big letdown.. The album was a massive hit yes but that was no reason for playing one song 3 times in the movie! It was portrayed as Illayaraja's comeback movie, but after this he should really rethink his future..

We don't know why Goutham Menon spent his time on such a movie.. Probably he chose a poor English movie to steal the script from..

Overall the movie sucked big time..

Please don't waste a couple of hours on this!

Thanks Gautham Menon, for giving a wonderful experience. I Enjoyed every seconds from the movie, and you made me to mark my review for the first time for any movie.

Jiva(Varun) & Samantha(Nithya) are awesome, and they seems to be really lived in the movie.

Great music from Ilayaraja, and during few songs it is well presented to understand the feelings of Varun & Nithya through screen and music, where no dialogues are required.

Few scenes i liked most, Nithya proposing to Varun. Varun sending all the draft emails. When Varun hurts nithya asking to drive his car to repay, she could have went home but she drove the car to spend some last minutes with him :) and many more...

Thanks again Gautham, Ilayaraja, Jiva, Samantha & TEAM for giving this wonderful experience & feelings.....

it is a complete worst of time, do not watch this movie unless you like movies full of unnecessary dialogues. i usually like love stories but this one was completely boring with numerous unlikable songs. it has lots of similarities with vinnaithandi varuvaaya and vaaranam aayiram but none of them felt good in this film.watching this movie in night will help to get better sleep, before watching this movie i thought vaaranam aayiram would be the most boring romantic film even though that film has a good story , but this movie surpass my expectations to become such a boring movie experience. it may be a likable cinema

for hard core lovers who just want to hear some pointless romantic dialogues,but for movie goers who are looking for any entertainment or story this has not got either of these qualities. this film has no story at all just the usual story of " boy loves girl, later broke off, then restored,the end ". my score:0.5/10

After the amazing VTV , NEP had a great expectation among his fans and many others who detest Gautam style of movie making. Thanks to the inclusion of the Maestro in the team which made many to give this flick a try. But coming to the movie did it live to all its pre-release hype ??? I doubt it !!!!! There was something fundamentally missing in the movie since it started. Romantic flick depends on moments of love, which was lost in most part of the movie. Agreed there are misunderstandings among the couple, but come on give us a break !!!! It seems Gautam directed with this tubular vision, misunderstanding and ego clash builds up the relation. I was waiting for some yearning moments which happened in some set pieces, but there is no connecting thread between these set pieces. All I could see is Varun and Nithya coming together and moving apart and the reason, well you don't need a hard hitting reason for break up, but at least some poignant moments which we could empathize for the couple. The way in which he shot certain sequences was commendable, like the pre-interval break up, it was almost 5-6 min without any break or take, but here also the camera was moving up and down, with no chance of seeing the protagonist emotions. Both Jeeva and Samantha did justice to their portrayal of Varun and Nithya, but that could not sustain till the very end of the movie. Samantha was amazing, probably this could be her best till date, especially the sisters wedding scene !!! Jeeva was grim in all the scene, may be thats what the director has expected of him !!!! And songs, there is no doubts about the quality of the songs which was already a chart buster but the BGM was not the maestros best. This review might seem to be biased to many Gautam fans based on the popular view of the movie in the general public, but being an ardent fan of Gautam Vasudeva Menon I had great expectations from him in this movie, probably that could also be a reason for me getting disappointed after seeing it All I could say is NEP lacked the charm, warmth and heart which was in abundance in VTV. After seeing NEP I came back and saw VTV twice that night to savor the romance !!! Finally a word, there was a magic moment in all his earlier venture be it Kakha Kakha, Minnale or VTV, but that moment was sorely missing in NEP !!!!

Music / Songs: Was disappointed. Not able to pin point the reason. Lyrics were very good, guess the singers have disappointed. Don't know the reason why Illayaraja sir is still singing. Sorry to say this, i think he needs to stick to making beautiful music

Story: Man it did take me to my past. Taking a phone call in the bathroom :-) could not stop smiling at my own self... Having said that, at some points in the movie santhanams comedy was a let down. Unnecessary jokes and scenes recreated from vtv was a let down and irritated every body, including myself.

Verdict: Enjoyed the movie, worth the 100rs ticket. but then again, as one of my friend remarked "it is a movie which can be digested by people who were, are in love... As in love Marriage " :-)

GVM seems like to overrated when I saw these 2 movies (other one z ENPT)... Story nothing Acting of leadcast good...

I still remember Gautham Menon's Press meet after 'Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa' success, He said 'some people did not like VTV much and my nest flick is for them. One of those was me and I thoroughly enjoyed each and every frame of NEP. Both the movies were totally different in story and presentation so comparing between them and saying which one is better is really a bad idea.

Samantha's best performance so far in a Tamil movie and Jiiva was excellent as usual. This is the fight stories of three different stages of a love story. Of course it was slow like everyone complaining about, without those drag it would have been a mess because when the movie ends you will feel you went through those places and time along with the characters and the art of a movie always lies in the slow presentation.

'This could be your love story' is the tagline of the movie and I found some similarities in few scenes that happened around me in real life. Hope Hindi version gonna be a huge hit like Tamil and Telugu. A must see Romance-drama by youngsters!

This is one of my favourite romantic tamil movie. Hats off to GVM, Jeeva, And Sam

Nothing to say, it's really an awesome movie. The one of the best romantic movie in Tamil, I don't know how the 2 hour 31 minutes passed, such a great feeling.