Lover Movie Review: Manikandan Aces Role Of Disgruntled Man

Director Prabhuram Vyas's film Lover'dares to shine the light on that side of romantic relationships that not many are aware of.

Yes, Lover shows that even a relationship with a loved one can turn toxic when one gets over-protective and too possessive.

To his credit, Vyas does a mighty fine job of making one realise how burdensome a toxic relationship can be.

Arun (Manikandan) and Divya (Sri Gouri Priya) have been in a relationship, right from the time they were in college.

While Divya has progressed in her career and is now making great strides in an IT firm, Arun has fallen back. He has turned an alcoholic and hangs out with a bunch of wastrels who spend time on drinks and drugs.

Arun's ambition is to start a cafe but his lack of focus, his choice of friends and his indiscipline turn into stumbling blocks, often pushing his dream project back to its starting stage.

Divya's steady growth makes Arun insecure about losing her. He gets possessive to the point of controlling her. At one point, the tension and stress gets too much for her to bear. What happens then is what 'Lover' is all about.

Full marks to director Vyas for highlighting an aspect that very few Tamil films have spoken about at length until now. Vyas shows how suffocating it can become for one person in a relationship when the other person tends to desperately cling on to them, all in the name of love. So fine is the depiction and so convincing the narration that Lover's story immediately strikes a chord with you.

It's evident from Vyas's writing that he is not looking to humiliate individuals but to hold a mirror to show to those who are blinded by love, what happens when they turn a burden.

It is not just good writing but exceptional performances from his cast members that help Vyas make his point forcefully and with precision.

Actor Manikandan delivers yet another outstanding performance as the lead character Arun. The man, who earned your sympathy with his heart-melting performance in 'Jai Bhim', delivers an even more emphatic performance in 'Lover'.

As the unreasonable boyfriend of Divya, who first explodes in anger and then weeps and apologises, pitifully seeking another chance from her, he delivers a performance that is almost perfect. So good is his portrayal of the character that you almost begin to hate him.

Sri Gouri Priya does a decent job of playing Divya and complements Manikandan's powerful performance well.

Kanna Ravi, as Divya's new team leader Madan, delivers a commanding performance that is both majestic and dignified. In fact, Kanna Ravi's portrayal of his character is on par with that of Manikandan's portrayal of Arun.

Geetha Kailasam too makes an indelible mark in her role as Arun's mom. As the battered wife of an unfaithful husband who is struggling to get her son settled, Geetha Kailasam delivers a memorable performance that moves you.

Actor Saravanan, who plays Arun's dad, and Arunachaleshwaran, who plays Arun's close friend, too impress.

On the technical front, Sean Roldan's music is a big plus. In fact, the music director seems to have poured his heart and soul into this film. His music often speaks louder than the dialogues and looks to powerfully amplify the mood the director is looking to create. Shreyaas Krishna's visuals are just perfect.

In all, 'Lover' is a movie that might not make you laugh from start to finish. But it will most certainly hold your attention for the entire duration and get you thinking by the time it ends.