Konchem Istam Konchem Kashtam Review

Geeta (Tamanna) has a very loving father, Subrahmaniam (Nasser), one who will even walk on live coals when she's sick. He sends Geeta to Hyderabad for her higher studies, and when she bumps into Siddharth and his flirty ways (read 'grab girls into trial rooms', or 'ask super-market sales-girl for a kiss') for the first time, she is quite appalled. Don't they have girls on whatever planet he came from?

Of course, they have hearts of gold on whatever planet he came from, and Geeta soon changes her mind about him. Siddharth, the only son of estranged parents, lives with his mother Rajyalakshmi (Ramyakrishna). His father Prakash (Prakash Raj), who has built a rather formidable corporate empire for himself in the 18 years that he lived abroad, now returns to the country, and attempts to shower guilt-presents on his son. Torn in a dead-end parental conflict, Siddharth finds solace in Geeta's company. The two are almost in love anyway, and they seal it with a duet.

Subrahmaniam is the first to be told, but he doesn't trust that Siddharth understands what marriage is all about, since his parents have never lived together. And since things won't really proceed without the consent of all elders present, Siddharth and Geeta decide to bring his parents together.

The first half has laboured depictions of Siddharth's easy-going character, a hazy sketch of Geeta's character (supposed to be naive and innocent, the educated and smart Geeta instead gets a mystifying line to show she's not from the city - "Cricket ante?"), and a bewilderingly out-of-place song with Geeta.

It's the second half that makes the film what it is. With elegant portrayals of relationship fundas, and powerful dialogues that nudge you where it matters, KIKK's tactfully dealt-with reconciliation offers laughter, tears and much warmth.

Siddharth bags most of the meaty scenes - the later confrontations with his father and with Geeta's father are some fine specimens. He has quite a few moments that remind you of the other attempt at "understanding love by easing things at home". Tamanna, seen here after only her debut, doesn't disappoint - her screen presence is intact, and she excels.

Between the older couple, Prakash Raj, again, gets more airtime, but both he and Ramyakrishna are brilliant. There are a couple of comedy tracks, too, one with Venumadhav and one with Brahmanandam.

Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy have a few chart-busters on their hands with this film. As for the visuals, it's such a bright, glossy flick, you can almost smell the freshness. A special mention might be made of the cheerily choreographed 'Egire'.

KIKK is a must-watch, with the family. One of very few films in recent times that can honestly boast of a feel-good factor.