Every once in a while, a film comes along that beautifully captures the complexities of modern love with simplicity, and Meenakshi Sundareshwar is one such offering. Released in 2021, this romantic drama stars Sanya Malhotra as Meenakshi and Abhimanyu Dassani as Sundareshwar, a young couple navigating the ups and downs of their long-distance arranged marriage. Set in Tamil Nadu, with the modern-day tech industry of Bangalore adding a unique twist to the narrative, the film blends traditional family values with the challenges of a new-age relationship. Directed by Vivek Soni, it promises an intriguing mix of romance, drama, and humor against the backdrop of South Indian culture.
The plot revolves around Meenakshi and Sundareshwar, whose arranged marriage is initially off to a rocky start. While Meenakshi is a bold and passionate woman who loves cinema, Sundareshwar is a soft-spoken, introverted man with dreams of becoming a software engineer. The couple’s life takes an unexpected turn when Sundareshwar lands a job in Bangalore, leaving Meenakshi behind in Madurai. The movie then follows their journey as they try to balance the demands of their careers, family expectations, and a relationship strained by distance. Despite their best efforts to stay connected, misunderstandings and challenges pile up, testing their love and commitment to one another.
One of the film’s strongest points is the acting. Sanya delivers a nuanced and engaging performance as Meenakshi. Her portrayal of a woman torn between her traditional role as a wife and her desire for personal fulfillment is both heartfelt and relatable. Whether it’s her frustration with Sundareshwar’s emotional unavailability or her quiet strength as she navigates the intricacies of marriage, Sanya brings a depth to the role that keeps the audience emotionally invested. Abhimanyu, on the other hand, plays Sundareshwar with a quiet charm. He captures the essence of a man struggling to balance ambition and love, giving his character a natural, understated appeal. The chemistry between the two leads feels genuine, adding authenticity to their relationship. Even though the movie is mostly about them, the supporting cast, especially the extended family members, add flavor and warmth to the story without overshadowing the protagonists.
Cinematography is another aspect that deserves mention. The movie beautifully captures the essence of South India, from the vibrant streets of Madurai to the bustling corporate life of Bangalore. Debojeet Ray’s cinematography uses warm, earthy tones to portray the heritage and culture of Tamil Nadu, while the more muted, cold hues of Bangalore emphasize the distance and isolation that comes with a long-distance relationship. The visual storytelling enhances the emotional beats of the film, making the audience feel the distance between the characters even when they’re not speaking about it. From the traditional Tamil weddings to the cozy homes, the visual detailing adds authenticity to the cultural backdrop.
The direction by Vivek Soni deserves praise for its subtlety. Instead of leaning into melodrama, Soni allows the emotions to unravel naturally. He takes his time to build the relationship between Meenakshi and Sundareshwar, letting the audience feel the push and pull of their emotional distance. However, this slow pacing might not work for everyone, especially viewers expecting a faster or more dynamic storyline. The screenplay, co-written by Soni and Aarsh Vora, offers some charming moments but does fall into predictability at times. The long-distance marriage is an interesting premise, but there are moments where the story feels stretched. More could have been done to explore their individual growth apart from each other, instead of focusing solely on their relationship struggles.
Music plays an essential role in this movie, with the soundtrack composed by Justin Prabhakaran. The songs blend seamlessly into the narrative, adding to the cultural richness of the film. Tracks like “Vaada Machaney” and “Tu Yahin Hai” beautifully convey the emotions of love, longing, and hope, without overpowering the visuals or the story. The background score is subtle and enhances the mood of the film, adding to the emotional weight of certain scenes without becoming intrusive.
Another noteworthy aspect is the costume design, which stays true to the cultural setting of Tamil Nadu. Meenakshi’s traditional sarees and Sundareshwar’s simple, understated wardrobe reflect their characters well. The authenticity in the costumes, along with the attention to cultural details in the setting and production design, helps immerse the audience in the world the film is trying to create. The film does a commendable job in portraying the contrast between Madurai’s traditional life and Bangalore’s modern, tech-driven world.
However, despite its many strengths, Meenakshi Sundareshwar does have its flaws. The film’s pacing feels slow in certain parts, and some of the narrative choices can seem repetitive. While the movie successfully explores the theme of distance in relationships, it doesn’t dig deep enough into other issues like career sacrifices, familial expectations, or personal growth, all of which are hinted at but not fully explored. There is also a slight lack of dramatic tension in the latter half, where the story could have benefitted from a sharper conflict or a more impactful resolution.
Overall, Meenakshi Sundareshwar is a charming and visually appealing film that offers an insightful look into long-distance relationships and the compromises that come with arranged marriages. It is held together by Sanya’s strong performance, Abhimanyu’s subtle charm, and the beautiful cultural representation. While the film could have pushed its narrative boundaries further, it still offers an enjoyable and heartwarming experience for those looking for a light, thoughtful romantic drama. It’s especially recommended for viewers who appreciate culturally grounded stories that reflect the complexities of modern relationships.
