Released on October 4, 2018, 96 is a Tamil-language romantic drama directed by C. Prem Kumar. The movie, starring Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha Krishnan, explores the theme of nostalgia, love, and the passage of time. With a story that revolves around two childhood sweethearts who meet again years later, 96 has captivated audiences with its raw emotion and relatable characters. The film stands out for its simplicity and depth, offering a fresh take on romance and how memories shape our lives. This review will delve into the movie’s plot, strengths, and overall impact.
Table of Contents
Plot Summary
96 tells the story of Ram (Vijay Sethupathi) and Jaanu (Trisha), who were once in love during their school days in the 1990s. After years of separation, they cross paths again at a school reunion. Both have moved on with their lives, but the encounter brings back old memories, rekindling feelings they thought were long buried. The film beautifully captures their emotional journey as they relive their past while grappling with the realities of their present lives. Through flashbacks and heartfelt moments, the movie takes the audience on a nostalgic ride, highlighting how love and memories can linger even after years of separation. The plot’s charm lies in its simplicity, focusing on the emotions and personal growth of the characters rather than relying on dramatic twists.
What’s Good?
Acting
The performances in 96 are undoubtedly one of the movie’s strongest aspects. Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha Krishnan deliver career-defining performances that bring the characters of Ram and Jaanu to life in a way that feels incredibly authentic. Sethupathi’s portrayal of Ram is understated yet powerful, capturing the quiet intensity of a man who has lived with the memories of his first love. Trisha, on the other hand, portrays Jaanu with grace and vulnerability, making her a character the audience can easily empathize with. Their chemistry on screen is palpable, making their reunion feel like a natural and emotional progression.
Direction and Storytelling
C. Prem Kumar’s direction is subtle yet impactful. The pacing of the movie is slow, allowing the audience to fully immerse themselves in the emotions of the characters. The film’s narrative structure, with its seamless transitions between the past and present, is effective in keeping the audience engaged without overwhelming them. The director’s ability to balance nostalgia with the harshness of reality is commendable, making the film both heartwarming and bittersweet.
Music and Cinematography
The music, composed by Govind Vasantha, plays a crucial role in elevating the emotional depth of the movie. The songs, especially “Kaathalae Kaathalae” and “Vennilave,” are beautifully composed and perfectly complement the film’s tone. The background score is subtle yet poignant, adding to the emotional impact of key scenes.
Cinematographically, 96 is a visual treat. The film’s use of light and color captures the essence of the characters’ emotions, with the rural and urban settings both playing significant roles in reflecting the internal conflicts of the protagonists. The cinematography is simple yet elegant, with a focus on close-up shots that highlight the nuances of the actors’ expressions.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
The movie’s biggest strength lies in its emotional depth. The themes of love, loss, and nostalgia are explored in a way that feels real and relatable. The script is strong, with moments of humor, sadness, and introspection that connect with the audience on a personal level. The chemistry between Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha is another highlight, as their characters’ relationship feels genuine and grounded.
Another strength is the film’s ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia. For viewers who grew up in the 90s, the movie brings back memories of simpler times, making it even more poignant. The flashbacks to their school days are beautifully shot and evoke a sense of longing and innocence that many can relate to.
Weaknesses
While the film’s slow pacing adds to its emotional depth, it might feel dragging for some viewers. The lack of significant plot twists or external conflict may not appeal to those looking for a more fast-paced, dramatic story. Additionally, some of the supporting characters are not as well-developed as the leads, which could have added more layers to the narrative.
Target Audience
96 is a film that will resonate most with viewers who enjoy emotionally driven stories. It is ideal for those who appreciate a slow-burn romance and nostalgia-driven narratives. Fans of Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha will find much to admire in their performances. The movie is also a great choice for those who enjoy films that explore the complexity of human emotions and relationships. However, if you prefer action-packed or fast-paced films, this may not be the right choice for you.
Box Office Details
96 was made on a modest budget of approximately ₹10 crore. Despite its relatively low production cost, the movie performed exceptionally well at the box office, grossing over ₹60 crore worldwide. Its success can be attributed to the strong word-of-mouth promotion and the emotional connection it created with audiences.
Day-wise Earnings (India and Overseas)
- Day 1 (India): ₹4.5 crore
- Day 2 (India): ₹5 crore
- Day 3 (India): ₹6 crore
- Day 4 (India): ₹4 crore
- Day 5 (India): ₹3 crore
The movie also performed well overseas, particularly in regions with a significant Tamil-speaking population. It earned approximately ₹10 crore from international markets, making it a success globally.
Worldwide Total Collection
The worldwide box office collection for 96 stands at around ₹60 crore, making it a major success considering its budget. The film’s success was driven by positive reviews, strong performances, and its emotional appeal, which resonated with audiences across different demographics.
Recommendation
In conclusion, 96 is a beautifully crafted film that excels in its emotional storytelling, strong performances, and nostalgic appeal. It is a film that will leave you reflecting on your own memories of love and loss. If you enjoy heartfelt dramas that focus on character development and emotional depth, 96 is a must-watch. Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates films that explore the nuances of human relationships and the power of memories.
Genres:
Romance
Rating:
7.592/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Vijay Sethupathi | Ramachandran “Ram” Krishnamoorthy |
| Trisha Krishnan | Janaki “Janu” Devi |
| Aditya Baskar | Younger Ram |
| Gouri G Kishan | Younger Janu |
| Devadarshini | Subhashini |
| Bagavathi Perumal | Murali |
| Janagaraj | Kaval Deivam |
| Aadukalam Murugadoss | Sathish |
| Varsha Bollamma | Prabha |
| Niyathi Kadambi | Younger Subhashini |
| Kavithalaya Krishnan | Barber |
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Disclaimer: Some of the information on the article, including box office collection, cast, crew, and movie details, is sourced from IMDb. However, our reviews are based on our team's firsthand viewing experience and reflect our honest opinions about the movie.
