Oho Enthan Baby review:
Halfway through Rudra narration of his love story to Vishnu Vishal, the actor’s manager King (Redin Kingsley) calls him ‘toxic’ and it got me think when was the last time a male character in the film was spontaneously called out for their behaviour which is beyond acceptable. Such little things get due credits in Oho Enthan Baby, a flavourful, quirky and vibrant love story that is youthful in its appeal.
Following a film-within-the-film format, Oho Enthan Baby borrows Krishnakumar previous directorial’s (Modern Love Chennai Kaadhal Enbadhu Kannula Heart Irukkura Emoji) protagonist; someone whose affiliation with cinema is more than just a Romeo-Juliet love. Ashwin breathes and lives on cinema, because his uncle’s theatre became the only solace when his household was riddled with his parents’ fight. The film really doesn’t get into the nitty-gritties of why and how they fight, but enough to say that Ashwin’s affair with cinema threads into a path of romance; right from school, and when he finally meets Meera (Mithila Palkar), the cousin of his friend’ girlfriend. There are so many little things that the film just brushes upon; careful to include but not enough to stress to make it stand out like sore thumb. Meera, we are told, is three years older to Ashwin, and the story seldom bothers to make it an issue as it should. Similar is the case when Ashwin’s crush confides in him that she is in love with his friend (who happens to be a girl). Situations are dealt with a good portion of humour sans stereotypes.
Oho Enthan Baby pays details to such narratives, as it unfolds to the stage when the love between Meera and Ashwin faces difficult situations. Meera calls Ashwin a ‘narcissist’ and we see the latter throwing in his argument. The conflict isn’t one-note, and pretty much, an intricate complexity that might be common in relationships of today’s times. Both Rudra and Mithila deliver honest portrayals of their characters, and brownie points go to the latter who performance in a language not known to her, comes across truly delightful. And as for Vishnu Vishal who comes for a prominent portion of the film, gets to spoof the top stars, throw in a couple of lines that can conclude the industry gossip, and takes instances from his real life, as part of the narrative.
Having said, Oho Enthan Baby does get into some icky positions when some of its threads are not tied properly. The situation with Ashwin’s parents, how his father had the upper hand in the domestic battles, or even Meera’s dysfunctional familial status is more said that shown. Humour and emotions that are the main catalysts that drive Oho Enthan Baby, go off the beat at times, and return at unexpected moments. Krishnakumar is careful to craft the film which does not want to take itself too seriously, and while it for most parts works to the favour of the film, sometimes the sentimentality does not get the gripping.
With romance at its centre, and comedy doing some heavy-lifting, the film renders to be for a light viewing. With its casual nature, Oho Enthan Baby is well-made technically, which is a major plus point when the film tends to slip at time with lack of emotional depth. The music, paired up with vibrant cinematography, and the main cast, make Oho Enthan Baby a film that can be a starting stage for fresh talents to come in.
Oho Enthan Baby is a quirky, fun, and light-hearted rom-com that fairly sticks to its genre. The film makes up for a decent watch, and holds much potential had it worked on the depths of other characters surrounding its leads. Rudra and Mithila with their impressive performances, make Oho Enthan Baby’s hide its flaws.
Ratings : 3/5
PRO SURESH CHANDRA D’one
