Veetla Vishesham - in the family way

Veetla Vishesham 

2022, Tamil

RJ Balaji, NJ Narayanan - Directors

RJ Balaji, Urvashi, Satyaraj, Aparna Balamurali

Mohan's Measure ⭐⭐⭐⭐

After seeing one bad film after another coming out of Tollywood's pan-India fetish, I think I am justified in my argument that we need more regional movies. 

Veetla Vishesham is one reason why.  The Tamilized remake of Badhai Ho is clearly a step above the original because it integrates the values and sentiments of the Tamil people. 

While much of this should be credited to fine writing and directing of Mr. Balaji, it is his selection of fine Tamil actors, who didn't need to extend themselves very far,  to play a believable Tamil family having to deal with a very quirky situation. 

While little more can be said to explain the brilliance of Ms. Urvashi and Mr. Satyaraj, it is the young Ms. Aparna who brings this movie to life. Her conservative clothing contrasts with her liberal, cosmopolitan values, showing us what Tamil women are all about.  Mr. Balaji's character Elango feels completed by this, bringing meaning and sensitivity to what was once a zany Hindi comedy. Thank Goodness for "Tamizh-ization."