Chinna Chinna Aasai - Burning Desires

Chinna Chinna Masai

2026, Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil

Genre: Drama

Director: Varsha Vasudev

Stars: Madhoo, Indrans, Aparna Balamurali

Mohan's Measure ⭐⭐

Titled after a song from her mega-hit film, and bringing in top actors to star with, CCA could have marked a return of. Madhoo to stardom. If only something called a plot hadn't stood in the way. 

The writers have put some thought in setting the stage. Madhoo plays a lonely widow from Thanjavur who strays from her tour group and winds up lost in Varanasi, aka Kashi. Her cell phone and bag stolen, and with little knowledge of the local language, she turns to a well-meaning gentleman who seeks not only to help her find her group, but also to address the obvious signs of clinical depression she displays. 

What a beautiful paradox we have. The director's use of the camera brings out the humanity and day to day of an otherwise unknown city, asking the depressed widow, Leela, and us to discover life even in the city of death. Our guide in this is Madhavan, portrayed by Indrans,  who has come to terms with his own sad life by seeking the good in everyone. Ms. Aparna is brought in to play his worldly wise but equally optimistic daughter. 

But sadly, this noted actress is hardly given any time on screen to develop her character. Her role could have been a pivotal one, providing a youthful spin on the sober conversations between the two leads. It is in failing to bring her in that the movie fizzles out. 

Initially presented as a deep sense of connection, the plot bursts to bring feelings of romance for a Leela, who first speaks of Madhavan as her guru, or more to the point, her guardian angel. Does Madhavan love in return?  Indrans' character leaves it unanswered. 

And we are left puzzled...and unimpressed.