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Radha Mohan’s 60 Vayadu Maaniram: What Works, What Doesn’t

A remake of the Kannada film Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu, the movie is a Prakash Raj masterclass, with a climax that could've been more impactful

L M Kaushik

Director Radha Mohan has consistently delivered breezy family entertainers that also serve as eye-openers. His latest, 60 Vayadu Maaniram, is a remake of the acclaimed Kannada film Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu.

Plot: Govindarajan (Prakash Raj) is a 60-year-old suffering from Alzheimer's. His busy and generally impatient son Siva (Vikram Prabhu) admits him to an old-age home that is specifically devoted to such patients. When Govindarajan goes missing, Siva experiences a reality check. As he tries to find his dad over the course of the film, he recollects fond memories of his father and realizes what his life lacks. A fondness grows between him and Dr. Archana (Indhuja), who aids him in his search.

What works

  • Prakash Raj delivers an acting masterclass. He conveys innocent childlike expressions of being lost and naive with remarkable ease and class. His facial tics add value to his performance. The legendary Prakash Raj-Radha Mohan combination produces one more noteworthy film.
  • After a slew of forgettable outings, Vikram Prabhu finally gets a good film. He brings a subtle and realistic side to his acting, and is particularly earnest in the emotional scenes.
  • Indhuja's acting is effortless and she expresses much through her beautiful eyes. Radha Mohan's regular collaborator, Kumaravel, gives the film many fun moments with his dialogues. Samuthirakani is majestic as a gangster whose life is transformed for the better after encountering Govindarajan.
  • Dialogue writer Viji pairs up with Radha Mohan once more, adding his trademark funny and poignant touches to the film. This is definitely a film with its heart in the right place.
  • Maestro Ilayaraja's vintage background score elevates quite a few sequences. The songs have an old-world feel which suits this film.
What doesn't
  • The police-gangster episodes don't gel well with the film, despite the engaging track with Samuthirakani and his loyal sidekick.
  • The eventual meeting between father and son, and the culmination of the Vikram Prabhu-Indhuja romance track could've been more impactful. In a bid to avoid melodrama in the climax, the director keeps it almost too light.

Final word: 60 Vayadu Maaniram is a standard Radha Mohan film, which doesn't bow down to the current new-age cinema trends and techniques. Thanks to the relatable father-son angle and the performances of Prakash Raj and Vikram Prabhu, 60VM is a worthy exercise and a neatly executed remake.

 

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