Kiss, the directorial debut of National Award-winning choreographer Sathish Krishnan, attempts to deliver a fresh fantasy-laced romantic comedy. While the film sparkles with a unique premise and the natural charisma of its lead, it struggles to maintain momentum, ultimately proving to be a breezy, but uneven, romantic ride.
The film centers on Nelson Marcus (Kavin), a musician who harbors an aversion to love and commitment, largely due to his parents' divorce. Nelson accidentally comes into possession of a mysterious book, which grants him a bizarre supernatural ability: "Kiss Josiyam"—the power to see the entire romantic future of any couple the moment he witnesses them share a kiss.
To his dismay, his visions only predict tragic or heartbreaking separations. This drives him to try and break up couples. The narrative takes an urgent turn when he falls for Sarah William (Preethi Asrani), a dancer, and his vision for their future spells an impending doom. The rest of the film becomes a frantic race against destiny as Nelson attempts to rewrite fate to save the woman he loves.
What Works: Charm and Concept
Fresh Premise: The core concept of "kiss josiyam" is undeniably innovative for a Tamil romantic comedy. It introduces a clever "ticking clock" element that elevates the typical rom-com formula.
Kavin's Charisma: Kavin is the anchor of the film. He delivers a charming, natural performance, effortlessly balancing his character's initial arrogance with the vulnerability that emerges as he grapples with his power.
Breezy First Half: Director Sathish Krishnan establishes the supernatural premise and the comedic side-plots well, particularly leveraging VTV Ganesh and RJ Vijay for effective, lighthearted comic relief.
Technical Polish: The film has a visually appealing, polished aesthetic, and Jen Martin's music (especially the romantic tracks) is largely praised for enhancing the emotions without overpowering the scenes.
What Doesn't Work: The Uneven Writing
The film's ambitious concept is let down by uneven writing, particularly in the second half.
Lack of Emotional Depth: Critics noted a significant flaw in the character arcs. The film often tells the audience about Nelson’s emotional turmoil and change of heart rather than showing it convincingly. His transition from a love-hater to a devoted man feels abrupt and plot-driven rather than organic.
Pacing and Predictability: After a strong setup, the second half loses momentum, leaning on conventional romantic conflicts. The twists, while numerous, become repetitive, and the final emotional payoff feels unearned.
Underutilization: Several veteran supporting actors, including Devayani and Rao Ramesh, are underutilized, appearing in brief, one-note roles that waste their potential.
Final Verdict
Kiss is a fun, feel-good fantasy that delivers on its promise of breezy romance and unique comedy. Its biggest strength lies in its novel concept and Kavin’s amiable performance. However, inconsistent pacing and a screenplay that settles for convenience over emotional conviction prevent it from achieving the status of a truly memorable romantic classic. It's a sweet watch, but you may leave wishing the film had dug a little deeper.
A good one-time watch for fans of Kavin and lighthearted fantasy-romance.
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