Movies
Oho Enthan Baby (Starring Rudra & Mithila Palkar): A Refreshing Love Story That Stumbles Near the Finish Line
There was a time when heartwarming romantic entertainers were a regular fixture in Tamil cinema. But over the years, the charm has faded, and what remains often feels watered down—pushing many to revisit nostalgic gems from the ’90s and early 2000s. Enter Oho Enthan Baby—a film that, from its trailer, promised a fresh take on love, tinged with modern-day conflicts. But does it truly deliver on that promise? Let’s dive in. ##Plot Overview ##Ashwin (Rudra), a struggling assistant director, lands a dream opportunity: to pitch his scripts to actor Vishnu Vishal (playing himself). He’s accompanied by his manager King (Redin Kingsley), a hilariously blunt voice of reason. After dismissing two uninspired ideas, Vishnu challenges Ashwin to come up with a love story—something Vishnu hasn’t tackled yet in his career. ##Reluctantly, Ashwin begins narrating a romantic tale with an unfinished ending… because it’s his own. What unfolds is a layered, deeply personal narrative revolving around his relationship with Meera (Mithila Palkar), a doctor, and the painful breakup that still haunts him. Vishnu pushes Ashwin to confront his past—and Meera—to find closure and finish the story. Will Ashwin find peace, in love and in his art? ##Narrative Strengths Written by Mukesh Manjunath and helmed by debutant Krishnakumar Ramkumar, Oho Enthan Baby is a refreshingly grounded romantic drama. The film cleverly uses a story-within-a-story framework, offering both meta-commentary and emotional resonance. The first half breezes by, thanks to snappy writing, self-aware humour, and well-paced emotional arcs. ##From pop-culture nods like Jana Nayagan, to fun moments involving Ajith’s racing career and Soori’s sweets, the film places itself firmly in today’s cultural landscape. These references don’t feel forced—they serve as smart, engaging touches that invite the audience in. ##Ashwin and Meera’s relationship dynamic is both relatable and complex. Their chemistry isn’t built on textbook romance, but on tension, contrast, and quiet vulnerability. The script doesn’t glorify Ashwin’s flaws—Vishnu calls him out, and King even labels him “toxic.†This kind of narrative accountability is rare and welcome in romantic storytelling. ##Where It Falls Short However, as the film enters its final stretch, the freshness begins to fade. The screenplay slips into familiar territory with clichéd tropes and rushed resolutions. One glaring misstep is how Meera, despite being in the right for most of the film, is made to shoulder the emotional burden and apologise—a dated narrative device that clashes with the film’s otherwise progressive tone. ##Subplots like Ashwin’s unhappy family background are touched on but never fully developed. Meera’s mother (Geetha Kailasam) appears with narrative potential but ultimately adds little to the story’s emotional payoff. ##Performances & Craft Rudra, in his debut, delivers an earnest performance. He stands out in intense sequences but falters slightly in softer, romantic scenes—something time and experience will likely polish. Mithila Palkar brings warmth, strength, and emotional honesty to Meera, making her character feel real and grounded. ##The supporting cast—Nivashini, Nirmal Kumar, Vijaysarathy, Kasthuri, and Karunakaran—bring subtle layers to the narrative. Redin Kingsley shines in his role, balancing comic relief with sincere insights. ##Krishnakumar’s eye for visuals, honed through his ad filmmaking background, is evident throughout. Harish Kannan’s cinematography brings vibrancy and depth to even the simplest scenes, adding aesthetic value to the emotional tone. ##Music by Jen Martin is one of the film’s highlights. His tracks are not just catchy but emotionally resonant—serving the story rather than interrupting it. ##Final Thoughts Oho Enthan Baby is an honest, contemporary look at love and the emotional baggage that often comes with it. It’s smart, funny, and occasionally profound—especially in its first half. While the second half stumbles with predictability and some outdated choices, the film still manages to connect, thanks to its humour, emotional core, and self-aware storytelling. ##A commendable debut effort that almost soars—Oho Enthan Baby may not be a modern classic, but it definitely has its heart in the right place.
