Tamil superstar Dhanush's third film as director, Neelavukku En Male Ennadi Kobam, was released in Telugu on February 21, 2025 as Jaabilamma Neeku Antha Kopama. Starring Pavish Narayanan, Anikha Surendran, and Priya Prakash Varrier in the lead roles, this youthful romantic comedy is produced by Kasthuri Raja and Vijayalakshmi Kasthuri Raja under the banner of Wunderbar Films and RK Productions. GV Prakash Kumar has composed the music, Leon Britto has handled the cinematography, and GK Prasanna has handled the editing. How is this movie, which is streaming on Amazon Prime Video from April 1, 2025? Let's see in this review
What is the story?
Prabhu (Pavish Narayanan) is a middle-class young man, a hotel management student, and dreams of becoming a chef. He falls in love with a rich woman, Neela (Anikha Surendran), at first sight, and she likes him back. But Neela's father (Sharath Kumar) does not accept their love. After a shocking incident, Prabhu and Neela get separated. A year later, Prabhu meets his childhood friend Preethi (Priya Prakash Varrier) for marriage, but at the same time, he receives an invitation from Neela. On Preethi's advice, Prabhu goes to Goa with his friend Rajesh for Neela's wedding. The events that happen there, the decisions that Prabhu makes, does he get closure or does he fall back into old feelings? This is the rest of the story.
How is the movie?
Although Jaabilamma Neeku Antha Kopama is a routine love story, Dhanush's direction and engaging screenplay have made it a movie that connects with the youth. The first half is impressive with fun scenes, emotions of friendship, love, and breakups. The interval twist arouses interest, the second half is fun with wedding celebrations, mehndi, and sangeet scenes. Dhanush has taken a simple story and turned it into a fun ride with his screenplay. The comedy in the film, especially the scenes between Prabhu and his friend Rajesh, connects well with the youth. The climax ends with lightness and fun, giving a hint of the sequel and keeping the audience happy.
However, there are some shortcomings in the film. Some scenes in the second half feel predictable and lack emotional depth. Prabhu's character at some points seems not to be serious about his love, which reduces the impact of the story a bit. There are also some logical errors, which may distract the youth audience, but may disappoint those expecting deep drama. The movie's runtime of 2 hours and 5 minutes is crisp, but some scenes could have been better if they had been trimmed.
Actors, technical aspects
Pavish Narayanan looked natural in the role of Prabhu. His dialogue delivery, dance, and single-take scenes are impressive. He acted with such ease that it didn't feel like a debut hero, and at times he imitated Dhanush's style. Anika Surendran impressed with her beautiful and mature performance as Neela. Priya Prakash Varrier looked smart and energetic as Preeti, but her role had a little less scope. Mathew Thomas, Ramya Ranganathan, and Rabia Khatun did well in their supporting roles.
Technically, GV Prakash Kumar's music is a big highlight of the film. While the songs are good in the Tamil version, they are not as impressive in the Telugu dubbing. The background score elevates the scenes a lot. Leon Britto's cinematography captures the Goa wedding scenes beautifully. The dubbing, dialogues, and production values are top notch. Dhanush's writing and screenplay are relatable to the youth, and his direction makes the simple story entertaining.
Plus points
Dhanush's engaging screenplay, direction
Pavish, Anika, Priya Prakash's acting
Comedy that connects with the youth, emotions of friendship
GV Prakash's background score
Crisp runtime, Goa wedding scenes
Minus points
Lack of emotional depth in the second half
Some predictable scenes, logical errors
Songs not impressive in Telugu dubbing
Who can watch it?
For those who like youthful romantic comedies and light-hearted dramas, Jabilamma Neku Anta Kopama is a feel-good entertainer. Dhanush fans, those who enjoy the acting of Pavish, Anika, and Priya Prakash will like this movie. Released with a U/A certificate, this film is suitable for youth and family audiences. Those expecting a deep emotional drama or a new story may be a little disappointed.
Rating: 3/5
Jabilamma Niku Anta Kopama Dhanush has turned a routine love story into an entertaining one with his engaging screenplay and comedy that connects with the youth. Pavish and Anika's performances, Goa wedding scenes, and GV Prakash's score are the strengths of the film. Although some predictable scenes and lack of emotional depth seem to be shortcomings, this weekend is a fun ride for the youth. Watch on Amazon Prime
Streaming: Amazon Prime Video (from April 1, 2025)
Release Date: February 21, 2025 (Theatres)
Cast: Pavish Narayanan, Anika Surendran, Priya Prakash Varrier, Mathew Thomas
Director: Dhanush