A Breezy Rom-Com That’s Almost Perfect, But Not Quite
Released on January 14, 2025, Kadhalikka Neramillai (transl. No Time for Love), directed by Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi, is a Tamil romantic comedy that dares to step off the beaten path of traditional love stories. Starring Nithya Menen as Shriya and Ravi Mohan (formerly Jayam Ravi) as Siddharth, alongside a vibrant supporting cast including Yogi Babu, Vinay Rai, and T.J. Bhanu, the film is produced by Udhayanidhi Stalin under Red Giant Movies. With A.R. Rahman’s soulful music, Gavemic U. Ary’s chic visuals, and a runtime of 142 minutes, it promises a modern take on relationships, parenthood, and societal norms. But does it live up to the hype?
After watching this Pongal release, here’s my verdict: it’s a charming, progressive romp that shines in moments but stumbles in cohesion, leaving you both delighted and wanting more.
The Plot: Love, IVF, and a Dash of Serendipity
Kadhalikka Neramillai follows Shriya, an architect disillusioned by love after her fiancé cheats on her, and Siddharth, a structural engineer who’s adamantly against marriage and kids. When Shriya opts for single motherhood via IVF after a breakup, a clinic mix-up results in her being inseminated with Siddharth’s donated sperm—a twist inspired by the 2010 Hollywood flick The Switch. Fast forward eight years, and their paths cross again, this time as professional rivals vying for a project in Bengaluru. As they navigate their past choices—Shriya raising her son Paarthiv, Siddharth still wrestling with his no-kids stance—their chemistry reignites, challenging their beliefs about love, family, and companionship.
The Highlights: Nithya Menen, Ravi Mohan, and Rahman’s Magic
Nithya Menen is the film’s beating heart, delivering a performance that’s equal parts fierce and tender. As Shriya, she embodies a woman who designs her life on her terms—choosing motherhood without a partner and thriving despite societal scrutiny. Her scenes with her son (Rohaan Singh) are touching, and her effortless charm makes even the film’s weaker moments palatable. Ravi Mohan complements her beautifully, bringing a laid-back likability to Siddharth. His transformation from a commitment-phobic cynic to a reluctant father figure is subtle yet compelling, marking one of his strongest post-COVID roles.
A.R. Rahman’s soundtrack is another triumph. Tracks like “Yennai Izhukkuthadi” and “Lavender Neramae” weave seamlessly into the narrative, amplifying the film’s emotional highs. The background score, with its breezy and contemporary vibe, perfectly suits this new-age romance. Visually, Gavemic U. Ary’s cinematography captures the vibrancy of Chennai and Bengaluru, adding a polished sheen that elevates the viewing experience.
The Stumbles: A Tale of Two Halves
For all its promise, Kadhalikka Neramillai isn’t flawless. The first half is a delight—engaging, witty, and packed with clever moments, like friends casually debating sperm freezing or Shriya’s nonchalant IVF decision. Kiruthiga’s refusal to judge her characters’ choices—be it gay parenting (Vinay Rai’s Sethu) or single motherhood—lends the film a progressive edge. But the second half falters. After a significant time jump, the pacing slows, and the plot leans on predictable rom-com tropes: misunderstandings, a love triangle with T.J. Bhanu’s Nirupama, and a rushed resolution.
The writing, while ambitious, skims the surface of its heavy themes. Single parenting and IVF are introduced with fanfare but lack depth—Shriya’s journey feels too easy, her pregnancy unrealistically smooth. Siddharth’s shift toward embracing fatherhood lacks groundwork, making his arc feel convenient rather than earned. Supporting characters like Yogi Babu’s Gowda and Vinay Rai’s Sethu, though endearing, fade into the background, their potential underutilized. The humor, while occasionally sharp, often falls flat, and the emotional beats don’t always land with the intended weight.
The Bigger Picture: A Step Forward for Tamil Rom-Coms
Despite its shortcomings, Kadhalikka Neramillai stands out in a landscape dominated by action-packed Tamil blockbusters. It’s a welcome return to the rom-com genre, offering a respite from violence with its “zero boomer” vibe, as one X user put it. Kiruthiga’s direction has evolved since her earlier works, and her knack for crafting relatable, flawed characters shines through. The film doesn’t preach; it simply lets its protagonists exist, celebrating their quirks and choices without forcing a traditional happily-ever-after.
Final Verdict: A Charming, Imperfect Gem
Kadhalikka Neramillai is a film of highs and lows—a breezy, stylish romance that dares to ask tough questions about love and family, even if it doesn’t fully answer them. At 2 hours and 22 minutes, it occasionally overstays its welcome, but the strong performances and vibrant aesthetics make it a worthwhile watch. It’s not a game-changer like its 1964 namesake, but it’s a step toward revitalizing Tamil rom-coms for a modern audience.
I’d give it a 3/5. If you’re craving a feel-good escape with a progressive twist, stream it on Netflix (available since February 11, 2025) or catch it in theaters. Just don’t expect a masterpiece enjoy it for its heart, its music, and Nithya Menen’s radiant presence. Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi has delivered a film that’s flawed yet frabjous, proving there’s still room for love stories that defy the norm.