A Gen Z Rom-Com That’s Fun but Forgets to Feel
Released on February 21, 2025, Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam (NEEK), Dhanush’s third directorial venture, is a Tamil romantic comedy that dives headfirst into the chaotic, carefree world of Gen Z love. Produced by Wunderbar Films and RK Productions, the film stars newcomers Pavish Narayan (Dhanush’s nephew), Anikha Surendran, Priya Prakash Varrier, and Mathew Thomas, with a supporting cast including Saranya Ponvannan and Aadukalam Naren. Backed by G.V. Prakash Kumar’s lively tunes and Leon Britto’s glossy visuals, NEEK clocks in at 2 hours and 11 minutes, promising a lighthearted escape. But does it deliver the emotional punch to match its frothy premise? After watching this youthful romp, I’d say it’s a mixed bag—an entertaining ride that dazzles in parts but struggles to leave a lasting mark. Here’s why.
The Plot: Love, Loss, and a Wedding Crash
NEEK follows Prabhu (Pavish Narayan), an aspiring chef nursing a broken heart after his breakup with Nila (Anikha Surendran), his wealthy ex-girlfriend. A year later, his parents (Saranya Ponvannan and Aadukalam Naren) nudge him toward an arranged marriage with Preethi (Priya Prakash Varrier), a no-nonsense schoolmate who insists on a week-long trial date before committing. Just as Prabhu starts warming up to the idea, Nila’s wedding invite lands in his inbox, stirring old wounds. Urged by Preethi to confront his past, Prabhu heads to Goa for Nila’s big day, joined by his loyal sidekick Rajesh (Mathew Thomas). What follows is a whirlwind of nostalgia, awkward encounters, and a quest for closure will Prabhu rekindle his old flame or embrace a new beginning?
The setup is simple yet ripe with potential: a modern love triangle wrapped in a coming-of-age bow. Dhanush pitches it as “a usual love story,” but the film’s breezy tone and Gen Z lens aim to set it apart. It’s less about grand romantic gestures and more about the messy, fleeting nature of young love—a bold shift from Tamil cinema’s often melodramatic norms.
The Highs: Mathew Thomas Steals the Show
Let’s start with the standout: Mathew Thomas as Rajesh, Prabhu’s wisecracking best friend. He’s the film’s secret weapon, delivering punchy one-liners and infectious energy that light up every scene. His bromance with Prabhu is the emotional anchor, often outshining the central romance. Posts on X echo this—many call him the “crowd favorite,” and I couldn’t agree more. Dhanush’s knack for writing quirky sidekicks shines here, making Rajesh the heartbeat of NEEK.
The visuals are another win. Leon Britto’s cinematography paints a dreamy, Instagram-worthy world think sun-drenched Goa beaches and vibrant Chennai streets. It’s a feast for the eyes, perfectly matching the film’s youthful vibe. G.V. Prakash Kumar’s music adds pep, with “Golden Sparrow” emerging as a toe-tapping highlight (though the rest of the score feels more functional than memorable). The first half zips along with witty banter and a playful tone, earning praise from early viewers for its “jolly” feel—a nod to Dhanush’s promise of a fun, no-frills experience.
The Lows: A Heart That Doesn’t Quite Beat
Where NEEK stumbles is in its emotional core—or lack thereof. For a story about heartbreak and healing, it rarely digs deep. Pavish Narayan tries hard as Prabhu, and his earnestness shows, but his performance lacks the gravitas to carry the film’s weightier moments. Critics have flagged his “miserable” acting as a weak link, and I felt it too—his chemistry with Anikha feels more sibling-like than romantic, diluting the stakes. Anikha, meanwhile, looks the part but struggles to convey Nila’s inner turmoil, leaving their past love story oddly distant.
The screenplay doesn’t help. Dhanush’s writing, while sharp in comedic stretches, leans on contrived twists and predictable beats. The second half, particularly the Goa wedding arc, veers into hexagonal love territory piling on subplots that muddy the focus. Emotional scenes—like Prabhu’s teary confessions—fall flat, with critics noting an “inconsistency in storytelling” that keeps you from truly caring. It’s as if NEEK wants to be both a carefree romp and a poignant drama but ends up stuck in limbo.
The Middle Ground: A Nod to Dhanush’s Roots
Dhanush peppers NEEK with personal touches—Prabhu shares his real name (Venkatesh Prabhu), dreams of being a chef (a nod to Dhanush’s early aspirations), and lives in a house reminiscent of Velaiyilla Pattadhari. There are hat-tips to Tamil cinema icons like Sivaji Ganesan and Ilaiyaraaja, blending nostalgia with Gen Z flair. It’s a clever touch, but these Easter eggs sometimes feel like fan service rather than story enhancers. Priya Prakash Varrier’s Preethi brings a practical charm, though her role shrinks in the second half, while Saranya Ponvannan’s maternal warmth adds fleeting depth.
The Verdict: A Watchable Whiff of Fresh Air
NEEK isn’t Dhanush’s strongest directorial outing—Pa Paandi and Raayan had more soul—but it’s not a misfire either. It’s a breezy, visually slick rom-com that nails its target: Gen Z viewers craving relatable laughs over grand romance. Box office-wise, it’s held its own against Dragon, with multiplexes reporting solid occupancy. Yet, for all its charm, it lacks the emotional heft to linger after the credits roll.
I’d give it a 3/5. It’s a fun weekend watch—especially for Mathew Thomas and the catchy tunes—but don’t expect a tearjerker or a game-changer. Dhanush proves he can pivot genres with ease, and NEEK hints at his filmmaking chops, even if it’s more style than substance. Catch it in theaters or wait for its inevitable OTT drop (rumored for Sun NXT). It’s a sunny detour worth taking, just don’t hope for fireworks.