Dear oh DeAr
In Tamil, there is an age-old saying that translates to “to perform a good deed like a wedding, a thousand lies are permitted.” In DeAr, while a lie is not explicitly told, an important truth is withheld. Deepika (Aishwarya Rajesh) has the awkward habit of snoring that Arjun (GV Prakash Kumar) learns of on the night of his wedding. Being a light sleeper himself, this habit of Deepika’s throws a wrench into their relationship.
The movie starts in a lighthearted manner. After numerous proposals don’t work out, Deepika finally meets Arjun and the two hit it off. Avoiding mention of her nocturnal habit, Deepika thinks Arjun is her dream match, and he thinks likewise. But it all starts going downhill for them once Deepika dozes off on their wedding night and her snoring wakes up Arjun.
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What are the rules for women who snore?
The problem with DeAr is that its creators cannot make up their minds on what they want the movie to be. The movie could have been a satire with a neat social message. It begins on a hilarious note and appears to ask the question – if snoring is considered a birthright by men, what happens when a woman snores as well? Do the same rules not apply to her?
The movie could also have been a lighthearted rom-com that tackles newlywed troubles with this issue the central dilemma of their blossoming relationship.
Instead, thanks to a meandering screenplay, the movie is none of the above. It sets its sights on a deep message about marriage and relationships but is let down by a poor script that does little to help us empathize with its lead characters. Arjun the character, and GV Prakash Kumar the actor, are both frustrating and tiring to watch. Kumar has zero chemistry with Aishwarya Rajesh who is a fine actor with a great screen presence.
Unimaginative
When a character loses a job we feel little empathy for them. Even a serious attempt to nullify a relationship leaves the viewer empty of feeling for either party. Like its confusing title (DeAr is supposed to be an acronym for its lead characters), the movie is an unimaginative, botched effort.
If the movie is even barely watchable, it’s because of the supporting cast. Rohini is in fine form as Arvind’s mother. She is excellent in the scene where she explains to Deepika why “understanding” is the foundation of a marriage. Likewise, Thalaivasal Vijay shines in the scenes where he reunites with his wife after several years. Despite being triggered by a very convenient plot point, their joint appearance is the only saving grace of the movie.
Kaali Venkat as Arjun’s elder brother is reliable, as always. Arguably, his chemistry with his wife Nandhini (played by Kalpana) makes for better viewing. A movie about the marriage of either of those couples would have been far more compelling to watch.
