In the nostalgic journey through 'Marakkuma Nenjam,' the first half unfolds like a cherished scrapbook, embracing the 'blossoming memories' of 90s kids—cricket cards, candies, last bench fights, evening tuitions, and one-line comedies, offering solace.
A significant turn of events emerges in 2018 when a private school in Colachel, Kanyakumari, faces allegations of irregularities in the 2008 Class 12 examinations. The quirky directive follows, annulling the exam and instructing students to return to the school, compelling Karthik (Rakshan), Salim (Dheena), and former students to navigate three transformative months. The plot explores the impact on their lives, Karthik's pursuit of his sweetheart Priyadarshini, and the collective journey towards passing the exam, all expertly narrated by Ra.Ko.Yogendran in 'Marakkuma Nenjam.'
While the film maintains a lively spirit, Rakshan struggles to encapsulate the multifaceted character of 'Karthik,' oscillating between the joy and pain of love, and the burden of guilt. Dheena shines, overshadowing the hero in moments with his comedic flair, accompanied by a bundle of one-line humor. Malina's role remains understated, with no dearth of acting talent. Munishkanth adds emotional depth in select scenes.
Gopi Duraisamy's cinematography brilliantly captures the verdant landscapes of Kanyakumari, amplifying the film's visual appeal. Sachin Warrier's musical prowess, especially the soothing 'Vaanilai Sugam' track, enhances key scenes, complemented by an adept background score. Bala Murali and Shashank Mali's editing, while effective, occasionally includes repetitive shots that could be trimmed. The second-half songs, seemingly out of place, could benefit from removal.
Despite its lively narrative, the film grapples with a logic hole at the outset, lacking convincing scenes for the court's decision. The screenplay introduces Karthik's decade-long relationship with his school girlfriend, but the overdose of acting and dialogue-heavy scenes disrupt the film's initial flow. The comforting 'blossoming memories' of 90s kids offer respite once again in the first half.
The second half introduces emotional layers—contrasts in love, societal critiques, and a mechanical life—that, while touched upon, lack depth and fail to captivate. Missed opportunities, like the game played around bottles and the anniversary drama, contribute to the screenplay's dragging nature.
In the second half, characterized by predictable twists, prolonged scenes, and jarring songs, only a few of Deena's comedic moments provide solace. 'Marakkuma Nenjam' attempts an online 'Let's go back to school' theme, but with a superficial screenplay and fleeting dialogues, the film fades from memory soon after leaving the theater.