Tanu Weds Manu is an enjoyable film but sadly it never manages to be outstanding. And it could have been, had it been handled better. The film starts on a very nice note, and the first half is very good. Later on it becomes a little messy. The messiness however never takes away from the film's feel-good nature, its colour and wonderful music. The narrative style in this sense is really very good, it's very musical and makes the entire thing flow really well even if the writing is not at its potential best. The romance is particularly well-done, there's a right amount of balance in how the tension is between the two main characters, who are polar opposites, is built.
Madhavan and Kangana Ranaut might be an unlikely couple at first, but it works well. Most of the credit goes to Madhavan's wonderfully subtle and profound performance. His Manu is kind and vulnerable and very easy to empathise with. As the wild Tanu, Ranaut looks prettier than ever and has a nice energy. She does get a little screechy and over-expressive at times, but her presence makes up for much of it. The supporting cast includes a host of familiar faces, and it is Swara Bhaskar who leaves a mark in a performance that is never less than convincing. The conclusion of the story is rather predictable but it's a nice one, as is this film, a watchable and culturally rich romance.
