Kiss, the debut directorial venture of choreographer Sathish Krishnan, arrives with a genuinely fresh and engaging concept: a heartbroken musician named Nelson (Kavin) gains the supernatural ability to foresee a couple’s destiny upon witnessing their kiss. This premise promises a clever, inverse take on the typical romantic story, using premonition not for action-thriller tension, but for rom-com anxiety. While the film successfully uses its fantasy element to create moments of lighthearted comedy and narrative innovation—like a compelling buildup to the central couple’s first kiss—it consistently struggles to build a substantial, emotionally resonant narrative around it. The unique screenplay often feels more like a collection of quirky vignettes than a tightly woven emotional journey.
Uneven Emotional Arc and Wasted Potential
The primary stumbling block for Kiss is its lack of emotional conviction, particularly concerning the protagonist’s central transformation. Nelson’s character is established as a jaded non-believer in love, stemming from his parents’ divorce. Yet, the script frustratingly takes the easy way out, failing to convincingly illustrate the crucial turning point where he sheds his skepticism and falls for Sarah (Preethi Asrani). This pivotal shift is treated merely as a convenient plot choice, denying the audience the necessary emotional payoff. Furthermore, while the film attempts to explore heavier themes like destiny and self-realization, it does so with a lighter, sometimes unearned, goofiness that undermines its own dramatic potential. Subplots stemming from Nelson’s visions often feel superficial, prioritizing quick laughs over meaningful character arcs.
Highlights of Charm and Comedy
Despite its flaws, the film isn’t without its charms. The initial comedic sequences—largely driven by the effortless timing of Kavin alongside supporting actors RJ Vijay and VTV Ganesh—provide genuine moments of fun. VTV Ganesh, in particular, delivers consistent comic relief, ensuring the film has a breezy, light tone in its first half. Visually, director Krishnan demonstrates a keen eye, with a few memorable shots that effectively convey Nelson’s isolation and internal conflict—like the impactful, misty freezer door shot separating him from Sarah. Kavin, continuing his evolution as an actor, handles the blend of comedy and mild trauma with a commendable natural charm. However, the potential of a seasoned supporting cast, including Devayani, Rao Ramesh, and Kowsalya, is largely squandered on one-note roles or solitary, underwritten scenes.
A Peck, Not a Smooch
Kiss successfully navigates its runtime by maintaining an energetic pace and a commitment to its feel-good tone, aided by Jen Martin’s music and Harish Kannan’s colorful cinematography. Ultimately, however, the film feels like a missed opportunity. It teases the audience with a deep, intriguing exploration of love, fate, and foreknowledge but settles for a safe, light, and surface-level entertainer. The final experience leaves the viewer with a smile, but also a distinct feeling of being short-changed. Kiss is indeed a “peck after being teased with a smooch”—an engaging yet ultimately unsatisfying debut that proves that a compelling concept requires robust, committed writing to truly soar.
CINEMA SPICE RATING: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)