Watch Thenali

Thenali is a 2000 Tamil comedy-drama film directed by K. S. Ravikumar and starring Kamal Haasan in the lead role. The movie also features Jayaram and Jyotika in prominent roles. The film revolves around the life of Thenali, played by Kamal Haasan, a man suffering from multiple phobias, and how his life changes when he meets a psychiatrist named Dr. Kailash played by Jayaram.

The movie opens by showcasing Thenali's various phobias, including a fear of heights, dogs, and even his own shadow. His phobias and anxiety issues have made him an object of ridicule and mockery in his town, and many have ostracized him for his seemingly absurd fears. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he finds himself drawn to Dr. Kailash's clinic, a renowned psychiatrist known for curing even the most complex psychological problems.

Dr. Kailash takes on Thenali's case after initial reluctance and starts with his treatment. Over time, Kailash wins Thenali's trust, and the two develop a strong bond, and Thenali even begins to view Kailash as a friend. Through his sessions with Dr. Kailash, Thenali begins to explore and confront his fears, and he gradually overcomes them.

As part of his treatment, Thenali even lands a job at a television studio, where he meets Janaki played by Jyotika. Janaki is a cheerful and bubbly girl who takes an instant liking to Thenali. Their initial encounters are humorous, and as the two get to know each other better, they develop a deep bond.

However, Thenali's phobias soon create a rift between him and Janaki, and their relationship hits a rough patch. Thenali's old fears resurface, and he starts believing that being in a relationship and confronting his fears simultaneously is too much for him to handle. He becomes distant and aloof, and his attitude towards Janaki changes.

What follows is a heartwarming and humorous tale of how Thenali and Dr. Kailash strive to bring him back to his old self and reclaim his relationship with Janaki. The trio confronts a series of unexpected challenges, twists, and turns, but they emerge victorious in the end.

The movie's performances are stellar, with Kamal Haasan delivering an exceptional performance as Thenali. His portrayal of a man with multiple phobias is nuanced and realistic, and he manages to evoke laughter and empathy from the audience in equal measures. Jayaram's portrayal of Dr. Kailash is equally impressive, with the actor bringing warmth and depth to his character.

Jyotika's performance as Janaki is a standout, with the actress infusing her character with a natural charm and grace that is hard to miss. Her chemistry with Kamal Haasan is also noteworthy and provides much-needed comic relief in an otherwise emotional tale.

The film's visuals are stunning, with the scenic backdrops of Kerala and Ooty adding to the overall charm of the movie. The music is also well-crafted, with A. R.Rahman's compositions staying true to the film's narrative and adding to its emotional depth.

In conclusion, Thenali is a heartwarming tale that balances humor and emotion with finesse. It is a must-watch for those who appreciate good storytelling and nuanced performances. The movie's treatment of mental health and phobias, albeit simplified, is still notable for its time, making it a film way ahead of its time.

Thenali is a 2001 comedy. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.