At a time when commercial and gangster films are ruling the screens, director Thirumurugan has tried to make sentiment work through this film. ‘Emttan Mahan’ is indeed set in an average middle-class family that speaks about emotional relationship between hard working father and his son, who happen to have different view about the world.
Emtan (Nasser), a strict father runs provision shop in a village and his son Krishna (Bharath), who studies poultry science, helps him. Emtan’s strict way of dealing with his son often leads to ugly events in the family. Vadivelu (Krishna's uncle) is Krishna’s only saving grace in the family.
Krishna meets his childhood crush Janani (Gopika), who is the daughter of his uncle (Shanmugarajan). The families are not in good terms but a death in the family brings them together. Krishna and Janani are caught red-handed, romancing with each other. This incident puts the families at loggerheads again. Emtan throws his son out of the house and Janani too leaves her house to be with her love. The rest of the film is how Krishna manages to succeed in life and unites the families again.
Bharath has matured as an actor and his performance in the film speaks louder than words. He also has proved that he could do even serious roles through this film. Nasser, who is back to films after a long hiatus, is wonderful as a strict father. He brings to light the character of a loving and caring father who doesn’t know how to show his love to his son. His expressions and body language tell more than words could say. Vadivelu is a treat. He makes the viewers shed tears out of laughter and out of sorrow. Gopika looks pretty as a comely girl. She has good role to play besides adding glamour. The film also has actors like Saranya, Shanmugarajan and Gajala in various roles.
Music director Vidyasagar’s folk-based tunes and background music are big strengths for the film. Debutant Sevilo Raja’s camera work is one of the highlights of the film.
On the whole, it is director Thirumurugan who deserves all the praises and accolades. He has given an honest attempt to attract film buffs. B and C centre audience would love watching the film.