Movie Review: Nitham Oru Vaanam (2022) – A Heartwarming Journey of Self-Discovery
Nitham Oru Vaanam (transl. A Sky of Eternity), a Tamil-language romantic drama released on November 4, 2022, marks the directorial debut of Ra. Karthik. Produced by Viacom18 Studios and Rise East Entertainment, the film stars Ashok Selvan in a triple role, alongside Ritu Varma, Aparna Balamurali, and Shivathmika Rajashekar, with a supporting cast including Abhirami, Azhagam Perumal, and a cameo by Jiiva. Available on Netflix, this 146-minute travelogue weaves a tale of hope and transformation, following a young man with OCD navigating heartbreak through stories that reshape his perspective. While its heartfelt message and strong performances resonate, a slow pace and predictable beats keep it from soaring higher. This 800-word review explores its strengths, flaws, and place in Kollywood’s 2025 re-release landscape.
The story centers on Arjun (Ashok Selvan), a 20-something HR manager with OCD and germophobia, whose rigid, introverted nature alienates those around him. After his fiancée Janani jilts him for an ex hours before their wedding, a devastated Arjun retreats into his shell. A psychiatrist friend, Dr. Bala (Abhirami), offers him shelter during a stormy night in Bhubaneswar and hands him two diaries containing real-life love stories. The first follows Veera (Ashok Selvan), a rough-around-the-edges college student, and Meenakshi (Shivathmika Rajashekar), whose romance defies familial opposition but ends abruptly in the diary’s torn pages. The second features Prabha (Ashok Selvan again), a timid man who encounters Mathi (Aparna Balamurali), a spirited runaway bride. This tale, too, lacks an ending. Driven by curiosity, Arjun embarks on a journey to Kolkata and Bhubaneswar to uncover the couples’ fates, joined by Shubha (Ritu Varma), a free-spirited backpacker. Their travels become a metaphorical quest for Arjun to shed his emotional baggage and embrace life’s unpredictability.
The film’s strength lies in its core message: life offers new beginnings daily, urging us to let go of past pain. The Hindu calls it a “tribute to the kids within us who saw towels as capes,” capturing its whimsical yet profound tone. Arjun’s habit of imagining himself as the protagonist of any story he reads adds a meta layer, making his journey both literal and introspective. The screenplay cleverly pauses these nested stories at cliffhangers, mirroring Arjun’s need for closure, as New Indian Express notes. Ashok Selvan shines, juggling three roles with distinct shades—nerdy Arjun, rugged Veera, and awkward Prabha. His chemistry with Aparna Balamurali’s vivacious Mathi, likened to her Soorarai Pottru energy, crackles with humor and heart, stealing the film’s best moments. Ritu Varma’s Shubha, a grounded yet liberated soul, anchors the narrative, her meaningful lines elevating her beyond a typical sidekick, per Film Companion.
The second story, featuring Mathi and her father (Azhagam Perumal), is the emotional high point, blending comedy and poignancy, as IndiaGlitz praises. Vidhu Ayyanna’s cinematography, capturing Chennai to Kolkata’s vibrant landscapes, and Gopi Sundar’s understated score enhance the travelogue’s breezy feel, earning The Hindu’s nod for elegance. The film’s philosophy—embracing positivity despite life’s imperfections—resonates, with OTTplay noting its “lovely little moments” that spark smiles. Jiiva’s cameo in the climax delivers an inspirational punch, lauding its emotional impact.
Yet, Nitham Oru Vaanam stumbles with a shaky start and uneven pacing. The first half, establishing Arjun’s OCD and heartbreak, feels sluggish, with Times of India noting a disconnect between the screen and audience. Ashok’s early portrayal of Arjun leans loud and artificial, and the Veera-Meenakshi arc lacks chemistry, with Shivathmika’s stiff performance drawing criticism. The 146-minute runtime drags, particularly in the Cochin episode, which IndiaGlitz calls forced. The film treads familiar ground, echoing Jab We Met and North 24 Kaatham, and its predictable arc—heartbroken man transformed by travel—lacks novelty, as Reddit users note. Some see it as upholding an extrovert ideal, caricaturing introversion, per The Hindu. The reliance on clichés, like the runaway bride trope, risks feeling derivative, though Karthik’s storytelling keeps it engaging, per New Indian Express.
Critically, the film earned mixed praise, with a 3.0–3.5/5 range from outlets like Times of India and IndiaGlitz, and a 7.2/10 on IMDb, though likely fan-inflated. Social media posts reflect similar sentiment, Despite a modest $3,093 global box office due to clashing with Love Today, its Netflix release boosted its reach. Fans on Reddit call it “criminally underrated,” praising its feel-good vibe, though some found it “slow and boring.”
In 2025’s re-release context, alongside films like Maaman and Eleven, Nitham Oru Vaanam stands out for its gentle optimism but lacks the narrative polish or intensity of its peers. Ra. Karthik’s debut shows promise, balancing multiple stories with sincerity, but tighter editing and fresher storytelling could have elevated it. For Ashok Selvan fans or those seeking a comforting, reflective drama, it’s a worthy watch on Netflix, best enjoyed with family for its universal message of hope.
