Pookie Movie Review: Love will also collapse.Pookie is a 2026 Tamil romantic drama directed by Ganesh Chandra, released just in time for Valentine's weekend. Produced under Vijay Antony's banner (who also handles the music), the film stars Ajay Dhishan and RK Dhanusha in the lead roles, with supporting appearances from actors like Pandiarajan, Sunil, and Lakshmi Manchu. Clocking in at around 2 hours and 12 minutes, it targets a young, Gen-Z audience with its focus on contemporary relationships, breakups in the social media era, and the emotional chaos that follows. Marketed as a breezy yet relatable rom-com-drama, Pookie dives into the all-too-familiar territory of love gone sour due to ego, arguments, and modern dating habits. It premiered on February 13, 2026, and has garnered mixed reactions—praised for its trendy vibe and youth appeal but criticized for lacking deeper emotional resonance.Plot OverviewThe story centers on Kailash (Ajay Dhishan) and Aazhi (RK Dhanusha), a couple who have been together for six years. Their relationship hits a breaking point during a heated public argument fueled by road rage and unresolved frustrations, leading to a dramatic on-the-road breakup where they utter the words "Let's break up." What starts as an impulsive fight spiral into separate post-breakup journeys. Both characters grapple with the aftermath:
while Aazhi navigates her own emotional rebound and habits. The narrative explores their individual spirals—filled with relatable moments of denial, rebound attempts, and nostalgia—before an inevitable pull draws them back together. The film follows a familiar rom-com arc: breakup, coping, realization, and reconciliation, but it leans heavily on Gen-Z trends, social media references, and pop culture nods (including a fun Silambarasan reference that has been highlighted by fans). The second half slows down a bit, focusing on ego clashes and eventual maturity, though some find the resolution predictable and stretched.PerformanceAjay Dhishan carries the film as Kailash with a natural, understated charm that suits the character's overthinking and conflicted nature. He captures the confusion and vulnerability of a young man trying to move on while secretly holding back. RK Dhanusha as Aazhi delivers a spirited performance, bringing energy to the fiery arguments and emotional highs/lows; her portrayal feels authentic to the modern, expressive partner. Their chemistry shines in the flashback romance scenes and tense confrontations, making the central relationship believable. Supporting cast members like Pandiarajan add comic relief, while cameo-like appearances (including Sunil as a spiritual guru) provide light moments without overpowering the leads. Overall, the performances are solid for a mid-budget rom-com, with the duo's on-screen dynamic being one of the film's stronger elements, though some critics note the characters remain somewhat thin beyond surface-level trends.Technical AspectsGanesh Chandra handles direction, cinematography, and editing, giving the film a polished, contemporary look with vibrant urban visuals, quick cuts, and trendy framing that appeals to younger viewers. The color palette is bright and Instagram-friendly, fitting the Gen-Z aesthetic. Vijay Antony's music is a highlight—fresh, youthful tracks that blend romance with upbeat rhythms, enhancing the emotional beats without overwhelming the story. The background score supports the mood swings effectively. Editing keeps the first half racy and engaging, though the second half feels slightly dragged. Production values are decent for a Tamil indie-style romance, with good location choices in Chennai's cityscape and natural lighting that adds realism.Strengths and WeaknessesStrengths: The film excels in relatability for its target audience—breakup scenarios, social media coping mechanisms, and modern relationship quirks feel spot-on and entertaining. The first half is energetic, with humorous set pieces and sharp dialogues that capture the chaos of young love. References to pop culture and a light, breezy tone make it a fun watch for Valentine's crowds. The lead pair's chemistry and some heartfelt moments add warmth.
Final Verdict
Pookie is a polished, youth-oriented romantic drama that knows its audience well and delivers relatable entertainment with a trendy edge. It works best as a light weekend watch for those in their 20s navigating similar relationship hurdles, but it falls short of deeper emotional impact or originality. While not groundbreaking, it's engaging enough for fans of contemporary Tamil romances.
Rating: 3/5
A decent, breezy breakup tale that holds together with relatable moments but lacks a stronger heartbeat.
while Aazhi navigates her own emotional rebound and habits. The narrative explores their individual spirals—filled with relatable moments of denial, rebound attempts, and nostalgia—before an inevitable pull draws them back together. The film follows a familiar rom-com arc: breakup, coping, realization, and reconciliation, but it leans heavily on Gen-Z trends, social media references, and pop culture nods (including a fun Silambarasan reference that has been highlighted by fans). The second half slows down a bit, focusing on ego clashes and eventual maturity, though some find the resolution predictable and stretched.PerformanceAjay Dhishan carries the film as Kailash with a natural, understated charm that suits the character's overthinking and conflicted nature. He captures the confusion and vulnerability of a young man trying to move on while secretly holding back. RK Dhanusha as Aazhi delivers a spirited performance, bringing energy to the fiery arguments and emotional highs/lows; her portrayal feels authentic to the modern, expressive partner. Their chemistry shines in the flashback romance scenes and tense confrontations, making the central relationship believable. Supporting cast members like Pandiarajan add comic relief, while cameo-like appearances (including Sunil as a spiritual guru) provide light moments without overpowering the leads. Overall, the performances are solid for a mid-budget rom-com, with the duo's on-screen dynamic being one of the film's stronger elements, though some critics note the characters remain somewhat thin beyond surface-level trends.Technical AspectsGanesh Chandra handles direction, cinematography, and editing, giving the film a polished, contemporary look with vibrant urban visuals, quick cuts, and trendy framing that appeals to younger viewers. The color palette is bright and Instagram-friendly, fitting the Gen-Z aesthetic. Vijay Antony's music is a highlight—fresh, youthful tracks that blend romance with upbeat rhythms, enhancing the emotional beats without overwhelming the story. The background score supports the mood swings effectively. Editing keeps the first half racy and engaging, though the second half feels slightly dragged. Production values are decent for a Tamil indie-style romance, with good location choices in Chennai's cityscape and natural lighting that adds realism.Strengths and WeaknessesStrengths: The film excels in relatability for its target audience—breakup scenarios, social media coping mechanisms, and modern relationship quirks feel spot-on and entertaining. The first half is energetic, with humorous set pieces and sharp dialogues that capture the chaos of young love. References to pop culture and a light, breezy tone make it a fun watch for Valentine's crowds. The lead pair's chemistry and some heartfelt moments add warmth.
Weaknesses: It often prioritizes trendy references over genuine emotional depth, coming across as a checklist of Gen-Z buzzwords rather than a heartfelt story. The characters can feel underdeveloped, and the resolution relies on familiar tropes without much innovation. The second half loses momentum, feeling stretched and predictable. Some reviews call out regressive undertones in portraying breakups as hard to move on from, and the script lacks nuance in exploring why the couple truly reconnects.
Final Verdict
Pookie is a polished, youth-oriented romantic drama that knows its audience well and delivers relatable entertainment with a trendy edge. It works best as a light weekend watch for those in their 20s navigating similar relationship hurdles, but it falls short of deeper emotional impact or originality. While not groundbreaking, it's engaging enough for fans of contemporary Tamil romances.
Rating: 3/5
A decent, breezy breakup tale that holds together with relatable moments but lacks a stronger heartbeat.
