“Romeo” (2024) is a Tamil-language romantic comedy-drama directed by Vinayak Vaithianathan, marking his directorial debut. The film stars Vijay Antony as Arivazhagan “Arivu,” a man in his mid-30s returning from Malaysia, and Mirnalini Ravi as Leelavathi “Leela,” an aspiring actress. The narrative unfolds as Arivu, yearning to experience love before marriage, becomes entangled in Leela’s aspirations and family dynamics.

The story begins with Arivu’s return to his village, where he meets Leela at her grandfather’s funeral. Leela, despite her dreams of acting, is compelled to pretend she works in a multinational company in Chennai due to her father’s disapproval. Arivu assists with her mother’s medical expenses, leading to a marriage arrangement between them. Upon moving to Chennai, Arivu faces interference from Leela’s friends—an aspiring director, cinematographer, and stylist—who initially attempt to annoy him but are eventually won over by his kindness. As the couple navigates their relationship, Arivu, still pretending to be ‘Vikram,’ a manager at a bar, helps Leela confront challenges in her acting career, including dealing with a misbehaving producer. The film culminates in Arivu’s selfless support for Leela’s dreams, leading to a heartfelt reconciliation between the couple.

“Romeo” has received mixed-to-positive reviews. Roopa Radhakrishnan of The Times of India rated it 2/5 stars, noting that the film falters in making the lead pair relatable. Conversely, Manigandan KR of Times Now awarded it 3.5/5 stars, describing it as a “neat, engaging entertainer that works big time.” The film’s music, composed by Barath Dhanasekar and Ravi Royster, complements its romantic themes.

In summary, “Romeo” offers a blend of romance and comedy, exploring themes of love, self-discovery, and personal growth. Its engaging performances and heartfelt narrative make it a noteworthy addition to Tamil cinema.