Mani Ratnam's Aaitha Ezhuthu has enough substance for the mass audience - popular stars, excellent music, brilliant camera, striking stunts and an interesting plot. What more you expect from a film?

Start! Inba (Madhavan), right-hand to a power hungry politician – minister (Bharathy Raja) is following motorcyclist Michael (Surya) along the Marina Beach Road in Chennai. Meantime, the young lovers Arjun and Meera (Siddharth and Trisha) plunge into the scene. As Inba fires bullets at Michael, a shocked Arjun interferes to save Michael and the story of the three young men unfolds. Their change, conflict, and interactions with each other form the crux of the film. The film examines the lives of these three men, their romantic interests, their families and the complex relationships between individuals who are very different, yet so similar.

Mani must be credited for telling a story of three youths whose characterization has been well etched. Lots of homework has gone into the roles, which many a youth would identify with.

Though the screenplay is taut and slick with brilliant camera by Ravi K. Chandran, the meticulously crafted sets of Sabu Cyril, background score of A.R. Rahman, the film must be credited to the two heroes - Madhavan and Suriya. Their contribution as actors has lifted the film in many parts. It's quite difficult to say who has done better. Both have done toughie roles, but the difference here is the intensity that these actors emote on screen. Madhavan in the tough-guy role is spectacular. Suriya has the youthfulness and that rare combination of strength and vulnerability to pull off the rebellious college student. Siddharth is just right for the happy go lucky youngster who undergoes a life changing experience. Mani has given an outstanding new villain to Tamil cinema - Bharathi Raja. He has given a commendable performance. The three girls Meera - Esha - Trisha too have very good meaty roles. Undoubtedly it's Meera who steals the show while Esha who could have done a better job. Trisha fits the role to a T. The overdose of politics in the climax jars the narration. The stunt scenes are a treat to watch.