Old wine, older bottle

Rajitha

R Madhesh, who co-produced the Tamil superhit Mudhalvan with Shankar and was also associated with him in his earlier films, debuts his own banner, Movie Magic, with Chocklet.

And Venkatesh helms a film that hopes to hit the 'youth' bullseye -- even if, in order to do so, he forces you to suspend your disbelief and accept Prashanth, comedians Charlie and Dhamu, and the outsize Mumtaz, as collegians.

Storywise, Chocklet is simplicity itself. Boy meets girl. It's love at first sight. He has no clue who she is -- enter good friends to help in the search. Once located, the girl (Jaya Re) tells the boy (Prashanth) that she would like to try a trial-romance for a week. And if it clicks, they can make a commitment for the long term.

Elsewhere, you have Assistant Commissioner of Police Livingstone (who happens to be Prashanth's best buddy) and Suhasini. Married, but apart, yet not legally divorced. Livingstone wants his wife back, she isn't having any of it. And, surprise, surprise, no surprise -- Jaya Re happens to be their daughter. Albeit staying in a hostel because, if you please, she has vowed not to acknowledge them as her parents unless and until they get back together.

The hero, of course, is blissfully unware of all this. Meanwhile, Livingstone is busy telephoning his daughter to try and convince her to give up this trial romance business and go for broke because the guy is pure, 24 carat gold. The daughter dutifully accepts papa's recommendation.

Meanwhile again, a London-based boy offers for Livingstone's daughter. And Prashanth vows he will get Suhasini to agree -- little knowing that the girl in question is his own lady love.

More meanwhile... the two young lovers have a tiff. Matters are built towards a loud, dramatic, implausible climax.

This one's a mess -- and what you keep wondering is why an accomplished actress like Suhasini Mani Rathnam had to make this the vehicle for one of her rare celluloid appearances.

Supposedly a 'youth' flick, Chocklet is actually old wine, in an even older bottle.

CREDITS
Cast: Prashant, Jaya Re, Mumtaz, Livingstone, Suhasini and others
Director: A Venkatesh
Producer: R Madhesh
Music: Deva
Lyrics: Vaali
Choreographers: Tarun Kumar, Tara, Kala and 'Cool' Jayant
Stunt: Super Subbarayan
Cinematography: Vijay Milton
Editing: Lenin-Vijayan
Art: Ramki