It is difficult being Dhanush these days. His first three films, all big hits, were actually of different genres.

Now when he is going through a horror run, he cannot decide on which genre to go back to. His Dreams was a bit like a Thulluvatho Ilamai. But it failed. His Sullan was bit like Thiruda Thirudi. Then again, it failed.

So the confusion on Devadhaiyay Kandein is understandable. The Director, Boopathy Pandian, has played safe by going for a love theme. But the slow pace of the narration undoes all the good work.

The story in fact has an interesting 'knot' to it ---- why is the society not so harsh on women who are unfaithful to the lovers. The debutant director handles the climax very well, but is slightly slipshod and goes for the predictable in the rest of the movie.

The story goes like this: Babu, a tea vendor (Dhanush), comes across Uma (Sridvei), a rich college student and falls in love with her immediately. His friends Kaduppu Subramani (Karunaas), an auto-driver, Mayil (Mayilsamy) (a college student) and Goutham (Sathyan) too love her.

They give up their love upon realising that Uma too reciprocates Babu's love after admiring his honesty and simplicity.

Meanwhile Uma falls sick and gets admitted to a hospital. A doctor in the hospital where she is admitted, Bala (Kunal), falls for her cute looks and simple beauty. Bala wants to marry her and approaches Uma's parents. Upon her parent's approval, Uma realizes that she can lead a happy and contended life only if she marries the doctor and gives a go ahead for her wedding.

Babu, meanwhile, is crestfallen at the news and hence attempts suicide. But it fails and he is arrested and produced before the court where he blames Uma for his extreme decision.

The rest is all about Uma being summoned to court over the issue. Whether she admits her love and comes back to Babu's hands or not forms the climax.

The story is actually interesting but a sagging script gives it all away. Dhanush, after being loud in his previous movies, is subtle and soft. But it can also be interpreted as being off color. He is impressive towards the end.

Sridevi, as the twin-faithed heroine, walks away with all the honors. She is splendid all through in a negative kind of character. Also in the cast are Ponnambalam, Nasser, Thalaivasal Vijay and Rajeev. Ragsiya and Mumtaz appear for item numbers.

Deva's songs are nothing much to write home about. The production values are just about adequate.

The new director seems to have lost a good opportunity in coming up with a sturdy film.

And Dhanush, it seems, has to wait for some more time, for that elusive hit.